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Carbonated water is nothing but plain water that has been infused with carbon dioxide under pressure, also known as sparkling water, club soda, fizzy water, or soda water. It is a bubbly drink that is served in cafes and restaurants and is loved by many.
Commercially available sparkling water often contains added salt and other minerals to improve the taste and keep you hydrated. Most products are either produced using purified water or collected from natural springs.
Some products might contain sugar and high-fructose corn syrup to increase the sweetness. Flavored ones might also contain synthetic flavoring agents and syrups, along with synthetic food colors. This article discusses the safety of carbonated water along with other key facts.
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Is carbonated water good for you?
Carbonated water does not contain calories, carbs, proteins, or fats. They naturally do not contain any micronutrients unless added during production. Regular unflavored fizzy water is similar to plain water.
Sweetened products are flavored using food additives and sweetened using refined sugars or artificial sweeteners. Carbon dioxide in sparkling water is not considered a health hazard and is considered safe for human consumption since it does not react with the human body.
Seltzer or carbonated water can be used as a substitute for sugary beverages, reducing the overall calorie intake. This could be beneficial in a calorie-deficit diet.
Drinking plenty of water can keep you hydrated throughout the day. The added minerals present in fizzy water can also help maintain electrolyte balance in the body.
Soda water is an amazing substitute for sweetened soft drinks that contain a lot of refined sugar and artificial food additives such as synthetic flavors and synthetic food colors. Substitute your mocktails and soft drinks at the restaurant with carbonated water for better health. Most of these products do not contain any caffeine, unlike soft drinks.
Sparkling water might be able to relieve the symptoms of indigestion and bloating. However, it should not be considered a cure or medication. The temporary relief is due to carbon dioxide, which helps release the gas from the stomach.
The pH of carbonated water is slightly lower than that of plain water, which makes it slightly acidic in nature. There has been a lot of discussion about the damage to tooth enamel, but it can be said that the mildly acidic nature of seltzer water might not pose any risk to tooth enamel.
In fact, several studies have indicated that soda water is a hundred times less damaging to our teeth than soft drinks and sweetened sodas. Substituting these unhealthy beverages with carbonated water can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Fizzy water might also prevent dehydration headaches.
Is carbonated water bad for you?
Bottled sparkling water that does not contain added sugar, flavors, or other food additives is not bad for you and is completely safe for regular consumption.
People suffering from Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) might experience stomach discomfort after drinking fizzy water, so it is better to avoid these products in an acid reflux diet.
Carbon dioxide does not cause any harm inside the human body, and hence it can be considered a good option to include with your meals. We have already discussed that the mildly acidic pH of sparkling water does not pose any health risks. Try to make sure you are buying carbonated water without added sugar, colors, or flavors, and read the nutritional information labels carefully.
Drinking a gallon of water a day can be beneficial to your overall health, and having a couple of glasses of sparkling water is completely okay.
Can I drink carbonated water daily?
If you are buying plain, unflavored Seltzer water, you can enjoy it daily without any worries. However, if you are experiencing any stomach discomfort, it is best to avoid it and have plain water instead.
People suffering from intestinal disorders and medical issues in the gut must take advice in this regard from their doctors. It is best to read the nutritional information table and ingredient list on the bottle label before purchasing any product.
Indranil Biswas is a nutritionist and personal trainer with a diploma in dietetics and personal training with a specialization in sports nutrition and strength training.
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