When it comes to the advantages of water over soda, it's clear that water is the superior choice. But commercials for so-called diet and natural sodas can blur the line over how much soda is acceptable when it affects your health and your pocketbook. By understanding the key differences between water and soda as daily beverages, you can make a more educated choice when you hydrate your body. In some cases, certain types of water may not be so beneficial.
Monetary Costs
A peek inside your grocer's drink case may prove that there's often not much of a difference between bottled water and bottled soda. Both can be anywhere between $1 and $2, as of time of publication. Because of packaging, advertising and brand name products, purchasing one bottled water per day will likely be the same as purchasing one bottled soda per day, around $550 per year. However, swap that bottled water for an aluminum water bottle and a water filtration product for the home, and you'll save around $500 after paying for the filtration jug and water bottles for your family.
Health Costs
The health cost differences between water and soda are what make water the clear winner. While soda is likely fine in moderation, too often it's used as a water substitute. Drinking soda on a daily basis for a year exposes your teeth to sugary syrup which can cause deterioration and can add pounds to your waistline. Water is naturally calorie free, and most treated water contains fluoride for stronger teeth, a stark difference to soda. Even diet sodas can cause health issues, since they contain artificial sweeteners which can confuse your brain's response to sweetness, resulting in overeating. Water is by far the healthier choice when it comes to the cost of your health.
Bottle Vs. Tap
Just because water is a better choice over soda doesn't mean water is always the healthiest choice in general for your waistline and your wallet. Pricey bottled waters can add up when you purchase them on a regular basis. Buying your own BPA-free bottles is the cheapest way to go. Healthwise, so-called health or vitamin waters often promise benefits like extra energy, immunity boosts and better focus, but they do so with artificial ingredients, colors and often the same price and caloric content as soda. Plain water is always best.
Alternatives
Even though water is best for your health and your pocketbook, you may miss the taste and sweetness of your favorite soda. By adding flavoring to your water, you can get the flavor and consistency of your favorite soda without the calories and artificial ingredients. For instance, adding a splash of seltzer to your water can add fizz and a squeeze of lemon or lime adds flavor. If you're having trouble weaning yourself from a soda habit, try adding flavor packets to your water, which are often low-calorie options. Still, plain, filtered tap water is best when choosing your daily beverage.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Diet Soda: Is It Bad for You?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; Nov. 14, 2009
- Wisconsin Dental Association; Soda vs. Water: It's Your Choice; Nov. 24, 2010
- KidsHealth; Why Drinking Water Is the Way to Go; February 2009
- CNN Money; Bottled Water: No Longer Cool?; Marc Gunther; Apr. 25, 2007
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