What Is the Composition of Tonic Water?
Like its name, tonic water does not mean only water but is rather a much bitter commercial version comprising its primary component quinine, which is found as a natural substance obtained from the tree bark of the Peruvian cinchona tree- located in the Andes mountains. Most of the tonic water brands that one comes across in markets definitely comprise quinine, however, the amount used of this substance may vary from one brand to another. Also, most of the tonic water brands incorporate some natural or artificial flavors derived from fruits or herbs. This is done in order to tame or temper the bitter flavors of quinine. Whether individuals use tonic water or sparkling water, one would ideally want to keep the bottled waters tightly capped. It should also be refrigerated well or chilled so that the carbonation of the drink is maintained and it can be ready for immediate consumption.
What Are the Nutritional Facts of Tonic Water?
The following nutrition information as enlisted by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) for a 12.69-ounce serving of tonic water is as follows:
Carbohydrates: 1.06 ounces.
Fiber: 0 ounces.
Sugars: 1.06 ounces.
Protein: 0 ounces.
Fat: 0 ounces.
Sodium: 0.0014 ounces.
Total Calories: 114 calories.
In spite of the zero fat content and moderate carb content which is around 30 carbs per 12-ounce serving, it is indeed surprising that this drink has high amounts of calories which is almost around 114 calories per single bottle which makes it an exclusion from all low-calorie health diets. Sparkling water or mineral water are pure versions of plain water that have fewer calories and are preferable for daily consumption according to nutrition experts across the globe. Also because these waters usually have sweeteners incorporated in them, that is the added sugars or fruit essence as well additionally to tame the bitter flavour of quinine, these are not deemed as such beneficial either to the diabetic or prediabetic individuals as well. Most tonic water brands in fact contain the ingredient or a high amount of fructose corn syrup, cake sugar, or plain sugar in their ingredient list. When one purchases tonic water, one can read the back or the nutrition or product label to see the type of sweetener added to it, especially if one wants to avoid fructose corn syrup, and if looking to cut back on extra sugars.
The detrimental impact additionally on health, when an alcoholic component or ingredient is added into tonic water, such as a gin and tonic cocktail combo, the calorie count can increase tremendously by almost 200 calories or more even for a single serving. According to recommendations by nutrition experts, it is always advisable to cut back on the extra calories that are yielded from sources that are low in fiber and high in added sugars or sweetener agents to avoid the risk of central obesity or even developing type 2 diabetes. Tonic water can also be a higher source of sodium, which usually depends on the variety one chooses to buy and the amount consumed.
According to the recommendation by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), it is ideal for healthy adults to keep sodium intake to a maximum of 0.0529 ounces per day. Individuals exceeding these amounts in a single day are prone to developing high blood pressure or cardiovascular diseases as per documented case reports.
Though quinine is the key ingredient used for manufacturing tonic water, it has a health benefit or a compound primarily known to treat malaria. This substance is FDA (Food and Drug Administration)-approved only in specific doses for treating this disease. Also, one is unlikely to get the medicinal benefit of this substance much because the amount of quinine in tonic water is much lesser or lower than the dosage normally prescribed by healthcare providers for medicinal purposes such as in antimalarial treatments.
What Are the Possible Detrimental Impacts and Interactions of Tonic Water?
Though many consumers have tried using quinine for the treatment of leg cramps, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the United States) still warns that off-label use of the quinine compound or drug may not be recommended for systemic health purposes and may cause more harm than good.
Many individuals consuming alcoholic drinks more often or regularly, use tonic water as an add-on to their drink to relieve their stress. For example, tonic water may be used as a stress buster for such individuals as an add-in to popular drinks like gin or tonic cocktails. Nutritionists and dieticians across the globe always ideally recommend that alcohol in moderation as well may possibly be harmful to systemic health with regular consumption of higher amounts of alcohol causing a detrimental impact on the hepatic system or liver, this may be possibly another harmful impact because tonic water that is high on sugar or sodium and when combined with alcoholic beverages may aggravate the negative impact.
Though many individuals consider drinking tonic water to be the best choice of hydration throughout the day, one should still note that any beverage that is high in both sugar and calories (in stark contrast to drinking water that has zero sugar and calories) is not a better choice for systemic health. Instead, one can prefer or opt for sparkling or mineral water that is significantly lower in calorie content.
Quinine allergies are quite possible in many individuals and hence allergic reactions to tonic water consumption are possible in predisposing individuals. Though the case reports are extremely low of such allergies, severe allergies causing thrombocytopenia (a blood cell disorder), hematological disorders like neutropenia or lowered Neutrophil count, blood cell anemias, blood clotting disorders, neurologic abnormalities, neurocognitive diseases, acute renal failure, liver toxicity and many more may be severe cases of allergies noted through medical research.
Conclusion
To conclude, tonic water is a low-dose quinine-containing water source that may not yield any systemic or medicinal benefits linked to this compound and is also high in added sugars along with sodium- as per the brand you purchase. It is always important to be aware to cut back on added sugars to sustain a healthy metabolism and weight. It is important to make informed choices when it comes to beverage consumption and to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with excessive tonic water consumption. As with any food or drink, moderation and balance are key, and individuals with specific health concerns or dietary restrictions should consult with healthcare professionals for tailored guidance. Ultimately, maintaining a well-balanced diet and lifestyle is essential for promoting overall health and well-being.
