Is LaCroix Sparkling Water Bad For You?
Short answer
By itself, LaCroix sparkling water is not bad for you. However, there are some controversial yet noteworthy side effects of carbonated water and a certain concern towards LaCroix’s aluminum cans.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Amazingly enough, this beverage has only two listed ingredients: carbonated water and natural flavor. They use absolutely no artificial flavors, no sweeteners or salts and they are a 0 calorie drink. Even most of their competitors can’t beat that. But still, some are skeptical that this drink is too good to be true.
One disappointment is that LaCroix’s aluminum cans are not bisphenol A (BPA) free, which they admit on their website. BPA is an industrial chemical that is coated on the inside most metal cans for food and drinks. Although more research is needed to determine the harmful side effects of this chemical, we should try to avoid buying products that contain BPA. The FDA has expressed their concern for potential effects on behavior, the brain, prostate glands in fetuses, infants, and young children.
Fortunately, LaCroix sells their sparkling water in BPA-free glass bottles, but currently only in areas of Wisconsin and Illinois.
The other worry consumers have is about the carbonated water. Some say that carbonated water causes tooth decay, calcium loss in bones, IBS, and weight gain. Let’s examine the facts and research.
Sparkling water (bubbly, fizzy water) is produced when adding in pressurized carbon dioxide. This forms a weak carbonic acid. When combined with acidic flavorings such as lemon, sparkling water may be corrosive to tooth enamel, over a long period of time.
Soda, however, is a far more damaging fizzy drink than LaCroix, and not only for its acidity. Sodas contain phosphorus, which unlike sparkling water, can decrease the amount of calcium in the body via the kidneys.
Sparkling water is not a cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but if you experience discomfort such as bloating and gas, it’s best not to drink it.
What are the benefits of carbonation? A study was conducted with patients that had periodic constipation or dyspepsia, and after 15 days of drinking sparkling water, their conditions improved. Fizzy water also makes you feel fuller, which can help prevent overeating.
Possible short-term side effects
- hiccups
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indigestion
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bloating
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gas
Possible long-term side effects
- decay of tooth enamel
-
defects in children
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damage to the brain
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other side effects resulting from bpa consumption
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- hydration
-
feeling of fullness
Healthier alternatives
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