If you’re feeling a little thirsty and wanting to quench your thirst, why choose plain water when you can choose sparkling water? Often when you think of water, your mind conjures up images of plain boring water but take a sip of sparkling water and it might alter your brain chemistry! What is it exactly and how is it made? Worry not, in this article, we’ll guide you through what sparkling water is, what are its benefits, and other useful information about this beverage.
Sparkling water is made by dissolving carbon dioxide gas into water under high pressure. This process creates carbonic acid and gives the water a bubbly texture. The process also involves chilling the water to maximize carbon dioxide absorption and injecting the gas into the water. This gas stays dissolved until the bottle is opened and the pressure is released.
Key processes in the manufacturing process include:
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Sparkling water can be of different types as listed below:
Seltzer Water: Plain water infused with carbon dioxide, offering no added flavors or minerals.
Club Soda: Artificially carbonated water, usually with added minerals like sodium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate.
Sparkling Mineral Water: Usually comes from a natural spring or well and contains naturally occurring carbonation and minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Tonic Water: It is a sweetened, carbonated beverage containing quinine. This makes it bitter and higher in calories.
Flavored Sparkling Water: Seltzer or carbonated water enhanced with natural fruit flavors, usually without sweeteners.
Carbon dioxide and water react chemically to produce carbonic acid. It is a weak acid that’s shown to trigger a slight burning, prickly feeling that is enjoyable for some and irritating for others.
However, drinking sparkling water, which is slightly acidic in nature, does not make your body ‘acidic’.
Your body is well adapted to discarding excess carbon dioxide from your body, including your blood. Your body keeps your blood at a pH of 7.35–7.45 regardless of what you eat or drink.
Sparkling water has a number of benefits as listed below:
Sparkling water is definitely a solid alternative for those looking to cut back on soda intake. By soda we mean sugary, fizzy, carbonated drinks that usually contain high amounts of sugar, additives, and flavors. Sparkling war contains no sugar or additives and mimics the fizzy sensation people usually crave from soda. This makes it easier for people to cut back on sugary carbonated drinks without sacrificing on the ‘experience’.
Consuming sparkling water can help your digestive system to signal your brain that your stomach is full. This feeling of ‘fullness’ can help you limit and/or track your eating habits in a more efficient way.
Additionally, some researchers also believe that sparkling water can aid digestion and constipation by stimulating your digestive system. The carbonation can help stimulate certain nerves responsible for digestion. This not only helps with discomfort in the digestive system but can also contribute to a better-functioning system.
Sparkling water can also benefit individuals with dysphagia – a common swallowing disorder. Carbonation can help clear the throat and make swallowing easier. Drinking sparkling water can help individuals with swallowing disorders to ‘clear’ their throat without invasive aid. However, we always advise you to consult a doctor before trying this method.
Sparkling water, contrary to popular belief, does not weaken bones. It is only the dark colas, with phosphoric acid, that have been linked to calcium loss and reduced bone density. In fact, sparkling water contains calcium and magnesium – minerals that can strengthen bones.
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While sparkling water has many health benefits, it can damage your teeth in the long run. This can come true if the sparkling water you consume has added sugar. There are many sparkling water brands that contain little to no sugar, while some brands contain added sugars and flavors – so checking the labels before buying a bottle of sparkling water is extremely important.
Sparkling water, in most cases, is quite beneficial for your health. Benefits include protecting bone health, ease swallowing disorders, supports digestive health, and acts as a smart soda substitute. In this blog, we’ve given you brief information about what sparkling water is, how it is made, is it acidic, and what are its benefits and disadvantages.
