THE TRUTH ABOUT SPARKLING WATER The Evidence Is in the Effervescence
More people are drinking sparkling water than ever before. Health-conscious individuals are turning away from sugar-filled sodas and juices, replacing themwith sparkling alternatives such as La Croix and Perrier.
However, if consumed regularly over a long period of time, sparkling water may have an erosive effect on tooth enamel, but for the vast majority of the population, this is a nonissue. The important takeaway from JADA’s study is that sugar-free, sparkling waters are a much healthier alternative to soda, juice, and other beverages high in sugar and acid content. And that includes beverages marketed as diet. The next time you reach for a bubbly and refreshing sparkling water, you can know you’re making a good choice not just for your body, but for your teeth as well.
We know sparkling water is better for our bodies, but is it safer for our teeth?
Sodas and juices are highly acidic. Combine that with sugar, and you have the ultimate recipe for tooth decay. Remove the sugars and acidic ingredients, such as citric acid, and you’re left with a very different beverage. A 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) examined the erosive properties of common beverages. The study found that sports drinks, for example, were “extremely erosive,” while researchers characterized sparkling water as “minimally erosive” when it came to the impact on tooth enamel. Dr. Edmond Hewlett, a professor with the UCLA School of Dentistry and consumer advisor with the American Dental Association, says that, sugars aside, the acidity in sparkling water is significantly less than typical sodas and juices. The carbon dioxide bubbles in sparkling water, which becomes carbonic acid when consumed, is weak by itself. It isn’t a danger to tooth enamel.
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Summer Salad
It’s officially the season of salads, and fruit salads are summer’s specialty! Enjoy this tasty dish as a side or main course. For some added protein, toss in a handful of slivered almonds or chopped pecans.
Ingredients •
1 pound strawberries, thinly sliced 3 medium peaches, thinly sliced
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1 heaping tablespoon fresh basil or mint, chopped 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon maple syrup
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1 cup blueberries
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions 1. In a medium serving bowl, combine the strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and basil. 2. Drizzle lemon juice, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar on top. 3. Gently toss to combine. 4. Serve immediately, or chill for later.
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