Still or Sparkling?
You are sitting down for dinner and your waiter asks you sparkling or still?
The more inclined choice seems to be sparkling. It comes in a slender glass bottle adding to the table decor, boosting the ambiance, and creating the perfect insta post but is it the right choice?
Sparkling water (also known as seltzer water, soda water, & club soda) is carbonated by dissolving pressurized CO2 to create the desired bubbly feel. These although differ from natural mineral spring water like San Pellegrino or Perrier which comes from a natural sulfur hot spring creating a more mineral enriched product with slight effervescence.
CO2, or carbon dioxide is a natural waste byproduct of the human body. When added to water is creates an acidic carbonated beverage. If consumed in small amounts there are minimal risks, but as a replacement to natural water it can cause tooth decay and irritation to the body's everyday functions. For those with sensitive stomachs, stay clear. As it releases gas it can cause an upset stomach and bloating giving the "food baby" look without the excess calories.
As a replacement for traditional soda and sugar drinks carbonated water is an excellent choice, but it should not be consumed as your everyday form of hydration.
xx,
Ariana Cleo