What is Carbonated Water?
Carbonated water, also popularly known as sparkling water, contains carbon dioxide bubbles. This gas might be naturally occurring or could be added to still water.
Although carbonated water has been around for a while, it has gained popularity recently. According to statistics, carbonated water sales in 2016 surpassed $6 billion, a significant rise from the $2.6 billion sold in 2011.
It can, in some cases, be a hydrating and healthful substitute for soda. Soda water, club soda, seltzer water, and tonic water are some examples of sparkling water.
Is Sparkling Water Good for You?
Since the rise of sparkling water, you might be wondering, “Is sparkling water good for you?” It could be. Sparkling water benefits include:
Less or No Carbs At All
Carbonated water can be healthier for you than soda. Sparkling water has zero calories and sugar most of the time. Carbonated water enables you to have a little “fizz” in your drinks without worrying about the extra calories.
Improve Digestion
Sparkling water has the ability to enhance digestion. It achieves this by making swallowing easier. One research, for instance, discovered that carbonated water, more than any other beverage, activated the nerves needed for eating. The results of another study state that drinking carbonated water provided the greatest alleviation for most individuals who felt the urge to clear their throats.
Additionally, carbonated water could improve bowel motions, particularly in people who are constipated. Sparkling water may also lessen the intensity of other indigestion symptoms, including stomach discomfort, according to researchers.
Relieves Constipation
According to one research, consuming sparkling water for two weeks helped persons with post-stroke constipation significantly. Another study found that indigestion sufferers received comfort from sparkling water.
Supports Weight Loss
The ability to lose weight is perhaps the biggest health advantage of consuming carbonated water. This is due to the fact that the beverage may make you feel fuller than drinking regular water would. Research has also shown that carbonate water makes meals stay in your stomach for a longer period of time, making you feel fuller.
Improves Bone Health
According to one study, consuming carbonated water instead of mineral-infused water improved water retention. Another animal research found that carbonated water strengthened bones more than tap water did.
Potentially Improve Heart Health
In one study, the effect of carbonated water on cholesterol levels was assessed. The study came to the conclusion that consuming carbonated water increased levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. It also discovered that the water level dropped:
- LDL or bad cholesterol
- Blood sugar levels
- Inflammatory markers
Stay More Hydrated Throughout the Day
Compared to conventional tap or spring water, many individuals think that carbonated water tastes better and thus, makes them more likely to drink. In terms of keeping your body hydrated, carbonated water also provides the same health advantages as spring water.
Eases the Switch from Sugary Beverages
Sparkling water may be the key to fooling your brain into putting a halt to harmful habits if you’re trying to stop drinking soda or cut back on regular lattes. Even cucumber, fruit, and herbs may be used to improve the flavor of sparkling water.
Is sparkling water bad for you?
We have just talked about the benefits of carbonated drinks. Now, let’s answer, “Is carbonated water bad for you?”
Bad Effects of Sparkling Water
There aren’t many major issues to be concerned about as long as you choose your carbonated water right – selecting those that are free of caffeine and sugar.
Sparkling water can cause unpleasant but brief side effects such as the following:
- Burping
- Stomach pain
Gas and Bloating
There are people who experience bloating and gas as a result of the carbonation in sparkling water. It’s best to switch to plain water if you get significant gas when consuming sparkling water. Sparkling water should not be consumed by anyone who has GERD or excessive gas since it might exacerbate their symptoms of acid reflux.
Hidden Sweeteners
Sparkling water is a great substitute for sugary drinks and fruit juices if you don’t like plain water. Unflavored and unsweetened sparkling water is the healthiest kind. However, certain sweetened sparkling waters and seltzers might unnecessarily increase your diet’s sugar intake.
Tooth Decay From Sweeteners
Compared to consuming soda, simple sparkling water has no impact on your teeth. However, sugar-laden sparkling water may contribute to tooth decay. But by practicing proper dental hygiene, you can avoid this issue.
Keep Your Sparkling Water Simple
Is carbonated water bad for you, or is it good? It depends on the kind of sparkling water you’re drinking. Sparkling water may contain caffeine, added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other additives, but the best kind is the simple, straightforward kind, just water and carbonation.
Artificial sweeteners can cause stomach issues, and sugar is linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other chronic illnesses. Additionally, while moderate caffeine use is typically safe for healthy adults, it is not advised for kids.
In other words, your sparkling water only counts as “water” if it is free of other ingredients. Feel free to consume all of the fizz as long as you follow the fundamentals.
