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Sparkling water: is it beneficial?

Recommended as a substitute for soft drinks, the soda water It has risen in popularity in recent years. But is it really as beneficial as the experts say? We tell you all the details about this carbonated drink.

 

What is sparkling water?

To begin with, it should be noted that there are many types of soda water. According to the Organization of Consumers and Users-OCU, there are six types: bicarbonate, sulphate, calcium, sodium, chloride and magnesium. All of them share composition, that is, they are water with carbonic acid. In addition to this compound, it is a liquid with a pH between 6 and 7, which gives it the particular acidity point.

In addition, we can also point out that there are two varieties depending on their preparation: the one that contains this carbonic acid Natural way, and artificially gasified, that is, to which this compound is added during the manufacturing process. Of bitter and bubbly taste, this drink has many followers, but also its detractors. A liquid food that leaves no one indifferent.

soda water
Sparkling water can be enjoyed in many ways, including with lemon wedges. / Source: Pixabay

A drink with multiple benefits

As we have already commented, the soda water It has suffered an increase in its consumption because it has become a healthy substitute for soft drinks. And it is that the experts advise to take this drink since it has Multiple benefits. One of the most notable pros is that it is satiating, being one of the foods that calms the appetite the most. In addition, its low caloric intake makes it a ally of diets.

The carbonic acid present in this type of water stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, thus facilitating digestion. Several studies have determined that this type of water hydrates in the same way as normal. Although it should also be noted that due to the bubbles and their satiating feeling, it can make us feel full and reduce the amount of fluid we need to drink.

soda water
Bottles of Vichy Catalán, leading sparkling water in sales in Spain. / Source: Vichy Catalan

Not all that glitters is gold

Although there are no conclusive studies to take soda water be bad for health, if there are recommendations to take into account. What is true is that teeth are the ones that suffer the most with this drink. And it is that a regular consumption of it causes an erosive effect on the teeth, undoubtedly due to the presence of carbonic acid. Still, it doesn't deal as much damage as a soda can.

Another of the main recommendations is that people with bone damage consume it in moderation, since the gases cause loss of part of the strength of the bones. Another of the adverse effects caused by carbonic acid is the appearance of flatulence and gastrointestinal pain. In this last contraindication is where the opinion varies the most between the defenders of its consumption and its detractors.

soda water
Old photograph of the Vichy Catalán bottling headquarters. / Source: Public Domain – User sergicaldes (Wikipedia)

Vichy Catalán: the jewel of sparkling water

When we hear about soda water Vichy Catalán comes to mind. And it is that this Catalan company has become in its more than a century of history in the main bottling company in Spain. A fame earned by its business model, its marketing campaigns and, of course, its flagship product. A business what a drink already one 40% market share at the national level.

Born in 1883 in Caldas de Malavella, province of Girona, originally it was sold in drugstores and pharmacies, since it began offering it as a miraculous water capable of healing diseases. Little by little the business spread throughout Catalonia, becoming established in the national and international market in a very short time. At present we can enjoy different varieties of water, even going so far as to commercialize fruit flavored.

A successful market based on all the potential offered by the soda water. A drink loved and hated in equal measure, which leaves no one indifferent, either for better or for worse. Its bubbly and bitter taste will allow you to enjoy a moment of pleasure with which accompany any dish or to take whenever you feel like it. Don't you want to try it?

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