Feeling flat? So-duh! (Part 1)

It has been a few years now that I stopped drinking soda. Soda isn’t bad for you, what makes it bad is the ingredients found in soda or pop or whatever you want to call it. We see more and more healthy alternatives and soda companies like Coca-Cola buying out or coming out with new lines of products. Did you know that Simply Lemonade and Odwalla are owned by Coca-Cola? Well, if knew you that already. You are supporting Coca-Cola’s cause.

So I wanted to discuss a new trend. Have you ever heard of SodaStream? It’s a machine where it makes carbonated drinks at home. Think of Keurig machines making your own instant Starbucks-like coffee at home using those mini cups. While I am not opposed to the idea of making your own carbonated drinks at home, it is better than drinking regular soda like Coke, Pepsi, 7Up, Sunkist, A&W, etc. Now you must thinking, I am going to talk about why you shouldn’t drink soda and go cold turkey. No. I believe in having alternatives to soda drinking.

The only alternatives to “soda” I will drink are sparkling water, sugar free soda, soda made with cane sugar, and vegan soda. There are pros and cons to all of these beverages I have listed. Today, I will be focusing on sparkling water:

Soda vs. Sparkling water

            As much as I enjoy the taste of sparkling water, most of the ingredients aren’t so great. Yes, they mimic the fizz and flavors of a fruity soda, but it is better than drinking a can of soda by comparison.  I stumbled upon an article, “Is Sparkling Water as Healthy as Regular Water?” written by Tracy Miller for the New York Daily News, on September 18, 2013 (http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/sparkling-water-healthy-regular-water-article-1.1460179). This seems like a rhetorical question where you already knew that water is healthy as it is, but there are a handful of people out there who cannot drink water by itself. So here’s a quick summary of this article. Miller interviewed two nutritionists to reassure our sparkling water debate. One nutritionist, Keri Gans, RDN, CND of Manhattan, NY states “sparkling water is just as hydrating as water; the only difference is the added carbonation”. She also says, “Carbonation does not contribute to bone loss [or osteoporosis]”. Another nutritionist, Kristi King, MPH, RDN, a senior clinical dietitian at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, agreed that “not only carbonated does not cause bone loss but also eroding tooth enamel”.

            So what really cause tooth erosions and bone loss, if carbonated drinks are not the culprit? It’s the sodium and sugar content. In January 23, 2014, a Livestrong.com writer, Hannah Rose, wrote an article, “Do Carbonated Beverages Deplete Calcium?” (http://www.livestrong.com/article/536639-do-carbonated-beverages-deplete-calcium/) – As far as we know, no. That’s more of an urban legend. In this article, the Health Services at Columbia University found out that “In addition to sodium, the large amounts of sugar in carbonated beverages represent a much more influential culprit.”

Product in Review

 

            A feature product I want to share with you is Kirkland’s sparkling water. I am guessing they negotiated with Talking Rain sparkling water brand to have Costco sell sparkling water with their private label for a better price. Kirkland’s sparkling water is calorie and sugar free. It contains 3% juice with added vitamins and minerals. It doesn’t mean you should substitute your meals with a sparkling beverage. Besides, it only contains 10% each of: vitamin D, niacin, vitamin B6 & B12, biotin, and pantothenic acid.
            In terms of taste, natural flavors is listed as the second ingredient (carbonated purified water is the first listed ingredient) and followed by 3% juice. I do enjoy the flavors in this sparkling water product. Kiwi strawberry would be my most favorite and the black raspberry would be my least favorite since I am not a big fan of blackberries. Nevertheless, I will have it anyway.

            Despite the usage of sucralose in Kirkland’s sparkling water, it is not an obnoxious or obvious taste compared to artificial sweeteners like aspartame. In the next post, I will discuss the use of natural sweeteners like cane sugar and stevia as the new trend in food and beverages.

            My final issue with artificial food colorings is red #4 commonly known as carmine. I’m fine with other food colorings, but would like them to be more natural. Anything more natural cost more, evidently. Red #4 is derived from red beetles that are boiled and crushed; therefore, the food you are consuming has meat (good source of protein, ha ha). Luckily, Kirkland’s uses Red #40, which is more synthetic. Keep note that the side effects of red #40 and other artificial colors are not clinically proven.

            In the end, if you do like to try Kirkland’s sparkling water, you can go further and try Talking Rain sparkling water which is also available at Costco. It will cost a bit more and comes in 18 bottles instead of 24 bottles with Costco’s private label. In my opinion, the Talking Rain sparkling water tastes slightly better. My suggestion is if you or a friend has a Costco membership card get the Talking Rain brand when it’s on sale. If it’s not on sale, get Kirkland’s.

Conclusion

            Overall, sparkling water is actually good for you. It makes an excellent substitute for soda, which is if you are looking that fizzy carbonation substitute, extra flavor or caffeine substitution like green tea extract compared to chemically forms of caffeine featured in most soft drinks. Conversely, like everything else, please keep in mind to keep drinking these alternative carbonated drinks in moderation. Livestrong.com featured nutritionists Gans and King say “sparkling water can cause excessive burping, flatulence and abdominal distention, which could cause a lot of discomfort” to those who have sensitive stomach. They also noted to keep track of sodium, sugar, and caloric content since all sparkling water are not made the same. With their Miller’s helpful tip, she suggested, “Try flavoring your still or sparkling water with mint leaves, cucumber, lemon and lime slices, or fresh fruit. Pretend you are at a fancy spa.”