Did you know that an adult needs to drink at least eight glasses of water per day? That’s close to two liters of water, which is the minimum required to keep you hydrated and healthy. If that sounds impossible to achieve, don’t worry too much, 20% of your regular water requirements are met by the fruits and vegetables you eat.
However, today, most people prefer to sip carbonated water (though it costs more), but the question is, “does it keep you more hydrated than regular water”? Let’s dive deeper into both to arrive at the truth.
Carbonated Water vs Regular Water.
Carbonated water, also known as sparkling water or seltzer water, is made by adding carbon-di-oxide, and some brands enhance the flavor with artificial additives and also add minerals like sodium chloride, potassium sulfate, and sodium bicarbonate. You may find three to three types of carbonated water on the supermarket shelves:
Sparkling Water: It is filtered tap water that has carbon-di-oxide added to it.
Soda Water: It probably gets its name from the sodium bicarbonate it contains, along with other compounds to keep the acidity level optimum. It also contains carbon-di-oxide, which gives it the fizz.
Tonic Water: This may not be found commonly in Indian supermarkets, though it is available at some stores. It is carbonated and mineralized water with quinine, organic sugar, lime, and orange extract added to enhance the flavor.
Is carbonated water hydrating?
Yes, carbonated water is hydrating, but it is just as hydrating as regular water, and not more. A study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that there is no difference in the hydration effects with carbonated and regular water. What carbonated water gives is the extra fizz, and this effervescence is because of the addition of carbon-di-oxide.
However, the level of hydration is the same for both. Research studies also indicate that water with a higher mineral content tends to make it more hydrating. The good old tap water, filtered and purified, is hydrating, safe, and affordable.
Is carbonated water better than regular water?
Apart from the fizz, carbonated water doesn’t offer anything more than regular water, as far as hydrating is concerned. It is a matter of taste, and you should choose the one that you can drink more of, in a day.
A word of caution though, while carbonated water has the fizz some people prefer, it can curb your sense of thirst, and you could end up drinking less of it compared to regular water. Of course, your geographical location, and the climatic conditions also affect the water intake.
If you have chronic gas problems or bloating, it is better to avoid drinking carbonated water as it can only aggravate the condition.
In short, both carbonated water and regular water hydrate equally. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends sparkling water to people who find it more appealing when compared to regular water, probably to ensure everyone remains hydrated and healthy. Carbonated waters may have sugar added for sweetening purposes. It makes sense to read the nutrition label to check the sugar content, especially for diabetics and people battling obesity. It is best to settle for the type of water that lets you increase your daily intake. If you find carbonated water more appealing, go ahead and drink it to stay hydrated.
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