Soft drinks are widely perceived to contain adverse health effects, including causing diabetes and other lifestyle conditions. Mineral water, on the other hand, comes highly recommended. Should we conclude that since it is carbonated, then it has similar effects as other soft drinks such as sodas? Of course, not. Water doesn’t have sugar; others are sweetened drinks.
Carbonated water is simply arefreshing soft drink. It is made by combining natural mineral water, especially from springs, with carbon dioxide gas,producing bubbles. Sometimes, mineral salts such as sodium are added to enhance its taste. Carbonated water is also known as sparkling water due to its appearance. Drinking this water is very beneficial to the body. Let’s discuss several benefits of carbonated water and the possible side effects.
Benefits of drinking carbonated water
Assists in relieving constipation
Studies have shown that the use of carbonated water can relieve constipation, especially in adults. It takes a shorter time for patients experiencing constipation and uses carbonated water to be relieved than those taking plain water. It also assists in relieving stomach pain caused by constipation in a shorter period than plain water.
Makes swallowing easy
Carbon present in carbonated water makes swallowing easier than other plain drinks. Drinking carbonated water also makes clearing the throat easy.
Effects on teeth
The carbon dioxide presentin carbonated drinks produces carbonic acid, which directly contacts the teeth. This acid is harmful to the teeth since it weakens the enamel. The probability of affecting the teeth increases in case the carbonated water is sweetened.
Carbonated water and bones
Unlike some other soft drinks, such as cola, carbonated water does not contain phosphorus that weakens bones. Therefore, it does not pose any danger to bone health. Research conducted using animals shows that supplementing the animal diet with carbonated water helps strengthenbones. Some people fear that the carbonic acid present in the carbonated water might be harmful. However, this carbonic acid is very weak and cannot affect the bones.
Effects on body acidity
Carbonated water has a PH of 4. This shows that it is acidic. The acidity is brought about by carbon dioxide in the water. However, the kidneys remove, making the body alkaline.Therefore, drinking carbonated water does not increase body acidity. However, it brings about both irritating and enjoyable sensation in the stomach that takes some time to fade away. Individuals suffering from digestive problems, such as stomach acidity, should avoid such drinks.
Effects on eating habits
People who are used to carbonated water may feel full most of the time due to gas retained in their stomachs. This may make them give less attention to healthy feeding by reducing their intake of healthy foods. Carbonated water can also become addictive, making users utilize them regularly and not giving time for food. Also, some people constantly feel hungry no matter how much food they eat.Taking carbonated water can assist such people since it gives a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
Carbonated drinks and heart health
Carbonated water contains some added mineral salts, such as sodium, essential in fighting cholesterol, especially in women. High levels of cholesterol in the body can lead to heart attack or failure. Therefore, continuous use of carbonated water improves heart condition. Some people fear that sweetened carbonated drinks can cause heart problems due to weight increases. Postmenopausal women are usually at risk of getting bad cholesterol and blood sugars. They can use carbonated water, which is rich in sodium, a mineral that can help reduce these chances.
Refreshes and prevent hangovers
Most carbonated drinks, both sweetened and unsweetened, are designed to bring a refreshing effect to the body. Drinks assist in fighting hangovers which can be caused by dehydration. Those who drink carbonated water are more likely to drink more water than those who drink plain water. This can lead to more refreshment in the body.
Carbonated water and weight loss
Carbonated water brings a feeling of fullness that might last for a long. This might prevent one from taking more food, leading to less calorie intake. However, this is not among the best way of reducing calories intake.
Negative effects of carbonated water
Causes bloating and retention of gas in the stomach
Due to the carbon dioxide used in making carbonated water, some people may experience an unpleasant feeling of gas in the stomach. However, this does not apply to all people.
Carbonated water and weight
Carbonated water contains some additives, such as sodium and other minerals. Some manufacturers may use sweeteners. These sweeteners containextra calories that add weight. Research also shows that the presence of carbon leads to an increase in the production of the ghrelin hormone, which is responsible for causing hunger. Increased hunger may, in turn, cause more food intake, leading to an increase in weight.
The Bottom Line
Carbonated water is helpful to the body, contrary to what many think. However, to keep it healthy, always check on the ingredients used to manufacture these drinks. Avoid those with sugars since they can have negative consequences on your teeth, weight, and heart. To make carbonated water more enjoyable and sweeter, tryadding natural sweeteners or fresh fruits, such as lemons and cucumber. Sparkling water hydrates the body.
In today's world, people's eating and exercise patterns have changed, and it is often lifestyle that is the cause of many diet-related illnesses. I believe that each of us is unique – what works for one does not help another. What is more, it can even be harmful. I am interested in food psychology, which studies a person's relationship with their body and food, explains our choices and desires for specific products, the difficulty of maintaining optimal body weight, as well as the influence of various internal and external factors on appetite. I'm also an avid vintage car collector, and currently, I'm working on my 1993 W124 Mercedes. You may have stumbled upon articles I have been featured in, for example, in Cosmopolitan, Elle, Grazia, Women's Health, The Guardian, and others.
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