It is a common misconception that water has no flavor. Water has many different flavors, depending on where it comes from, which is why some of you like specific bottled water brands, and others don’t.
But why does water taste so good? You are about to find out, so keep on reading.
Why Does Water Taste So Good?
1. Bicarbonate Gives Water a Clean and Crisp Taste
Bicarbonate is also known as hydrogen carbonate. It is a naturally occurring mineral that our body produces. It is used to counter the acidic compounds that are found in everything.
All water has Bicarbonate. The more limestone the ground has that the water flows over, the more it will have. It kills the acid flavors that typically affect our tastebuds and makes them taste crisp and clean.
Bicarbonate is a chemical that the body produces on its own to balance your PH levels. Unfortunately, your body does not always make enough which is when you have a bitter taste in your mouth.
2. Sulfate Makes Water Taste Bitter and Medicinal
Virtually all groundwater has some type of sulfate in it. The water can pick up different types through its journey over soil and rock.
- Magnesium Sulfate – An inorganic salt that is commonly known as Epsom Salt.
- Sodium Sulfate – The sulfuric acid’s sodium salt, commonly called Glauber’s Salt.
- Calcium Sulfate – A naturally occurring calcium salt known as gypsum.
Even though sulfate may make your water taste slightly bitter, it is a naturally occurring chemical that all water has. Other chemicals that are mixed with it kill the acid and make the water taste great.
Sulfate in high concentrations can cause medical issues for those not used to it. The main problem will keep you close to a bathroom until it passes through your system.
3. Calcium In Water Tastes Smooth and Milky
Calcium in your water makes it milky-colored, with a smooth, refreshing taste. If it is mixed correctly with the other minerals found in water.
If it is alone in the water, you will get a bitter taste, even slightly sour. Fortunately, it is a nutrient our body needs to survive, and a good chemical found in water.
Calcium is a major mineral in the body that helps with bone strength and growth. This is one of the minerals you need to ingest daily, but most never get the amounts they need in a day.
4. Magnesium Makes Water
Magnesium can also make water taste bitter and medicinal if too much is present in the water. But the good thing is that it becomes more refreshing when balanced with the other minerals that form water.
Magnesium is a mineral that is extremely important for the body. It helps nerve and muscle function, blood pressure regulation, and immune system support.
It is also a great dietary supplement for every organism except insects. No limitations are given to magnesium in water because there is no indication of causing any harm to you.
5. Taste Buds Affect the Flavor of Water
Your taste buds are one of the primary triggers that affect how your water tastes when you drink it. There are five significant triggers that your taste buds can pick up on, each causing a different reaction.
- Salty
- Sour
- Sweet
- Bitter
- Savory
Numerous studies have shown that water usually tastes slightly sour, kicking your taste buds and brain into overdrive. It makes you need to drink more to satisfy your thirst.
6. Location Of Water Affects How It Tastes
There are several places where water is sourced from, and each of them affects the water differently. It is because of the minerals that the water picks up as it flows across the earth.
- Tap Water – This comes straight to your house from a local municipal water plant.
- Well Water – Comes from pockets of water deep in the earth.
- Spring Water – Comes from natural sources, usually high in the mountains.
- Distilled Water – This is water that is boiled to kill any bacteria or impurities.
- Sparkling Water – Water that has carbonation added to it.
- Alkaline Waters – Water has a higher PH level, making drinking less acidic and smoother.
You can see why there are so many different water flavors, especially when pushed through a production plant, to make them more appealing to the palette.
Plus, if it comes from a different location in the world, it can taste different because the amounts of minerals in one area may be different than the mineral concentration in another place.
7. The Temperature of The Water Makes It Taste Good
Cold water is by far better tasting than warm water. There is room for argument here because warm water is much easier on your stomach because it does not cause muscle contractions.
On the other hand, cold water will cool your entire body from the inside out. There is nothing better on a hot, humid day.
The debate can rage on for generations to come, but the bottom line is that water will taste different depending on its temperature.
Final Thoughts On Why Water Is So Good
The minerals within the water are the main deciding factor of how it tastes and why it tastes so good. The 5.8 billion people worldwide agree that minerals make or break a good glass of water.
Every type of mineral can make water taste slightly different, and some can even make your water taste pretty bad. If you drink bottled water, you will understand how minerals can differ.