Walk down any bottled or canned beverage aisle and you’ll find a whole host of options – and we’re not talking about sodas, that’s for sure. Seltzers, tonic waters, sparkling waters – plain and in all sorts of flavors – are just a few of the non-alcoholic options. That’s not even taking into account the alcoholic options, too. It’s almost like bubblies need their own store!
But is drinking bubbly water in any form good for you, especially as a daily habit? And what’s important to know about how those bubbly waters differ from one another? For example, sparkling water is naturally occurring water with naturally occurring minerals- and than the flavors differ. But seltzer has carbon dioxide that provides its carbonation- and is a pretty common drink that’s flavored.
So how do you sort out the health impacts of each of the choices? This graphic helps to explain the differences.
Now, let’s discuss some more cheerful findings.
Research suggests carbonated water is not likely to harm the throat or stomach of most healthy individuals. In fact, bubbly beverages are often used as a cure for an upset stomach (which explains why so many old fashioned pharmacies had soda fountains in them, right?).
If you feel a life without a flavored sparkling water (or three) each day is a life not worth living, here are a few tips to help mitigate the potential risks:
- Use regular flat water to dilute your flavored sparkling selection.
- Swish flat water in your mouth after you drink sparkling water.
- Add fresh fruit or herbs to unflavored sparkling water.
- Sip through a straw to better protect your teeth.
Bottom line: In and of themselves, bubbles aren’t a bad thing. But when it comes to dental health and avoiding weight gain, you’re better off swigging an unflavored sparkling water than soda. Cheers!
What is your beverage of choice these days?
FT&PD
Suz
**If you would like me to review your product, service, restaurant or travel destination, please send me an email at rudges2@gmail.com or tweet me at @MapleMouseMama.
Very informative article! I drink far too much pop and am thinking about switching to sparkling water.
Sparkling water doesnt seem to quench my thirst like plain water does!
I tend to drink a lot of water and coffee!
Hmmm, interesting read, honestly I have never tried any of those fancy waters, just plain ole well water or spring water is all I drink
Great advice! I never thought of sipping through a straw top protect my teeth, but it makes sense. I like my sparkling water with juice and lemon slices.
It does make a difference, but it requires a lot of patience to do that with every beverage.
Being addicted to Coca Cola, I wish I never tasted a drop.
That is a hard one to break, for sure. I like Diet Coke, although I can go for awhile and not have it. But I do get cravings for it from time to time.
Pop is a weakness of mine I need to change to sparkling water.
I drink sparkling water and club soda everyday. I also drink a can of diet ginger ale a few times a week which I really enjoy. Club soda over ice is my fave go to drink. I love reading your article and yes I think it’s okay to drink bubbly water often as long as you use a straw.
I also drink far too much pop I really need to try something new!
I believe that sugar is the big enemy.
My mother drinks hardly anything but Cokes, I try so hard to get her to drink less and more water! Our daily battle!
I don’t do well with carbonized drinks and normally I only ever drink water but it’s interesting to see the different kinds of bubbly drinks
I love drinking bottled water with lemon slices in it. I don’t care for pop, or sparkling water. I found this very interesting though because I just never thought of so many different drinks to choose from.
I just recently tried the sparkling water but I find it made me more thirsty.
Wow! That’s really good to know. Thanks so much for sharing!
It is my pleasure. 🙂 Thank you for reading!
thanks for the great article!