Majority opinion seems to be that soft drinks are by definition unhealthy. But could this, in fact, be a misconception?

In the United States, we have flavored carbonated drinks which we call soda pop. What gives soda pop its “fizz?” Carbonation.

The quality and different tastes of various carbonated drinks, including soft drinks, is caused by the amount of dissolved CO2 which causes carbonic acid in the drink. Click here for more carbonated water information.

Carbonation is the process that gives many soft drinks their distinctive taste. That fizzy sensation is caused by diluted carbonic acid, not, as many believe, by the bubbles.

Carbonated water, also known as sparkling water, is plain water into which CO2 gas has been dissolved, and is the major ingredient of most “soft drinks” or “soda pop”.

In the past, these drinks were produced in the home by putting water in a seltzer bottle then adding CO2. Club soda is usually identical to plain carbonated water, but it could sometimes contain a small trace of salt or other minerals. These ingredients cause a salty taste in home-made soda pop. If you add some drops of concentrated flavors, what results? Soda pop.

If it has enough minerals, the drink is called sparkling water. At allfreightfree.com you can find a large assortment of calorie-free flavors to jazz up sparkling water with great tastes. Instead of drinking so much soda pop, this might be a great option for your family.

Carbonated drinks in the form of diet soda offer a calorie-free way to make sure your family drinks plenty of water; we all know that the better the drinks taste, the more your kids drink, and the more they drink, the healthier for your family.

Members of your family playing sports will find this flavored drink helps make sure they stay properly hydrated while exercising. This has been an extremely hot summer; nevertheless, two-a-day football practices are already underway for most college and high school players. Perhaps, football mom, you could provide the team flavored carbonated drinks and make sure everyone drinks the amounts that they need and stays well hydrated.The kids will love you and perhaps the coach will too. This could be a good project for your local booster club to take on.

The extreme temperatures made it a dangerous summer even in Texas, which is used to hot summers; and has made drinking water even more important. However, we are not accustomed to 100-degrees-plus temperatures day after humid day; it is elderly people and infants who are especially vulnerable.

It is plain that not all “soda pop” is identical. Flavored carbonated drinks, then, are a good option for you and your kids, and perhaps even for your elderly neighbor. After all, are we not our brother’s keeper.