Carbonation itself does not directly harden arteries, but excessive consumption of sugary carbonated drinks may contribute to heart disease risk factors.
Many people worry that carbonated drinks might harm their health, especially their arteries. Some think the bubbles in sparkling water could lead to hardened arteries. But what does science say about this? Let’s look at the facts.
What Science Says About Carbonation and Arteries
Research shows no direct link between carbonated water and hardened arteries. A study from Tufts University examined 2,500 adults and found no connection between non-cola carbonated drinks and bone loss or artery problems. The real concern comes from sugary sodas, not the carbonation itself.
How Carbonation Actually Affects Your Body
When you drink sparkling water:
- Carbon dioxide gas creates bubbles
- Your stomach absorbs some gas
- Most gas gets released through burping
- No harmful effects on blood vessels occur
A 2022 study in Experimental Physiology found cold carbonated water actually increased blood flow to the brain without harming arteries. Participants showed better mood and alertness after drinking it.
What Really Causes Hardened Arteries
Artery hardening (atherosclerosis) comes from:
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | Damages artery walls |
| High cholesterol | Builds plaque in arteries |
| Smoking | Reduces oxygen in blood |
| Diabetes | Increases inflammation |
Carbonated water doesn’t appear on this list because it doesn’t contribute to these risk factors. For better heart health, consider using a cold press juicer to make fresh vegetable juices instead of sugary drinks.
The Cola Exception
While plain carbonated water is safe, cola drinks may pose risks. The Tufts study found women who drank cola daily had lower bone density. This appears linked to phosphoric acid in colas, not the carbonation. The caffeine in colas may also affect calcium absorption.
Benefits of Carbonated Water
Sparkling water offers several advantages:
- Helps with hydration
- Contains no sugar or calories
- May improve digestion
- Can satisfy soda cravings
A 2024 study in Experimental Physiology showed carbonated water helped with low blood pressure after exercise in heat. Participants reported better mood and less sleepiness compared to flat water drinkers.
Making Healthy Choices
For those wanting to cut back on soda, try:
- Plain sparkling water with lemon
- Homemade fruit-infused waters
- Fresh juices from a vegetable juicer
- Herbal iced teas
The Harvard Health Publishing confirms carbonated water doesn’t harm bones when it doesn’t contain phosphoric acid. Similarly, it doesn’t affect artery health.
Myths vs Facts About Carbonation
Let’s clear up common misconceptions:
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Carbonation leaches calcium from bones | Only true for drinks with phosphoric acid |
| Sparkling water causes IBS | May bother some individuals but doesn’t cause IBS |
| Bubbles make you gain weight | Only if the drink contains sugar or sweeteners |
According to research published in PubMed, carbonated water actually showed benefits for blood flow and mood without negative effects on arteries or bones.
When Carbonation Might Be a Problem
While generally safe, carbonated drinks may cause issues for people with:
- Severe acid reflux
- Certain digestive disorders
- Extreme sensitivity to bloating
For most people, enjoying sparkling water in moderation poses no risk to artery health. The key is choosing unsweetened varieties and maintaining an overall balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
