PCan it really play a role in weight and metabolism management? THE’sparkling water returns to the spotlight after a Japanese study published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health and the comment of Matteo Bassetti, Full Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Genoa e director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, which invites us to overcome both excessive enthusiasm and demonization. The message is clear: no miracles, but some possible benefitif included in a healthy lifestyle.
What the study says
The research, signed by the Japanese researcher Akira Takahashihypothesizes a link between the carbon dioxide contained in sparkling water and some metabolic mechanisms linked to glucose. The idea comes from the observation of what happens in dialysis processes, where the CO₂ present in the circuits affects some metabolic exchanges. Applied to carbonated water, the effect would be much lighterbut theoretically possible. «We are talking about modest variations, not clinically revolutionary results», clarifies Bassetti. «The water sparkling wine doesn’t make you lose weight on its own, but it can make a small contribution.”
Matteo Bassetti: seven good reasons to choose sparkling water
According to Bassetti, the true value of sparkling water lies above all in the behavior it encourages. That’s why it can be a smart choice.
1. Helps you drink more
If bubbles make water more pleasant, they also increase daily hydration. And drinking enough remains one of the pillars of health.
2. Increases the feeling of satiety
«The bubbles distend the stomach and increase the feeling of fullness», explains the infectious disease specialist. Drinking sparkling water before meals may help some people eat less.
3. It can support glucose metabolism
The effect is mild, but interesting from a scientific point of view, especially if placed in a context of balanced nutrition.
4. Avoid sugary drinks
Here the benefit is concrete. «There’s no difference between a soda full of sugar and a sparkling water», underlines Bassetti. Even “zero” drinks are not the ideal solution for metabolic and dental health.
5. It can aid digestion
In some people, carbon dioxide stimulates intestinal motility, with a possible positive effect on digestion.
6. It does not add calories
«Putting bubbles in water is a way to make something simple more interesting, without adding calories», observes the expert.
7. It’s a sustainable choice
With a domestic carbonator you can use tap water, often of excellent quality in Italian cities. You save money, reduce plastic and make a greener choice.
When is it better to be careful
Sparkling water is not for everyone. Who suffers from gastroesophageal reflux, ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome should limit it, because it can make symptoms worse.
A small health ally
«Let’s start from a fixed point», he concludes Matteo Bassetti. «Sparkling water is not a magic wand. But if it helps you drink more and say goodbye to sugary drinks, then it becomes a small ally for your health.”
In a landscape dominated by complex solutions and food fads, the advice is surprisingly simple: drinking water, even with bubbles, can already be a good choice.
Who is Matteo Bassetti
Professor Matteo Bassetti (Courtesy Unige)
Matteo Bassetti he is one of the best-known Italian infectious disease specialists. Full professor of infectious diseases at the University of Genoa, he is director of Infectious Diseases Clinic of the San Martino Polyclinic Hospital. For years he has been involved in clinical research, in the management of complex infections and in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
Alongside his hospital and academic activity, Bassetti carries out an intense activity in scientific disseminationwith the aim of making topics related to health, prevention and lifestyle accessible to the general public. An approach that combines scientific rigor and common sense, far from both alarmism and miraculous simplifications.
