Is SodaStream Really Healthier Than Soda?

by Loren Quimbo January 22, 2021

In 1767, Joseph Priestly figured out he can infuse carbon dioxide with water, thus creating the first carbonated beverage. Many believe that sodas can cure illnesses during that time, and doctors began prescribing the drink to patients as medicine.

In 1876, root beer was created, and soda finally became a drink option for the masses. SodaStream soda maker started gaining popularity around the 1970s to 1980s, creating a worldwide home carbonation trend.

Is sparkling water a better option than soda? SodaStream is a good alternative to regular soda, but it still depends on your self-control and how often you drink. Whether it’s store-bought or homemade soda infused with other ingredients, you’ll still feel sluggish and gain weight if you consume too much.

Soda Vs. SodaStream

Soda

The sweet tickles of soda bubbles on your lips is always an enticing feeling. Unfortunately, this sugary drink has been associated with many health problems, such as:

  • Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease and Dementia

With the high levels of sugar contained in one bottle of soft drinks, It’s no surprise that gaining weight has become the main issue with sodas everywhere. Simple sugars do not lower ghrelin, the hunger hormone, making you end up drinking and eating more than you should.

Sodas are also known to increase your blood sugar level. They can cause some complications like insulin-resistant diabetes, increase the chances of heart disease, and increase the risk of dementia.

  • Addiction

Sugar has a hold on your brain’s reward system. It’s been shown that the more you drink soft drinks, the more dopamine (the feel-good hormone) is released. As humans, it’s only natural for us to look for dopamine. With that being said, it’s no wonder these fizzy drinks are so addicting.

  • Cancer

Studies have linked soda consumption with cancer; it shows people who consume more sugary drinks are likely to develop pancreatic cancer. The pancreas releases enzymes to help breakdown sugars and fat. If it’s overworked all the time, it might cause some problems in the long run.

  • Dental Cavities

And what’s sugar without some cavities? Not only is soda a sugary drink but an acidic one too. With the acidity weakening your teeth combined with the sugar feeding the bad bacteria, you’ll start having more trips to the dentist before you know it.

SodaStream Sparkling Water Maker

With all the complications and problems mentioned about soda, it would make sense that SodaStream would be the healthier option, right? Well, not exactly...

  • False Sense of Security

Since you are making your own bubbly concoction, it would be understandable that you feel safe considering you know what’s going in your drink. As mere mortals, we often seek pleasure in pretty much anything and add extra to the stuff we like, such as food and drinks.

Having full control of the ingredients isn’t necessarily good because some people tend to add more sugar or fruit juice to their drinks than they should.

  • Habitual Consumption

Even if you make a drink with less sugar, we often find ourselves drinking more than usual. When we have easy access to food and drinks, we habitually consume them in excess. You’ll start to notice you’re frequently drinking the same drink you made this morning without even giving it a second thought.

Just because it has less sugar doesn’t mean you should drink more of it. Discipline is a skill that’s thought, so be mindful and ask yourself, is this my third bottle of soda this morning?

  • Going Overboard

Fruits are also high in sugar, and just like any other food, too much of it can be bad for you. It isn’t easy to consume whole fruits independently, but fruit juice extract is a different story.

Most people believe that consuming more fruity drinks with a little bit of sugar is good, but sugar is an addicting substance, and too much of it can make you sick. So don’t go overboard with your ingredients and follow the measurements in the recipes.

SodaStream Healthy Recipes

Sparkling Lemonade

What You’ll Need

  • 8 oz. Sparkling water
  • 1tbsp Lemon syrup
  • 1 Lemon (sliced)
  • Lemon basil leaves

Steps to Make

  1. Add lemon syrup to your sparkling water for taste. Lemon is high in vitamin C and is associated with weight loss.
  2. Garnish it with basil leaves and your lemon slices for that little extra finish. Lemon basil is a good source of vitamin K and can add a touch of sweetness to the drink.

Strawberry Kiwi Soda

What You’ll Need

  • 8 oz. Sparkling water
  • 1tbsp Strawberry syrup
  • 1 tbsp kiwi syrup
  • Frozen strawberries
  • 1 Kiwi (sliced)

Steps to Make

  1. Add strawberry syrup and kiwi syrup to your sparkling water and mix. Strawberries help lower high blood pressure, and kiwis aid with proper digestion.
  2. Garnish it with frozen strawberries and kiwi slices. Not only will they add flavor to your drink, but the frozen strawberries can keep your drink cool.

Natural Orange Soda

What You’ll Need

  • 8 oz. Sparkling water
  • ¼ cup Freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Orange slices

Steps to Make

  1. Mix in orange juice with your sparkling water. Oranges help control blood sugar levels.
  2. Garnish with orange slices for presentation.

Apple-ginger Soda

What You’ll Need

Steps to Make

  1. Add apple-ginger syrup to your sparkling water. Apple lowers the risk of diabetes, and ginger keeps oral bacteria from growing.
  2. Garnish your drink with apple slices for some extra natural sweetness.

Conclusion

SodaStream not only gives you full control of your sugar levels, but you can also make fun daily recipes with it. This soda maker is also eco-friendly since you can reuse your SodaStream bottles at the end of the day.

Don’t forget that you are in charge of your health and taking everything in moderation is important. Remember this saying, “even nectar is poison if taken in excess”.

What healthy SodaStream recipe would you like to try? Let us know in the comments below.

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