Delaney Nothaft| Special to USA TODAY

Minerals are essential for our bodies to operate smoothly. Dr. Pedro R. Rodriguez Guggiari, an internal medicine specialist and Chief of Staff at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center in Sun City West, Arizona, says, Minerals help in a variety of ways: like iodine for thyroid (energy and stamina); calcium fluoride for bone and tooth health; iron for blood cell formation and to prevent anemia; magnesium and potassium for muscular function and structural tissues.

Are the minerals found in mineral water also good for you? Whats the best way to get minerals? We spoke with the experts to find out.

Dr. David Nazarian, a board-certified internal medicine specialist and founder of VitaminMD.net, says, Mineral water comes from springs and underground reservoirs and the mineral content can vary depending on the source and geographic location. In general, it can be a source for essential trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium.

But, mineral water alone, he says, is not enough. Nazarian adds, While mineral water does have higher mineral content than purified or filtered water, it does not contain all the minerals and should not be the sole source for these nutrients.

Elise Heeney, a clinical dietitian at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center says, The best way to obtain all the vitamins and minerals our bodies need is by eating a diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products. Aim for a well-balanced plate at each meal.

There are also certain foods you can eat that target specific minerals. For example, to get more calcium in your diet, you can try:

Or, if you are trying to get more potassium into your diet, you can try foods like:

There's no question that the vitamins found in vitamin water are important to one's health. What's more,electrolyte-infused drinks are proven to improve physical performance during exercise and can help hydration.

At the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventionwarns againstconsuming food and drinks with too many "added sugars"because they are known to contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Is vitamin water actually good for you? It's complicated, experts say.

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Is mineral water good for you? Benefits and disadvantages explained. - USA TODAY