Drinking a glass of water before a meal is a well-known tip for anyone who wants to eat less.
But now scientists believe that swapping carbonated fizzybrew for sparkling could be even more helpful for weight loss.
Research shows that the bubbles in carbonated water can help lower blood sugar levels and speed up metabolism.
Doctors compared the process of drinking carbonated water to hemodialysis, which filters the blood to remove waste and excess water when the kidneys can no longer do so.
This process makes the blood alkaline, mainly producing carbon dioxide or CO2.
Similarly, the CO2 in carbonated water is absorbed through the stomach wall and quickly converted into bicarbonate in the red blood cells.
This speeds up glucose absorption by activating key enzymes in red blood cells, according to findings published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.
Blood sugar levels drop during this process, suggesting that carbonated water may indirectly promote weight loss by improving the absorption and use of blood sugar.
Scientists now believe that replacing carbonated water with sparkling water could be even more helpful for weight loss
Scientists say that the CO2 in carbonated water is absorbed through the stomach wall and quickly converted into bicarbonate in red blood cells
Lead author, Dr. Akira Takahashi, from the Dialysis Center, Tesseikai Neurosurgery Hospital, Japan, said the effects are small, so drinking it alone won't be enough to shed the pounds.
Dr. Takahashi said: 'Given this minimal glucose reduction, the impact of COɼ in carbonated water is not a standalone weight loss solution.
A balanced diet and regular exercise remain crucial components of sustainable weight management.”
Drinking carbonated water may have some effects on the digestive system, especially for people with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, experts warned.
They suggested that more research is needed before it can be recommended for therapeutic use.
Commenting on the analysis, Professor Sumantra Ray of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health said: 'Any potential benefits must be weighed against the potential harms of carbonated drinks that may contain sodium, glucose or other additives.'
