2023-06-16 13:17:56
A nice glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon is wonderful on a hot summer day. You can order it on the terrace, but there are even devices to let sparkling water flow into your glass at home. It all sounds very good, but how (un)healthy is it really?
How unhealthy is sparkling water?
Sparkling water is made by dissolving carbon dioxide in ‘normal’ water. The addition of carbon dioxide creates bubbles in the water and that makes it more attractive than flat water.
Nowadays you can easily make your own sparkling water, but supermarket shelves are also full of it. However, there can be a difference in sparkling water, according to nutritionist Jaclyn London. Some types from the supermarket can contain more calories and sometimes sugar is added, she explains Good Housekeeping. It is wise to avoid sparkling water with sodium, glucose and fructose syrup or artificial sweeteners and flavors. So always check the label first! If you want to make the healthiest choice, choose pure sparkling water.
What sparkling water is good for
Sparkling water causes the acidity in your mouth to rise – that means the pH value drops. Drinks with a low pH value can cause tooth erosion, research has shown. Nevertheless, there are also studies that show that carbonic acid is too weak an acid to damage teeth. Sparkling water with added flavorings, such as lemon, can be sour. So it is better to skip these fruity drinks. It is not bad for your teeth to drink pure sparkling water, many variants even contain minerals that counteract the effect of carbon dioxide on your teeth.
In addition, sparkling water is very good for your digestion. It can help people who suffer from difficult bowel movements. But drinking a bubbling glass of water can also help with nausea.
Is sparkling or still water better?
According to Good Housekeeping is sparkling water as hydrating as still water, there is no evidence which kind is better. It is therefore a personal choice whether or not sparkling water works for you. If you experience problems with your intestines or stomach after drinking sparkling water, it is smart to stop this and switch to still water.
Bron: Margaret, Good Housekeeping, Cooking Fans | Image:Adobe Stock
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