Sparkling water or carbonated water is very popular today. We do not refer to the common sweet soft drinks, rather it is water that has dissolved minerals such as potassium, sodium and magnesium. As for the gas, it may be dissolved in water naturally, but it is also common to add it in industrial processes.
As the water comes from several springs, each brand has a different flavor according to the minerals it contains. Despite its popularity, many voices are raised to warn that sparkling water is not as healthy as previously believed. One of the most common questions regarding this topic is whether sparkling water makes you fat. To get an answer and to know the advantages and disadvantages of carbonated water continue reading this article from.
Does sparkling water make you fat? – the answer
Although it was long believed that it was not fattening and that it was as healthy as natural water, research from 2017 showed that, in both mice and humans, sparkling water increases the chances of being overweight.
But is it because sparkling water has sugar? Surprisingly not. It is not sugar that is responsible for the increased risk of obesity among its consumers. Unlike tonic water that does contain it, sparkling water usually does not have sucrose.
The real culprit for the weight gain could be gas, whose full name is carbon dioxide. Although much research is still needed to reinforce these conclusions, scientists found that gas plays an important role in the production of a hormone called ghrelin.
Ghrelin is produced in the digestive system and is known by the curious name of “hunger hormone”. To this hormone we owe the need to look for food, increased appetite, calorie consumption and fat storage. It is also related to the sleep-wake cycle, the need for rewards, and carbohydrate metabolism.
With all this, it is clear that it is a hormone that we must keep under control if we want to lose weight or maintain our current weight. Both mice and humans who drank sparkling water on a regular basis found unusually high levels of this hormone, unlike those who only drank water or the same drinks but degassed.
However, researchers are cautious about blaming gas directly for consumers' obesity. Lifestyle, environmental factors, caloric diets, among other aspects, could play another important role.
If you want to know how water can help you lose weight, we invite you to visit our article How to lose weight with water.
How much sparkling water can I drink per day?
There is, so far, no exact measurement that indicates how much sparkling water can be safely drunk daily. The recommendation of the experts is to always choose natural water over carbonated. However, if you lead a healthy life and eat properly, there is no problem if you drink a few glasses of sparkling water a week. Of course, if you want to lose weight, it is preferable to eliminate it completely.
Check the label to make sure it doesn't contain other flavorings or chemicals added that are potentially harmful to health.
Sparkling water: benefits and disadvantages
As it is not about demonizing carbonated water, it must be said that it has several advantages if taken wisely and you have a healthy lifestyle. For this reason, we share with you some benefits of sparkling water, as well as some drawbacks of consuming it.
Benefits of sparkling water
The properties of sparkling water contribute to improving the initial process of digestion. In this way, people who have difficulty swallowing can use carbonated water to improve swallowing, especially if taken cold.
Also, sparkling water can help people with frequent throat relieve the feeling of having something in their throat, as well as the need to constantly rinse it.
Perhaps because of its gas content, carbonated water produces a feeling of fullness or satiety, and some people report that it improves the digestion of certain heavier foods. Another benefit is that it relieves constipation and stomach pain.
Carbonated water can also help improve the appearance of hair. Discover How to moisturize hair with sparkling water by clicking on the link.
Disadvantages of drinking sparkling water
Sparkling water is slightly more acidic than natural water, whose pH is 7 or neutral. This does not mean that taking it increases the acidity of the body, because the body eliminates excess carbon dioxide through the lungs and kidneys. However, it can affect dental health in the long run. To avoid dental problems, it is best to drink natural water after carbonated and brush your teeth regularly.
If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, it is best to avoid this type of drink for a simple reason: sparkling water can produce gas and, consequently, intestinal inflammation.
