Sodium-rich carbonated mineral water may improve cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women
A 2004 study published in the Journal of Nutrition indicated that a sodium-bicarbonate-rich mineral water significantly reduced LDL cholesterol and improved lipid profiles in postmenopausal women.
A study conducted in 2004 found that consuming a sodium-rich, carbonated mineral water may positively impact cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women.
The research, published in the Journal of Nutrition, followed 18 postmenopausal women over two months. Initially, participants consumed a low-mineral control water, followed by a daily liter of a mineral water high in sodium and bicarbonate. Researchers monitored lipid profiles, glucose levels, and markers of endothelial function.
Results showed that the women drinking the high-sodium, high-bicarbonate water experienced significant improvements. Total cholesterol decreased by 6.8% and LDL cholesterol (often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol) by 14.8%, while HDL cholesterol ('good' cholesterol) increased by 8.7%. These changes led to a notable reduction in cardiovascular risk ratios.
Furthermore, the study observed a decrease in markers of endothelial dysfunction, such as sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, and a significant reduction in fasting glucose levels. The authors concluded that the intake of such mineral water could play a beneficial role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases by improving lipid profiles and glucose concentrations without negatively affecting blood pressure.