You can literally put some sparkle back in your life employing one simple, ubiquitous, zero-Calorie food item. New science claims drinking sparkling water can help reduce fatigue, enhance enjoyment, and even improve impulse control…
They tried it on computer game players, to see if the ‘rumour’ was true. And the team from the University of Tsukuba in Japan was surprised to discover it was! It seems… The carbonation has a direct effect on your brain…
Unconventional ‘proof of concept’
The researchers chose an unconvent-ional, yet still scientifically sound model for their initial ‘proof of concept’ exper-iment.
“Fifteen young adult players participat-ed, […] each completing two 3-hour ses-sions of a virtual football game while consuming either sparkling water or plain water,” the official study abstract says. “Subjective fatigue, enjoyment, and executive function were measured at [the beginning] and hourly. […] [P]upil diameter and heart rate were monitored continuously.”
What they found
“Compared to plain water, sparkling water significantly attenuated increases in subjective fatigue, enhanced enjoyment, and preserved executive function, along with preventing pupil constriction,” the abstract reports. “Heart rate, blood glucose, and salivary cortisol levels did not differ between conditions. Notably, players committed fewer in-game fouls with sparkling water, while offensive and defensive performance remained unchanged.”
The researchers say they believe the sparkling water stimulates your prefrontal cortex. That’s the pat of your brain that, “helps with attention, emotions, self-control and decision-making,” The Cleveland Clinic explains.
The takeaway
The study report digests its highlights thus:
- Sparkling water alleviates cognitive fatigue and boosts enjoyment during e-sports.
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Pupil constriction, a marker of mental fatigue, is prevented during extended gameplay.
- Players stay alert without elevations in blood glucose or cortisol during esports sessions.
- Fewer fouls occur in virtual football, with performance levels remaining unchanged.
- A caffeine- and sugar-free method supports mental stamina in modern digital life.
My take
… And I’m willing to go as far as predicting it ‘supports mental stamina in modern life’, period!
I used to drink straight Tonic Water as a thirst quencher. It worked really well! For me, at least. Sister Erin didn’t find it all that thrilling.
But I’m moved to switch from my current quaff of choice – Diet Gingerale – back to sparkling water, after reading the Tsukuba study. Even if the Japanese team’s research is only in its infancy, it can’t hurt to do something that might boost my mood and cognition… No harm, no foul?
~ Maggie J.