Sparkling water, water, and soda: what's the difference, anyway?

Sparkling water is carbonated water

Sparkling water is a variation of drinking water which is a clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid. Basically, sparkling water is water that is naturally carbonated, the bubbles come from natural springs or from naturally carbonated wells.

However, some manufacturers do carbonate even more by adding carbon dioxide in it, so the water will be more foamy. As for sparkling water (soft drink) are still added with substances such as sodium bicarbonate, flavorings, or salt so that the taste is more delicious.

So is this sparking water healthy? Well, this depends on the type of sparkling water you choose. There are various types of sparkling water issued by beverage manufacturers. Of course, the types are different in addition and in their content.

The healthiest sparkling water is the type of sparkling mineral water. There is also sparkling water which has a taste and aroma, which is certainly less healthy.

Is sparkling water good for health?

Reporting from the Healthline page, basically at this time there is no evidence that carbonated water or sparkling water is a drink that is harmful to the body. Sparkling water is made without added sugar and flavorings, including drinks that are calorie free and tend to be safe for maintaining body weight. Interestingly, sparkling water has other benefits for the body.

According to the American Council on Exercise, quoted from the Verywell Health page, ordinary water given by these bubbles can be drunk at any time. If you like it, go ahead and be an option with the water you usually drink.

CDC, the disease prevention and control agency in the United States recommends pure sparkling water (without any additives) as a substitute for such drinks soft drink or other high-calorie drinks.

If you want to choose sparkling water, of course you can, but you have to be more careful about reading its nutritional value. Because, you must be able to distinguish sparkling water which is indeed filled with sweeteners and other additives from sparkling water which is actually filled with only carbon dioxide.

What are the benefits of sparkling water?

Increase the ability to swallow

A study shows that sparkling water can increase the ability to swallow adults. In one study, 16 healthy people were asked to repeatedly swallow different fluids. When drinking sparkling water, there is evidence that it stimulates the work of the nerves responsible for swallowing so that the ability to swallow is better.

Increase satiety

Sparkling water is a type of drink that can delay hunger, more than plain water. Sparkling water can help food stay longer in the stomach, so that people feel that their stomachs still feel full or full.

Therefore, sparkling water without sugar can be used as an alternative for people who want to suppress their appetite or reduce their food portions.

Helps overcome constipation

One controlled study involved and examined 21 people with chronic digestive problems. After 15 days of being given sparkling water, there was a significant improvement in their digestive condition.

In addition, in a study conducted in 2 weeks, involving 40 elderly people who had suffered a stroke, showed that the frequency of bowel movements on average was 2 times more active in the group who drank sparkling water than those who drank plain water. The study participants also reported that the symptoms of constipation appeared to be lighter.