Hydration is a crucial part of human life. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the optimal intake is about 2.7 to 3.7 liters a day.

Now, you might know some people who stock up on sparkling water in their homes, while others have still water instead. But the question is, how exactly do they differ?

Keep reading as we walk you through how sparkling and still water vary despite their several common features.

The Structure

Right off the bat, there’s one thing that sets sparkling and still water apart: their structure. Still water is the result of treating and filtering water of impurities without any further additions. Simply put, it’s plain and flat water, but clean for consumption purposes.

On the other hand, sparkling water is artificially carbonated, so it has bubbles and a more frothy texture. Because of this, lots of people tend to mistake it for soda. However, it usually contains healthier ingredients, like real fruit extracts.

Hydration Level

When it comes to hydration, sparkling and still water have no difference. They can both effectively keep your body hydrated and cool you off during hotter days.

The presence of carbonation doesn’t change the level of hydration sparkling water can offer. However, some people claim that this helps it feel more refreshing.

Calorie Count

In general, water has a calorie count of zero. This applies to both sparkling and still water. Because of this, sparkling water is a common alternative to sweet drinks among people who want to drink sugary beverages less.

Moreover, both options are a great way to keep your body feeling filled, especially if you’re working on weight management and controlling your calorie intake.

Variety

When it comes to variety, sparkling water has more to offer because it works well when flavored. You can find several flavored sparkling water options at grocery stores, but you can also make them yourself.

To make it, you can infuse them with fresh produce and natural sweeteners. Because of this, it can work as a great alternative to sugary drinks that contain more artificial content.

Note that you can also infuse still water with fruits, but the nature of the drink limits your options. A few common recipes include citrus options, like lime or lemon water.

Health Benefits

Still water is said to be healthier among the two because of its natural properties. So, it can cleanse your body better than other drinks. It also regulates your body temperature and lubricates and protects your body’s systems.

While sparkling water offers more benefits than the regular carbonated drink, it may cause irritation due to carbonation. Additionally, although it’s less acidic, it can affect your dental health in the long run without proper care or with overconsumption.

Learn About How Sparkling and Still Water Differ

There’s not much difference between sparkling and still water when it comes to their ability to hydrate. But when it comes to health benefits, they tend to vary. Even so, they’re an important addition to your daily life, so it’s best to consider stocking up on both every once in a while.