Is soda harmful? Myths and facts

Soda is often a subject of much controversy. There are many ‘horror stories’ on the Internet about its harmfulness: it destroys tooth enamel, causes obesity if consumed regularly, causes bloating and has a negative impact on the body in general. These claims are often actively spread by filtered water producers who have a commercial interest in reducing the popularity of fizzy drinks. But is soda really that dangerous? Let's take a look by separating the myths from the facts and disprove several myths with the help of research.

Myth 1: Carbonated water destroys tooth enamel

This statement is partially true, but not all carbonated water is harmful to teeth. The main threat to enamel comes not from carbon dioxide itself, but from the acids and sugar contained in sweetened carbonated drinks such as colas, lemonades and energy drinks. “It is the combination of sugar and carbonation that can lead to tooth decay. Ordinary carbonated water does not pose a risk to dental health,” reports an article by the National University of Bioresources and Environmental Management of Ukraine. Natural mineral carbonated water has a neutral or slightly alkaline pH and does not lead to demineralization of teeth. Recall that the optimal pH level is considered to be about 6.5-8.5, since it is as close as possible to the indicator of the internal environment of the body. “AQUA Myrgorod” Still and Sparkling are ideal for daily use. In addition to the balanced minerals contained in the water (Ca, Mg, Na, K and iodine), "AQUA Myrgorod" Still has a pH of 7.5, which helps maintain the body's natural acid-base balance.

Myth 2: Drinking soda causes obesity

It is important to distinguish between types of soda. Sweetened sodas that contain a lot of sugar or artificial sweeteners can really contribute to weight gain. However, pure carbonated mineral water does not contain calories, does not affect insulin levels in the blood and does not contribute to obesity. On the contrary, it can be an excellent alternative to harmful drinks. Even more: carbonated water, according to some studies, relieves symptoms of constipation, improves the ability to swallow and even increases the feeling of satiety. In addition, mineral water with gas quite quickly removes toxins and toxins, promotes weight loss by normalizing metabolism.

Myth 3: Carbonated water causes bloating and digestive problems

The carbon dioxide in carbonated water can cause a temporary feeling of bloating, especially if you drink a lot of it in a short period of time. However, for most people, this is not a problem; on the contrary, the slight carbonation stimulates digestion and can even improve your well-being after a heavy meal. Returning to the previous myth, a study of 40 elderly people found that after drinking carbonated water, the frequency of bowel movements almost doubled in the group compared to the group that drank plain water. There is also evidence that carbonated water can relieve other symptoms of indigestion, including stomach pain.

Myth 4: Carbonated water leaches calcium from bones

This myth stems from the claim that all carbonated drinks can lead to osteoporosis. In fact, only sweet carbonated drinks containing phosphoric acid have a negative effect on bone mass. It can disrupt the balance of calcium in the body. Natural mineral water with gas does not have this effect, and sometimes even contains calcium, magnesium and other beneficial minerals. For example, in one study, postmenopausal women only improved the intake and absorption of calcium by drinking a liter of sodium-rich carbonated water daily.

Myth 5: Carbonated water increases the risk of cardiovascular disease

There is no scientific evidence for this claim. If carbonated water, such as AQUA Myrgorod Still and Sparkling, does not contain sugar, dyes, or preservatives, it does not affect the heart. Some studies even show that mineral carbonated water can help lower bad cholesterol and improve blood circulation.

Conclusion

Carbonated water is not a harmful product if you choose the right drink. Natural mineral sparkling water such as AQUA Myrgorod Still and Sparkling will not only quench your thirst, but may even have a positive effect on your body. The key is to read the ingredients carefully and avoid drinks with high sugar content and artificial ingredients. So don't be afraid of soda - it can be a healthy part of your diet.

Frequently asked questions

Does drinking soda cause obesity?

No, pure sparkling mineral water does not contain calories, does not affect blood insulin levels and does not contribute to obesity.

Does soda cause bloating and digestive problems?

The carbon dioxide in soda can cause a temporary feeling of bloating, especially if you drink a large amount in a short time. For most people, however, this is not a problem, and on the contrary, light carbonation stimulates digestion and can even make you feel better after a heavy meal.

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