What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Flavored Sparkling Water?

 

Flavored sparkling water, often hailed as a healthy alternative to soda, has grown in popularity in the last couple of years, and this trend is projected to continue. 

There are now sparkling water flavors available in every conceivable combination, and you can even prepare your own at home. To top it off, if you're sick of drinking plain water, carbonated water is a terrific way to keep hydrated.

But as grocery aisles become more stocked with bubbly options, you might be wondering if it can actually take the place of still water and if it has any risks to your health. 

Before we get into the benefits of flavored sparkling water, let’s debunk the debate on whether sparkling water is as healthy as flat.


Is Sparkling Water As Beneficial as Flat Water?

Flat water vs sparkling water

Sparkling water is identical to ordinary water, but it provides a more enjoyable and thrilling approach to meet your daily water intake requirements.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seltzer, sparkling, and flavored waters can be included as part of a balanced diet. 

Carbonated water is also a great alternative for anyone trying to kick a soda habit: You get the same pleasant fizz without the calories and health risks associated with both regular and diet soda (think weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease).

Ultimately, carbonated water can be a good choice if you want to stay hydrated and avoid sodas—without having to stick to flat water all the time.

In fact, it can taste exactly like soda when you add delicious flavoring, whether in powder form, liquid form — and even with real, natural fruits added to it.


Let’s Talk About Flavored Sparkling Water: What Is It?

Flavored sparkling water

Flavored sparkling water, in its essence, is a delightful fusion of two key components: sparkling water and flavor infusion.

In its ready-made form, flavored sparkling water emerges as a convenient and refreshing option straight from the bottle or can. 

On the other hand, plain sparkling water can be sweetened with natural flavors to make your own flavored sparkling water. You can get as creative as you like with this do-it-yourself approach, whether it's muddling berries, squeezing fresh lemon or lime, or adding a twist of mint or basil.

Flavored sparkling water, whether store-bought or made at home, is a delicious way to stay hydrated without the added sugar of sodas or juices. 

And it brings a lot of benefits to the table.


3 Benefits To Drinking Flavored Sparkling Water That Make A Difference

Flavored sparkling water is a popular choice for those seeking a unique experience beyond plain water. If you drink several of them per week (or even per day), you may be wondering if flavored sparkling water is actually good for you.

Let’s find out! These are three well-documented benefits that come with consuming flavored sparkling water.


1. It keeps you hydrated

Sparkling water with lemon

Everyone requires water to survive. The body needs fluids to function properly, just like how an engine requires fuel to run smoothly.

According to a study, around 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, so having flavored sparkling water in your diet is beneficial because it can help you meet your fluid intake goal for the day. (Just so you know, the Institute of Medicine recommends that adults drink nine to 13 glasses of water per day, depending on gender.)

Flavored carbonated water is an excellent substitute for sugary sodas because it tastes similar and is equally hydrating as plain water.

Be mindful to seek for carbonated water options that are minimal in sugar and calories. Stay away from products that contain salt, high fructose corn syrup, or aspartame or sucralose, which are artificial sweeteners and flavorings. 

A long-lasting sparkling water machine that filters your water supply and adds natural fruit or sugar-free flavoring is a wise investment. They are even available in bundles!


2. It helps you reach your fitness goals

Soda vs flavored sparkling water

Natural flavorings added to sparkling water make it a refreshing drink that satisfies thirst without the added calories and chemicals commonly found in sugary beverages. 

There are about 10 teaspoons of sugar and 125 to 180 calories in a 12-ounce can of normal soda. Depending on the brand and sugar level, sodas can derail whatever plans you had to get in shape and improve your health and fitness.

Consider a soda with 140 calories; that's about average for sugary drinks (which, incidentally, isn’t as terrible as some others). 

By consuming one glass of flavored sparkling water instead of a can of ordinary soda every day, you can save approximately 4,200 calories and 300 teaspoons of sugar. That's 14 pounds per year saved by not consuming 50,400 calories in excess sugar. This number goes even higher with sodas that have more than 140 calories, which is most of them.

The cumulative effect of drinking soda over time is detrimental, but it doesn't have to be that way. Sparkling water with fruit flavorings provides essentially the same experience. It's really simple, and the outcome will be absolutely transformative.


3. It prevents constipation

"Help" written on toilet paper

Some people find that drinking carbonated water with natural flavors helps alleviate constipation.

In a study involving elderly stroke survivors, the frequency of bowel movements was nearly twice as high in the group given carbonated water as in the group given tap water.

Better yet, symptoms of constipation decreased by 58% according to the participants. There is evidence (official and anecdotal) that carbonated water can alleviate stomach pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Another study looked at persons with chronic stomach problems. After two weeks of daily use, those who drank carbonated water reported significant improvements in digestive problems and constipation.

There you have it! Even though flavored sparkling water may offer a number of advantages, you should always check the ingredients in readymade products, as sodium, sugar, and artificial sweeteners may all have negative effects on the body.


Carbon8 Is Your Best Sparkling Option

Carbon8 and True Citrus

This is precisely why Carbon8 Water exists: to provide you with the purest, cleanest sparkling water in the market. The best part? It comes with True Citrus flavor packets, which are sugar-free, GMO-free, and clean.

It’s all the benefits of flavored sparkling water with none of the risks.

Our Lemon8 program ensures that people get the best of the best with their hydration needs, with a durable sparkling water maker that purifies tap, cleans with a UV light, and gets going with a single touch. We’re throwing in sugar-free, organic flavoring with it, so you get all the advantages and none of the risks.

 

The Bottom Line

Everyone knows that being hydrated is key to good health, as it affects so many bodily functions. You can keep hydrated and satisfy your everyday needs with naturally flavored water.  

If the flavor of plain water puts you off, try infusing it with fruit. Glucose control is unaffected by naturally sweetened flavored water. A delightful method to remain hydrated is to garnish your sparkling water with berries or a dash of citrus juice, such as lime or grapefruit.

But if you insist on buying readymade flavored sparkling water, make sure of the following:

  • It should have zero sugar and zero calories.
  • Avoid drinks with regular sugar or high fructose corn syrup. 
  • Inspect how much sodium is in each can.

Happy drinking and keep sparkling!