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Sparkling water is good for health, because in addition to hydrating, it contains the same micronutrients as natural water, being differentiated only by the addition of CO2 (carbon dioxide), an inert gas that is eliminated from the body right after ingestion. The presence of CO2 in the water only leads to the appearance of small balls and a more acidic taste to the water.
Simple sparkling water, without additives, is the one that has all the benefits of hydration, and is often of great help to those who are not in the habit of drinking water and prefer soft drinks due to the presence of gas, for example.
Despite being healthy, some brands add some substances to the sparkling water, such as artificial flavorings and sweeteners, which ends up diminishing the healthy effect and benefits of sparkling water and, therefore, it is recommended to observe the packaging label.
Thus, the main benefits of sparkling water are:
1. Hydrate the body
Sparkling water hydrates as much, and has the same nutrients as natural water. In addition, the addition of carbon dioxide is not harmful to health because the body absorbs and eliminates this gas.
2. Be rich in nutrients
Mineral water, both sparkling and still, is rich in nutrients like calcium, potassium and magnesium. As it also contains sodium, people who have high blood pressure should be aware of the label, as some brands may add extra amounts of this substance, and brands that do this should be avoided.
3. Help you lose weight
The gas present in carbonated water, when released in the stomach, increases the feeling of fullness and fullness in the stomach, which can help you eat less and decrease the amount of calories in a meal. In addition, sparkling water has no calories and can therefore be consumed at will.
4. Improve taste
Sparkling water makes the taste buds more sensitive to the taste of food, and can accentuate its flavor, so it is a great option before enjoying a coffee or glass of wine, for example.
In addition, the CO2 present in the water stimulates the functioning of the stomach, increasing its secretion and emptying, which may improve the sensation of digestion.
5. Can replace the refrigerant
In addition to being taken in its natural version, sparkling water can be a healthy way to replace soda, through its aromatisation. Using lemon, orange zest, mint and ginger, for example, can be great ways to make the drink tastier and facilitate water consumption throughout the day. Check out some flavored water recipes.
Learn, in the following video, tips for flavoring and other techniques to increase the amount of water consumed during the day:
Does sparkling water harm your health?
Due to the similarity in the appearance and taste of drinks like soda, there are many myths created about sparkling water, however the consumption of sparkling water, since it does not have artificial flavorings, does not pose any health risks. Thus, sparkling water:
- It does not harm pregnancy and can be consumed normally during this period. However, during pregnancy the feeling of a full stomach and bloating may be greater, as the enlarged belly presses the stomach, making it more sensitive;
- It does not cause cellulite, since both cellulite and the increase in fat happen due to the consumption of drinks rich in sugar, which is not the case with sparkling water;
- It does not take calcium from bones, and it does not interfere with calcium absorption from food. This can happen when drinking too much soda, mainly because, with the excessive consumption of this drink, other sources of minerals are left out. In addition, in the soda, excess caffeine and phosphoric acid action can decrease bone mineral density;
- It does not harm the kidneys, and the more consumed the better, as well as natural water, so that they function better and the body is hydrated;
- It does not cause changes or corrosion of the teeth, because the amount of acid is not too high to the point of having more acidity than a soft drink or lemon juice, for example. Thus, to cause harm to the teeth, the sparkling water would need to stay in contact with the teeth for many hours, which does not happen.
The required amount of water per day, with or without gas, is about 2 liters, or 8 glasses, but this can vary according to the person's weight, if they do physical activity or their excess, and with the presence of some diseases, such as kidney failure or heart failure. Find out how much water is needed per day.
Learn more about sparkling water by watching the following video: