Everyone knows that drinking water has its benefits. It helps you stay hydrated when you exercise and keeps your body running smoothly. But what about Seltz water?
Is sparkling water good? Are the benefits of sparkling water the same as still water? Is seltzer bad for your teeth?
Let’s open a can or bottle and look at the pros and cons of seltzer.
What is Seltz water?
Seltz water is a carbonated beverage that infuses carbon dioxide into water. This creates its characteristic bubbly or effervescent effect. You can also add fruit juice or other flavorings to the Seltz water to give it a refreshing touch.
Seltz water is usually lumped together with other carbonated drinks, such as:
- soda club
- Soda water
- Tonic
However, despite their common characteristic of carbonation, these drinks differ from each other.
soda club
Like seltzer, soda contains carbon dioxide. Unlike Seltz water, it also contains minerals such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, disodium phosphate, and sodium chloride.
Soda water
Sparkling water is perhaps the closest relative of seltzer. It includes dissolved solids such as potassium, sodium and magnesium. Its bubbles are usually natural, although they can be added artificially.
Tonic
The tonic consists of Seltz water plus quinine or sugar for a sweeter flavor. And added sugar increases calories.
Rise in popularity of seltzer
In the last 10 years, seltzer and sparkling water have become popular in the beverage sector, exceeding $4 billion in annual sales. Although it seems like a more modern invention, its history dates back to 1767, when Joseph Priestly invented it in England.
Around the same time, in the 1760s, Native Americans in the United States believed that natural spring water had medicinal powers. He even helped treat wounded soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
In the mid-20th century, sparkling water was synonymous with wealth and status within the middle class. This was especially true if one had their own soda siphon to create bubbles from the comfort of their own home.
Until World War II, seltzer was known as soda water. It was sold at soda fountains for 2 cents, with the option of adding flavors for a cent more. In the 1950s, seltzer finally entered the American vernacular and began to gain popularity.
Is Seltz water bad?
Seltz water is not bad for your health. Seltz water hydrates just like still water. One big exception is that it does not include the benefit of fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay. However, if you use tap water at home to create your own seltzer, you can get the benefits of fluoride in addition to the carbonation you love.
To get the same benefits as still water, be sure to limit seltzer that contains sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, sodium, or artificial flavorings. If you have a choice between club soda, sparkling water, or tonic water, avoid tonic water because it contains sugary flavorings.
Seltz water side effects
Although seltzer is not bad for your health, drinking too much can cause problems. Here are some of the side effects to look out for when opening a bottle of seltzer:
- Inflammation. The gases in the water can inflame your stomach.
- Belching. Again, the gas from the water can cause your stomach to expand, which can cause you to burp.
- Diarrhea. The fizz on your tongue may feel great, but it won’t sit so well with your gastrointestinal tract.
- Intestinal discomfort. Too much seltzer or carbonated drinks can damage the intestine. It is good practice to avoid carbonated drinks if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or frequently experience gastrointestinal problems. Talk to your doctor if this is your problem.
Is sparkling water good?
Yes, the benefits of mineral water are almost the same as still water. It also has its own benefits, such as:
- The feeling of satiety helps you lose weight
- Helps digestion by stimulating the nerves used for eating
- Helps those who prefer seltzer to regular water stay hydrated
Is seltzer bad for your teeth?
Seltz water is not bad for your teeth, although it has an acidity that plain water does not have. If your teeth are a concern, you should drink other beverages and limit yourself to one seltzer a day.
And if you enjoy more than one seltzer a day, you can always brush your teeth with fluoride first. This will ensure that your teeth receive the nutrients they need.
The benefit of fluoride is the main difference between still water and seltzer. The risk of seltzer damaging your teeth is minimal, as long as you limit your sugar intake in these drinks. If you’re worried about your teeth, create your own carbonated water at home with tap water to get that fluoride boost.
How to select the best sparkling water
Now that you know the benefits of mineral water and seltzer, here are some tips for choosing the best carbonated water for you:
- Opt for sparkling water or seltzer instead of soda if you want to limit sodium.
- Remember that unflavored, unsweetened Seltz water is the closest option to still water.
- Add fruit juice to your Seltz water to infuse your drink with natural flavors.
Seltz water is a refreshing drink that also guarantees hydration. If you want to know how you can add seltzer to your diet and lifestyle, talk to your doctor. You can also make an appointment with a UPMC Outpatient Nutrition Services dietician .
Nota del editor: Este article se publicó por primera vez el , y se revisó por última vez el .