
The middle person is formed by more than half of water, so it is as important as food and air. But most people prefer tea, coffee, sweet cocktails, juices bought in the store and softwater sodas. It is much more pleasant to the palate. Normal drinking water replenishes the humidity that the human body constantly loses when working the muscles and organs. Other drinks can be harmful to the body. One of those liquids are soft drinks.
Carbonated water, which does not contain sweeteners, flagship, dyes or other harmful substances, saturates the body of essential moisture. Naturally, carbonated water has a different chemical composition from normal water. So, is carbonated water useful?
The chemical composition
To understand how water with gas affects our body, we must know its composition. Conventional bottled gas water can be found in all stores, from small kiosks to huge supermarkets. This liquid is usually saturated with carbon dioxide. Many people remember their chemistry class formula: CO2. Kill all the bacteria in the water.
In addition, carbon dioxide increases the life of the product. It is used as a fluid preservative. Refrement tags usually carry this indication: “E290”.
Using carbon dioxide as a preservative for mineral water has two major advantages:
- The useful life is extended. The preservative is considered natural, so it is not harmful to health when consumed.
- Smell and flavor are improved. The mineral water obtained from natural sources can have an unpleasant aftertaste and a smell of ground. Carbon dioxide eliminates this flavor.
Water properties with gas
Water with gas can be sweet or mineral. Its composition is different. Consequently, there are two different drinks that have different effects on the human body. It all depends on its composition.
The benefits
It is worth mentioning that sweet soda drinks are harmful to the body. However, mineral water with gas is beneficial for the human body. First, the liquid contains useful vitamins and microelements, because it is extracted, as a rule, from natural sources. Water is already mixed with carbon dioxide in the factory.
Among its useful properties, the following are:
- Due to its properties, the mineral soda removes thirst faster, which makes it indispensable in the hot summer days.
- Saturates the organism with many minerals. This includes salt. A person loses moisture from the body during physical activity, which can lead to dehydration (dehydration). Fresh water does not saturate the organism with salts, which come out with sweat. Mineral water thus restores the water-salt balance.
- Promotes the production of stomach acid. It is beneficial for those who have a low level of acidity in the stomach. A glass 20 minutes before a meal prepares the body for it. Stomach secretion is activated and food is digested much easier, which will prevent bloating. It also improves the production of enzymes.
- Carbon dioxide has antimicrobial properties.
- Eliminates harmful substances from the body.
- The iodine content of mineral water improves thyroid function. Soft drinks rich in iodine are sold in stores.
However, this only applies to naturally sparkling water. Soft drinks only harm the body.
Harms and contraindications
On the other hand, this liquid can be harmful to human health. To what extent is sparkling water harmful? Mineral soda with artificial addition of carbon dioxide is contraindicated for people with gastrointestinal diseases, because the gas irritates the mucosa.
Also, frequent consumption of unsweetened water with large amounts of gas can lead to gastritis. In addition, carbon dioxide damages tooth enamel. Therefore, it is recommended to buy products with a low carbon dioxide content and drink water in moderation.
Why is carbonated water bad? For starters, it contains a lot of sugar. It can reach 30 grams per glass of 250 milliliters. Drinking too much sugar water can cause the following health problems
- deterioration of internal organs;
- kidney overload;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- spikes in blood sugar levels;
- Mellitus diabetes;
- provokes the deposition of adipose tissue;
- poor digestion;
- malabsorption of nutrients and trace elements;
- sugar addiction;
- dental problems;
- accelerated aging.
In addition, sugary soft drinks contain preservatives, flavorings, sweeteners, colorings, etc. harmful.
Is it possible to carbonate water at home?
It is possible to make carbonated water at home. There are two main methods used by manufacturers.
The first is the use of special equipment. The list includes the following: Siphones and devices that saturate water with gas (saturator). In the first place, all oxygen of the liquid is aspirated, it cools to a certain temperature and then saturated with carbon dioxide.
The second method differs from the previous one. It is based on the use of carbon dioxide. The liquid is fermented during its elaboration.
It is possible to make water with gas at home without any special device. Just buy the necessary ingredients: sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and running water. If you want to prepare a sweet drink, use sugar. The preparation process is simple:
- In a deep bowl, mix a tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate with five teaspoons of citric acid.
- Remove the dust until it is homogeneous and add it to the water.
- Leave the container with the liquid for a few minutes. This amount of dust is sufficient for three liters of drinking finished product.
However, it is a cheap and easy method. Not everyone will like the result. To make a soda like the store, you have to buy a device called Siphon. You will also need carbon dioxide and drinking water. The siphon with cold water is filled, the carbon dioxide bottle is connected to the device and turns on.
How to choose when buying
There is no strict standard on how to choose carbonated water. However, it is advisable to follow these guidelines:
- You should not buy sugary soft drinks. This liquid is only bad for health. Also avoid mineral water with sugar.
- Read carefully the composition of water. There should be no harmful artificial preservatives in the water, only “E290”. That is carbon dioxide.
- Age restrictions are usually written on labels. Some soft drinks contain contraindicated substances for children.
- Water should be kept in the refrigerator at less than 11 degrees Celsius.
- Buy the product to a trusted manufacturer in a store or confidence supermarket.
- Refreshies should not have more than 4 months. The fresher the product is, the more nutrients it will contain.
- It is important that the bottle is settled: when opening the lid it shrinks.
These tips will help you buy a quality product.
Consumption habits
There are several types of mineral water
- Table water;
- Medicinal table water;
- medicinal.
The composition of each type is different, so it affects the human organism in different ways. The liquid is extracted from different springs and each type has its own purpose.
First, on normal mineral water. The first type is table water. It is not harmful if you drink frequently. It does not contain too many minerals. That is why water is not dangerous for a normal person and can be drink often. The second type is medicinal table water. It contains more minerals. It is not recommended to drink it for more than twenty consecutive days. As a general rule, it is used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The last type is medicinal. You should not drink for no reason. This liquid is prescribed by a doctor. It is very rich in minerals. Now about the soda.
Studies have shown that carbon dioxide is not harmful to the body. But the bubbles that are formed when stirring enter the stomach. Inside, they have an adverse effect on the lining. This increases acidity. Therefore, the optimal amount of mineral water with gas is a glass a day.
From what age children should be allowed
As already mentioned, sugary soft drinks contain a lot of sugar. Therefore, children should not drink this sweet drink. Instead of refined product, xilitol, saccharin and other substitutes are usually added. They also contain dyes, sweeteners and harmful preservatives.
Until 5 or 6 years, the drink must be completely ruled out. It is better to instill your child for love for natural juices. They are good for the growing body. Nor should you give water without sugar to children. Although it does not contain chemical substances, it does contain carbon dioxide, which seriously affects the child’s gastrointestinal tract.
Mineral water without carbon dioxide in the form of table water is the best alternative. It contains healthy substances that will benefit the growing body.
Pregnant women and infants can drink it.
Soft drinks are contraindicated for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The carbon dioxide they contain has a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract and irritates the mucosa of the internal organs. It also damages the lower esophageal sphincter. Consequently, gastric juice and the rest of the content can return to the esophagus. This causes stomach and inflammation ardor. CO2 abuse causes liver and bladder problems.
Suggage sodas cause weight gain, cutaneous rashes and squamous skin. Acids damage tooth enamel. Caffeine causes sleep disorders. Large amounts of refined sugar cause fatty tissue deposits. Sweet addiction affects the mental health of the pregnant woman: frequent humor changes, constant depression.
For gastrointestinal diseases
Researchers are constantly debating whether soda is bad for people with gastrointestinal illnesses. There is no definitive answer. However, you should not drink too much carbonated liquid.
Since many drinks have a large amount of carbon dioxide added, the drink increases the acidity of the stomach. It is not advisable to drink carbonated water for people with gastrointestinal diseases.
Also, the bubbles and carbon dioxide gases weaken the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. Consequently, swelling, irritation of the mucosa, etc. begin to occur regularly.
However, it is permissible to drink water with a small amount of carbonation. The main thing is not to drink it in large quantities. No more than one drink a day. Sometimes a sugar-free soda can help relieve constipation.
How to use it in the kitchen
Soft drinks, both with and without sugar, are often used in homes. Delicious cocktails are prepared and added to a wide variety of dishes. For example, you can make pancakes, replacing ordinary water with carbonated, so they are aerated. The same goes for the waffles.
In the West, smoothies (fruit and vegetable shakes) made with the addition of soda are common. You can experiment with the drink. In the kitchen, it is a versatile solution.
Sparkling water is a healthy drink if taken in moderation. The main thing is to refrain from sugary liquids that contain large amounts of refined sugar and chemicals. However, it is advisable to consult the doctor before taking a soft drink to make sure that there are no contraindications.