Sparkling water is a common term used for any water infused with carbon dioxide (CO2) whether artificially or naturally.  Its carbonation levels can vary from lightly effervescent to large, bold bubbles.  Especially for naturally-carbonated brands, sparkling water usually have higher mineral content making it more acidic than still water because the carbon dioxide converts it to carbonic acid.  

 

Sparkling water is a popular non-alcoholic, zero-calorie beverage in fine dining and daily consumption.  Depending on the source of water or the process by which it is obtained, sparkling water have been categorized as plain sparkling water, sparkling mineral water, seltzer, or club soda. 

 

Sparkling water

 

Has zero calories, and generally refer to any water infused with carbon dioxide gas regardless of source and mineral composition.  Also called soda water, fizzy water, and carbonated water. 

 

Sparkling Mineral Water

 

Water sourced from natural spring or other natural sources of water is either naturally or artificially carbonated and naturally contains healthy minerals from its original source.  It is noteworthy to remember that during the process, no mineral was removed nor added; except for carbon dioxide gas which is added to make it sparkling versions of the water.

 

Seltzer

 

Seltzer has a flat taste mainly because water used for this category has undergone filtration process and has been stripped off its natural minerals. 

 

Club soda

 

Like seltzer except that it has added minerals like salt and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), which offsets the acidity caused by carbonation because of its natural alkalinity.

 

Tonic Water

 

For marketing promotions, some companies have introduced sparkling water with flavors and even sweeteners.  However, true sparkling water should be flavor-free, sugar-free, and calorie-free.  And while tonic water has been infused with carbon dioxide gas, it cannot really be considered as sparkling water because of sweeteners and a bitter substance, called quinine, that has been added to it.

 

 

Health Benefits of Sparkling Water

 

 

 

Regardless of the type of sparkling water, is it any better and is it even good for your health?  Read on to understand more about sparkling water and its health benefits.

 

 

 

Sugar-fee and Calorie-free

 

 

 

If you prefer having a bit of “fizz” in your drink, sparkling water lets you enjoy that without the added sugar and calories.  It is a healthy alternative to calorie and sugar-loaded soft drinks .   And because it’s sugar-free, it doesn’t harm your tooth enamel; contrary to common misconceptions otherwise. 

 

 

 

 

Aids in Digestion

 

 

 

Sparkling water improves bowel movement; and reduce the severity especially those who are constipated.  It can even improve the emptying of the gallbladder. 

 

 

 

 

Aids in Weight Loss

 

 

 

Perhaps the most significant health benefit of drinking sparkling water is the fact that it could aid in your weight loss journey.  That’s because sparkling water can make you feel more full than drinking regular water.  When sparkling water is consumed with meals, the bubbles keep the food In your stomach for longer than still water, thereby creating the sensation of feeling full.  This prompts you to eat less.  Moreover it is sugar-free and calorie-free making it the best substitute to soda.

 

 

 

Potential Health Risks

 

 

 

Expect for gas and bloating, which may become excessive and uncomfortable for some, drinking sparkling water poses no proven health risks.  If you feel discomfort in drinking sparkling water, you can always switch to plain water.  Avoid sparkling water that may have additives or sweeteners that may pose risks to your health.   Sparkling water should be sugar-free, flavor-free, and calorie-free.

 

 

 

Mouthfeel

 

 

 

The International Standards Organization (ISO) defines mouthfeel as “All the rheological and structure (geometrical and surface) attributes of a food product perceptible by means of mechanical, tactile, and where appropriate, visual and auditory receptors.”  In layman’s terms, mouthfeel is how a particular food feels in one’s mouth, with the level of carbonation being the most important factor influencing mouthfeel in sparkling water.  Mouthfeel is an important factor to taste and categorized as effervescent, light, classic, and bold. 

 

 

 

Choose the Right Sparkling Water With Your Meals

 

To appreciate and have a more pleasurable mealtime experience with sparkling water, one can follow the 75 percent rule, where the mouthfeel of a meal is roughly equivalent to the level of carbonization in sparkling water.  So heavy dishes pair with big bubbles and light dishes pair with small, mild bubbles.  Thus, steak would go perfect with big bubbles while sushi with an effervescent or even light carbonated water would be perfect.

 

 

 

Increasing Demand and Popularity of Sparkling Water

 

 

 

Over the years, awareness to healthy lifestyle and increased drive to stay fit have prompted a foreseeable increase in the demand and preference of sparkling water over regular drinking water.   With many brands of sparkling water in the market, anybody can always buy their favorite brand from groceries or neighborhood stores or they can make their own sparkling water with a soda machine at home.  And since water from your tap have been treated with chlorine, it is best to use a home water filtration system like SJ Wave Faucet Filter that removes chlorine, traces of hard metals, and contaminants that may be harmful for your health while leaving the beneficial minerals so you still enjoy the crisp and natural taste of sparkling water.  Visit the SJ Wave website to know more about their products and start your way to good health.