We all know that staying hydrated is essential for body functions such as temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and waste removal. But can consuming carbonated water be useful or does it harm the body?
By adding carbon dioxide to pure water, it is carbonated. In this case, carbonic acid is produced with a weak acid pH between 3 and 4, and in fact, it is this acid that gives a good taste to the mouth. Drinking carbonated water can cause the chemical activity of pain receptors on the tongue in response to the acid of the carbonated water, and the person has a pleasant feeling of the taste of this type of water, and it must be said that this is exactly the main problem here. The acid in these drinks harms our teeth.
Tooth enamel, which is the outermost layer of teeth and the hardest substance in our body, is composed of minerals called hydroxyapatite and contains calcium and phosphate. Oral saliva also contains calcium and phosphate. Normally, there is a balance between tooth minerals and saliva, and carbonated water can destroy this balance and damage the tooth enamel and consequently the tooth. Also, carbonated water, contrary to popular belief, cannot be an appetite suppressant. It only causes bloating and temporary satiety by introducing gas into your stomach. But this water cannot stay in the stomach as much as pure water. Even if it is taken with food. Therefore, it cannot keep a person full for a long time.
Carbon dioxide is usually injected into fancy sparkling water under pressure. Other types of sparkling water, including sparkling mineral water, fortified water, and tea, have subtle differences that separate them from the first type. Sparkling mineral water naturally contains minerals and can be naturally or artificially carbonated.
Fortified water, often used for cocktails, is known for containing quinine, a bitter-tasting substance derived from tree bark to compensate for the quinine taste, sweeteners such as sugar or high fructose corn syrup are added to fortified water. For this reason, this water is not recommended for people who are trying to lose weight or have diabetes. To make sparkling water more attractive, companies often add flavors to it. Data from the Public Chemical Compounds Database maintained by the National Institutes of Health show that limonene is a chemical found naturally in citrus peel oil.
This substance is usually used to provide lemon flavor to food. Linalool comes from mint, herbs, and citrus fruits, and linalool propionate, found in ginger, is used for its aroma and flavor and does not appear to pose a risk to humans.
Myths persist about this fizzy drink, including claims that fizzy water can erode tooth enamel. A study found that while sparkling water isn't as safe for your teeth as water, it's not nearly as dangerous as soda, plus it doesn't have the added sugars that contribute to tooth decay. Then there was the concern that fizzy drinks would lead to weight gain.
In one study, levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin increased after consuming carbonated beverages. However, researchers found that carbonated water helps people stay full temporarily, and carbonated water may also lead to weight loss by rehydrating the body. Proper hydration helps with weight management because the body can't accurately differentiate between hunger and thirst, and you can often quench that hunger by drinking water. One of the reasons you may not want to drink sparkling water is that you are prone to stomach aches. In this situation, plain water is better.
These days, sparkling water is available in almost any flavor. When choosing them, it's best to check the ingredient list and watch out for the artificial sweeteners listed above. Look for brands that use only natural flavorings and sparkling water.
Let's face it, the main benefit of drinking sparkling water is that it helps you meet your body's needs. Drinking plenty of water daily is important for many reasons: to regulate body temperature, keep joints healthy, prevent infection, provide essential nutrients to cells, and also to maintain normal body function. If you stay well hydrated, your sleep quality, cognitive power, and mood will also improve.
