Does sparkling water make you fat?
The sparkling water or carbonated water is very popular today. We are not referring to common sweet sodas, rather it is water that has dissolved minerals such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium. As for gas, it is possible that it is naturally dissolved in water. But it is also common to add it in industrial processes.
As the water comes from various 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 thought. 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 Healthzigzag.
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 [1].
But is it because sparkling water has sugar? Surprisingly, no. Sugar is not responsible for the increased risk of obesity among its consumers. Unlike the tonic water that does contain it, sparkling water generally does not have sucrose.
The real culprit for weight gain could be gas, whose full name is carbon dioxide. Although much research is still lacking to reinforce these conclusions, the scientists found that gas plays an important role in the production of a hormone called ghrelin [2].
Ghrelin is produced in the digestive system and is known by the curious name of the “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 and wake cycle, the need for rewards, and the metabolism of carbohydrates.
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. Unusually high levels of this hormone were found in both mice and humans who regularly drank sparkling water, unlike those who only drank water or the same drinks but degassed.
However, researchers are cautious in blaming gas directly for consumer obesity. They could play another important role in lifestyle, environmental factors, calorie diets, among other aspects.
How much sparkling water can I drink a day?
There is, as yet, no exact measure of how much sparkling water you can safely drink daily. The recommendation of the experts is to always choose natural water over carbonated water. However, if you lead a healthy life and eat properly, there is no problem if you have 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 any other added flavorings or chemicals that are potentially harmful to health.
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Sparkling water: benefits and drawbacks
Since it is not a matter of demonizing carbonated water, it must be said that it has several advantages if you drink it wisely and 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 help improve 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 clearing to relieve the sensation of having something in their throat, as well as the need to constantly clear it.
Perhaps due to 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.
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 term. 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 gases and, consequently, intestinal inflammation. Published By Healthzigzag.com
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