water

The basis of all life is this water - "It comes from heaven, it rises to heaven ..." - Goethe wrote in his wonderful poem about water.

Water is the habitat for an infinite number of plants and animals. In order for it to be available for biological diversity and sustainable use in the long term, careful handling and effective protection of the water is a fundamental requirement. Because it should be available for a long time for nutrition, as an energy source or for daily hygiene.

What you should know about water

The origin of the water has not yet been clearly established. So far, geologists have only been able to use the oldest rocks to prove that water existed on earth 4 billion years ago. What happened before can only be guessed - some theories about the origin of the water have been put forward - but remain theories.

Since the surface of the earth was furrowed by craters and there were no continents, the theory was put forward that water had been gassed out of the earth's interior via the numerous volcanoes. After the earth had cooled down, the accumulated water vapor could have condensed in the atmosphere and resulted in a rainy season lasting several thousand years. The liquid wet could also have been caused by collisions with comets, because such an impact also releases hydrogen. To this day it remains theories and not complete knowledge.

Today's surface of the earth has a component of 71% water. Only 3.5% is fresh water, the vast majority of which is the oceans with their salt water. Of the 3.5% fresh water, 1.8% cannot be used because it is bound in glaciers, as ice in the poles and in permafrost. Germany has 188 billion cubic meters of water that is renewed annually - only 17% of it is used in this water-rich country. The public water supply takes only 5.1 billion cubic meters, of the available resources that is only 2.7%.

About 30.5% of drinking water in Germany is obtained from surface water and 61.3% from groundwater, the rest is obtained from springs. Spring water is groundwater that appears by itself and it is referred to as groundwater if it is extracted from a depth of at least 50 meters. Water from dams, lakes and other flowing bodies of water is known as surface water.

Water can taste very different and also have very different effects. The many different flavors go from salty to fruity or bitter, sour and even sweet. There is water with a very low mineral content and water with a strong mineral content, which is quickly recognized when tasting different types of water. Water with a high mineral content tastes strong and spicy.

Importance to health

Water plays a central role for health and it is an important basis for quality of life to drink water of the highest possible quality. Water is one of the most important nutrients for the body and not just a simple thirst quencher.

The human body consists of 50-70% water, the blood even 90%. The functions of water in our body are very diverse and important. Through sweat, body excretion and breathing, the body loses around 2.5 liters of fluid every day, for example, and thus also of minerals that can be supplied again by drinking in good time. Metabolic toxins such as lactic and uric acid are quickly removed by drinking water. The water also has the function of transporting oxygen and nutrients to the cells via the bloodstream and thus optimally fulfilling their functions.

The immune cells are stimulated, the brain cells are supplied with better blood and can work more effectively and the muscles work more powerfully and faster thanks to a sufficient supply of water.

Even when used externally, water shows its healing properties. Everyone knows Sebastian Kneipp's treading water, which was later recognized as a healing function for the body and to promote health. When doing gymnastics in the water, the body weighs only ten percent of its own weight and is gentle on the ligaments and joints. Different strong showers and moving against the water resistance train the muscles and the tissue is massaged and thus better supplied with blood - neck cramps, for example, are relieved.

Ingredients & nutritional values

Important companions of water are its ingredients and nutrients. The different waters are enriched with different amounts of minerals.

Older people, children or during pregnancy have a higher need for calcium; calcium-rich mineral water with at least 150 milligrams per liter is necessary in these cases. If you have cramps in your calves or have difficulty concentrating, a magnesium-rich mineral water is recommended. The fluid supplier water supplies the body with the minerals magnesium, calcium and sodium and with natural carbonic acid.

Intolerances & allergies

There are also intolerances and allergies with water - but extremely rare and little is known. There is a contact allergy called aquagenic urticaria.

When water gets on the skin, wheals and very itchy rashes appear, which are very painful. It is believed that this allergy is due to an increased level of histamine in the blood, which can be a result of penicillin administration. Water is actually free of allergens, it can only be directed against substances dissolved in the water. Carbon dioxide in mineral water can sometimes lead to unpleasant gas and belching.

Shopping & kitchen tips

Well closed, water can actually be kept indefinitely. If it is to be kept for a longer period of time, storage in glass bottles is better than in plastic bottles.

Water is a natural product and not sterile, so it is prone to spoilage if foreign substances get into it. In every natural source there is a microflora that can spread unhealthily from heat or too much light. So that the quality is not impaired, a dark, cool and dry place is best for storing.

Preparation tips

Today most cocktails are prepared with mineral water, because the mineral water gives them a pleasant lightness, especially non-alcoholic drinks are refreshingly tangy and it has a permanent place in the modern kitchen.

Gourmets use mineral water to replace fats or to refine and intensify the taste of dishes. Scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes are fluffy with carbon dioxide, vegetables lose their color less if they are steamed in mineral water. In a coated pan you can do without fat, meat and fish can be fried wonderfully in water.

Water with a wide variety of ingredients serves as a healthy and tasty drink. Ginger water stimulates the metabolism and helps against constipation, lemon-currant water is decorative and refreshing and detox water with blueberries and orange has a detoxifying effect. A punch is a cult drink, especially in summer, with or without alcohol, it is an ideal refreshment at the summer party.