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Is Seltzer Water a Healthy Alternative to Regular Water or Diet Soda?

By July 19, 2009 - 6:50am
 
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I have been reading about the health impacts of diet soda (Diet Soda Does Not Equal Zero Impact.

I am tired of drinking "just" water, and I know diet soda has many health implications (craving more sweets, linked to oveweight, decreases calcium absorption), but I am wondering what the alternatives are?

Is seltzer water a healthy alternative, or just better than diet soda? Is carbonation inherently bad?

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi, great question! I am not a doctor, nor am I a professional, however, my answer would be this:

There are many healthy beverages that can be consumed aside from water. Green Tea, 100% Fruit Juice, and Seltzer are all suitable alternatives. If you're trying to avoid (or should not consume) anything specific such as caffein, sugar, or sodium then certain alternatives are not suitable for you.

When I purchase seltzer water or juices, I am always very careful to read the label on the bottle. I take extra care to reading the "ingredients" because I choose to avoid sweeteners such as corn syrup and aspartame.

Reading the ingredients is very important! I'm always very wary of ingredients that can not be purchased on the supermarket shelf. If it sounds like chemistry, then it doesn't sound like something I want my body to process!

I hope my comment has provided a new light of understanding! It's a simple thing to consider!

October 7, 2009 - 12:58pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

(BPA is really about endocrine disruptors... environmentally conscious would be not to but plastic packaging for water)

August 31, 2009 - 12:04pm

There are pros/cons to drinking water, milk, juice and carbonated beverages (seltzer water for example), so it really depends on your philosophy, what research you choose to adhere to, as well as your overall preferences and nutrition goals. It is ironic---there is a controversy regarding ALL of these options---even water!

WATER
- Water is overall the best beverage, and what our body really needs.
- For optimal health, it is best to consume your calories from food and not "drink" all of your calories
- Controversy regarding drinking bottled water vs. tap water, and also the concern with drinking water from hard plastic bottles containing harmful chemicals (BPA).
- If you want to be environmentally conscious, find BPA-free plastic water bottles.
- Interesting article on the water controversy: Tidal Wave of Bottled Water

SELTZER WATER
- There is evidence that the "phosphates in carbonated beverages interfere with calcium absorption". (Source: increase in carbonated drink consumption
- Some are made with artificial sweeteners that can be problematic, and it is suggested to add 100% juice or a few pieces of actual fruit (lemon, lime, orange for instance) to flavor the water. Here is an interesting recipe I found: Raspberry Evening Spritzer by Dr. Weil

JUICE
- Juice that is freshly squeezed contain the most nutrients, and tastes great, but can be time consuming
- Fruit juices that are made from concentrate or do not contain "100% juice" are not as nutrient-dense, and can be considered as "empty calories".
- Juice is very caloric, and many Dietitians recommend eating the actual fruit rather than juice, as you will consume more fiber and nutrients

MILK
- There is much controversy surrounding milk, as it is a recommended source of calcium; however, there are other foods that are a higher calcium source
- You can read about other controversies (some people believe that humans should not drink other animal's milk for instance), and then of course there are different types of milk: soy, rice and others. Which Milk Should I be Drinking?

I hope this information helps to narrow down your choices, depending on your nutrition goals.

For myself, as long as I am consuming enough calcium, I am OK drinking seltzer water with Stevia and lemon once-in-a-while if I am craving something carbonated. I find that when I exercise more ("more" meaning up to the recommended weekly amount!), then all I want is water from my BPA-free plastic container. (ha--even have to "qualify" tap water). I stay away from juice, primarily for my teeth and save on calories, and prefer to fill up on actual fruit. If I am tired of just plain water, I add some 100% pomegranate or acai berry juice to ice water (fruits that I do not typically eat). I am a milk drinker, and consume non-fat milk and yogurts daily.

So, perhaps to answer your question more directly:
- If you are craving carbonation, seltzer is better than soda (diet or regular)
- If you are thirsty, water is best; perhaps chilled with ice and lemon is even better!
- If you are craving something sweet, add some 100% juice to water or seltzer
- If you are hungry and thirsty, you may want an 8 oz. glass of non-fat/low-fat milk (soy, rice or cow's milk)

Another alternative I did not mention: coconut water. You can read more about this: Coconut water quenches thirst and is healthy beverage. I forgot that my personal trainer also recommended coconut water after a particularly challenging strength training session. It is low-calorie, non fat and contains potassium, magnesium and calcium.

July 19, 2009 - 7:30am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Alison Beaver)

"- There is evidence that the "phosphates in carbonated beverages interfere with calcium absorption". (Source: increase in carbonated drink consumption"

That is regarding sodas with phosphates NOT Seltzer water (which is purely carbonated and DOES NOT contain phosphoric acid)...please understand what you read before posting

January 4, 2014 - 10:24am
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