Sparkling water or carbonated water is the main ingredient in making all the different kinds of carbonated drinks available on the market. Some people prefer drinking it because it tastes similar to natural spring water found in exotic places around the world. There are people who drink it daily, treating it like regular water. However, some individuals are concerned about consuming excessive amounts of carbonated water compared to regular water. Nonetheless, most experts see no reason to discourage people from drinking it as often as they desire. Despite some articles claiming negative health effects from drinking sparkling water, these claims are not backed by scientific studies.
There are people who drink more sparkling water compared to regular water, and it is also a good alternative to carbonated drinks. It still hydrates without containing sweeteners or flavors like other drinks. Besides causing gas or making someone burp due to the presence of carbon dioxide, there are no major recorded side effects from consuming pure carbonated water. If it helps a person stay hydrated, there is nothing wrong with drinking it. The only difference between sparkling water and regular water is the added carbon dioxide and certain sodium salts, making it essentially water with bubbles. Until proper evidence is provided regarding possible side effects, people can continue to enjoy drinking it as they have done for a long time. It is also important to check the nutritional level of some carbonated waters, as some may have added sodium or sugar to alter the taste. These additional ingredients might have different effects with long-term consumption.
To ensure that one can have carbonated water readily available, it is advisable to create it oneself. Carbonation is a widely practiced technique and can be utilized to produce pure sparkling water without any added flavors or ingredients. Additionally, making one's own carbonated water is more cost-effective compared to purchasing it from stores. It is important to understand that gas dissolves more efficiently at a lower temperature and under higher pressure. By designing a system that facilitates these conditions, one can achieve the maximum amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in water. Experimentation with the appropriate amount of sodium salt is necessary to achieve a balanced mixture and counteract any slight acidity that may result. Once the setup and requirements are established, one can enjoy consuming sparkling water as desired. It is recommended to savor the drink while it is chilled, to fully appreciate its taste and when the CO2 is still present in the mixture. The observed bubbles in the mixture indicate that some of the carbon dioxide is already escaping due to the increase in temperature and change in pressure.