Sparkling Water Vs. Regular Water

It is no secret that water is good for us. Our bodies need water to survive. In fact, we can go longer without food than we can water. Without water, the body would dry up and stop working, and sparkling water is just another way to get that water in. Most health officials agree that drinking sparkling water is better than drinking no water at all 2. But there are some differences between sparkling water and regular water, though it may surprise you to find out that the differences are few.

Sparkling Water vs. Regular Water

Sparkling water, also called soda water or seltzer, is plain water that has carbonation added to it. Carbonation makes the water fizz and is the same exact ingredient that makes soda pop fizz. Regular water is just water in its natural form.

Effects of Sparkling Water On The Body

Is Carbonization in Seltzer Bad for You?

Learn More

A recent study done by The Journal Of Nutrition found that women who drank sparkling water in place of regular water had lower percentages of heart disease than other women. This study was based on the fact that sparkling water has more minerals and sodium than regular water. To read more about the study see the reference below.

Sparkling Water and Hydration

Sparkling water hydrates the body just as well as regular water. The only difference, as mentioned in section one, is that sparkling water has carbon dioxide added to it. Many athletes, though, won't drink enough sparkling water to rehydrate after workouts, because:

• the carbonation makes them feel full well before they have replaced the water they lost during exercise
  
• so maintain caution
  
• don't use sparkling water as your only rehydrating method after exercise

Effects Of Carbonation On The Body

Is Fruit-Flavored Water Good for You?

Learn More

It has been believed that carbonation has been the culprit to stealing calcium from the bones. However, new studies have shown that it is caffeine that effects the calcium in the bones and teeth, not carbonation. So even though sparkling waster is carbonated it is not the same thing as soda pop. Soda pop has large amounts of phosphates, caffeine, and sugar. Sparkling water has no more added phosphates than bottled water. It also has no caffeine or sugar.

Purpose Of Sparkling Water

Many people drink sparkling water because it makes drinking water just a little more fun. Some like the taste but may not want all the calories and sugar that come with drinking soda pop.