What is the difference between Club soda, Seltzer, Sparkling water, and Tonic water?

on

What is the difference between Club soda, Seltzer, Sparkling water, and Tonic water?

https://integrisok.com/-/media/Blog/Q3-2020/OYH_sparkling-water1.ashx?revision=58c1c1c5-54bb-49cb-b730-01d120f32da9

Water is essential for maintaining life.  The human body does not function properly when dehydrated.  With a lack of proper water, the body is placed at a significantly higher risk for various illnesses, injuries, and other health problems.  To maintain proper hydration, adult males require 3.7 liters (125 fluid ounces) and adult females require 2.7 liters (92 fluid ounces) of water per day.  However, this does not include the amount of water lost due to sweating during exercise or stressful work-related activities. 

https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/carafes-of-miscellaneous-fruit-infused-water-royalty-free-image-1588871400.jpg


Nowadays, there are numerous types of water to incorporate into your diet.  However, not all waters are created equally.  In addition to plain water, lining the shelves at the market are bottles of club soda, seltzer, sparkling water, and tonic water.  However, what are the differences between each of these?  Is one better for you than the rest?


Club soda, seltzer, sparkling water, and tonic water are all types of carbonated water with very few nutrients.  Where they differ from each other is in the different added compounds and processing methods. 


Club soda

  • Injected with carbon dioxide gas
  • Infused with added minerals (disodium phosphate, potassium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride)
  • May have a slightly salty taste

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/President%27s_Choice_Club_Soda.jpg


Seltzer

  • Injected with carbon dioxide gas
  • Does not contain added minerals
  • Has a more plain taste

https://static.onecms.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2017/07/seltzer-sparkling-water-difference-hero-getty-2000.jpg


Sparkling mineral water

  • Naturally carbonated from a spring or well with natural carbonation
  • Some companies may add additional carbon dioxide
  • Contains a variety of minerals (calcium, magnesium, sodium)

https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/san-pellegrino-mineral-water-irvine-california-march-ice-sparkling-produced-terme-province-bergamo-lombardy-italy-184660153.jpg


Tonic water

  • Injected with carbon dioxide
  • Minerals are added
  • Contains quinine, giving tonic water a bitter taste
  • Often also contains a sweetener such as sugar or high fructose corn syrup
  • The only beverage containing calories and sugar

https://images.lifestyleasia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/10113946/fever-tree-tonic.jpg


Club soda, seltzer, and sparkling water are all healthy options to assist in meeting your hydration requirements.  However, due to the calories and sugar within tonic water, limit the amount consumed.  There is a direct relation between artificially sweetened beverages and metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cancer. 


Maintaining appropriate hydration levels ensures optimal physical and mental preparedness and performance.  Drinking plain water throughout the day is the best way to maintain proper hydration levels and prevent various illnesses, injuries, and other health problems.  However, club soda, seltzer, and sparkling water are other healthy options you can incorporate into your diet to maintain proper hydration levels. 


By:  J. Scott, DPT, ATC, CSCS, TSAC-F


Sources:  healthline.com, Cleveland Clinic

Comments

Post a Comment