The human body needs water for a number of reasons. We need water
for not only vital functions like digestion, temperature regulation, and blood
pressure, but a lack of adequate water intake can lead to a multitude of health
concerns. Water makes up about 60% of the body weight of an average adult.
There are many ways to ingest water including from the foods we eat. Drinking
plain water can get boring and with options like soda and fruit juices, it’s
hard to get enough. Carbonated water, also known as seltzer, is a great
alternative for soda drinkers to drink more water. But is seltzer just as
healthy as plain “still” water?
for not only vital functions like digestion, temperature regulation, and blood
pressure, but a lack of adequate water intake can lead to a multitude of health
concerns. Water makes up about 60% of the body weight of an average adult.
There are many ways to ingest water including from the foods we eat. Drinking
plain water can get boring and with options like soda and fruit juices, it’s
hard to get enough. Carbonated water, also known as seltzer, is a great
alternative for soda drinkers to drink more water. But is seltzer just as
healthy as plain “still” water?
Seltzer is water that is infused with carbon dioxide, giving
seltzer and soda their signature fizz. The carbonation in seltzer water causes
it to be slightly acidic, around 5 or 6 on the pH scale. Plain water has a pH
of 7, making it neutral (neither basic or acidic). Most soda has a pH as high
as 2.5, making it acidic. Acidic drinks can sometimes soften tooth enamel,
especially if they contain citrus fruits. Seltzer is a better choice than soda
because it does not contain sugar and is less acidic.
seltzer and soda their signature fizz. The carbonation in seltzer water causes
it to be slightly acidic, around 5 or 6 on the pH scale. Plain water has a pH
of 7, making it neutral (neither basic or acidic). Most soda has a pH as high
as 2.5, making it acidic. Acidic drinks can sometimes soften tooth enamel,
especially if they contain citrus fruits. Seltzer is a better choice than soda
because it does not contain sugar and is less acidic.
Besides having no sugar and a low acidity, seltzer water can also
help you with your diet. The carbonation in seltzer can help you feel more
full. This can be beneficial to help control portion sizes and help you lose
weight. However, drinking too much seltzer water can cause some
gastrointestinal discomfort, especially if you have a preexisting
condition.
help you with your diet. The carbonation in seltzer can help you feel more
full. This can be beneficial to help control portion sizes and help you lose
weight. However, drinking too much seltzer water can cause some
gastrointestinal discomfort, especially if you have a preexisting
condition.
It’s important to note that there are many different types of
seltzer water, each with its own benefits. Plain seltzer water is just water
infused with carbonation. Mineral water comes from natural springs and contains
minerals. Club soda, on the other hand, is seltzer water with added minerals.
That means it’s not from a natural spring and is essentially “artificial”
mineral water. Lastly, tonic water is really in a class of its own. Tonic water
is carbonated water infused with quinine, a bitter tasting alkaloid extracted
from the bark of a cinchona tree. Tonic water is the only seltzer water that
generally does contain calories. Mineral water, club soda, and plain seltzer
water generally have ZERO calories!
seltzer water, each with its own benefits. Plain seltzer water is just water
infused with carbonation. Mineral water comes from natural springs and contains
minerals. Club soda, on the other hand, is seltzer water with added minerals.
That means it’s not from a natural spring and is essentially “artificial”
mineral water. Lastly, tonic water is really in a class of its own. Tonic water
is carbonated water infused with quinine, a bitter tasting alkaloid extracted
from the bark of a cinchona tree. Tonic water is the only seltzer water that
generally does contain calories. Mineral water, club soda, and plain seltzer
water generally have ZERO calories!
Plain water is almost always the best choice but if you want to
change it up or try something new, try seltzer water! You should always consult
your doctor or nutritionist before making a drastic change in eating habits. If
you are looking for a healthier choice with less calories and sugar, or if
you’re looking for a less acidic drink that won’t wear on your tooth enamel as
much as soda, try seltzer water.
change it up or try something new, try seltzer water! You should always consult
your doctor or nutritionist before making a drastic change in eating habits. If
you are looking for a healthier choice with less calories and sugar, or if
you’re looking for a less acidic drink that won’t wear on your tooth enamel as
much as soda, try seltzer water.
Blog post by Nikki Courtney.
