Most of us are aware of the many benefits of drinking water regularly. Perhaps you already carry a bottle of water around with you during the day? You may even order bottled or tap water when eating out at restaurants. On these occasions, it’s likely you’ll be asked: “Still or sparkling?” – but which is the better choice?

Sparkling water

The first thing to consider is your own personal preference. Sparkling water has a very distinct flavour, which isn’t to everyone’s taste. For those who do prefer it, there is the question of health benefits. Some people are unsure how healthy sparkling water is compared with still or tap water.

The BBC recently published an article entitled ‘Is sparkling water really bad for you?’. According to the piece, there are concerns about its effect on our stomachs, bones, and teeth. Having said this, the article comes to this conclusion about sparkling water:

“although it’s mildly acidic, so far there isn’t strong evidence to suggest that it’s harmful to your bones, your stomach or your teeth. But if you want to play safe and keep it away from your teeth, when you answer the question ‘still or sparkling’, perhaps you should also ask for a straw.” – Claudia Hammond (BBC.com)

Still water

If you’re unsure about drinking sparkling water you may prefer to opt for still, which despite its reputation for being bland, actually comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. One choice is flavoured water, although there is speculation about its health benefits as well.

Another option is to avoid mass-produced water all together and choose tap water instead. This has the added benefit of literally being available ‘on tap’ which can be a money-saving incentive for many people. Depending on where you live, your tap water will contain different properties – this can alter its taste, which is a common complaint for some people.

Luckily, there are water filters and purifiers available for many different types of water. Each one will affect the flavour differently, so you should be able to find one to suit your personal taste. If you’re at all unsure, come along to one of our shops and taste-test some filtered water for yourself!

This article is for general information only and should not be treated as medical or health advice. When seeking medical or health advice, always consult a qualified professional.

[Photo by PDPics]