The popular conception is that "soda pop" is, by definition, unhealthy. But could this be a popular myth?

In the United States, we call our favorite flavored carbonated drinks soda pop. It's the carbonation process that makes soda pop "fizz.".

The amount of dissolved CO2 causes carbonic acid in drinks, and this directly affects the quality and different tastes of various carbonated drinks, including soda pops and soft drinks.  Click here for more carbonated water information.

In many soft drinks, carbonation is the component which gives these drinks their distinctive taste. Diluted carbonic acid is what causes the fizzy taste, not the bubbles.

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

In the past,  such drinks were produced at home by putting water in a seltzer bottle, and then adding CO2. Club soda, identical to plain carbonated water, may contain a small pinch of salt or trace minerals. These cause the salty taste of home-made soda pop.  Now add some drops of concentrated flavors and you have good old soda pop.

With enough mineral content, the drink is called sparkling water. At allfreightfree you can buy a large assortment of calorie-free flavors to jazz up sparkling water with great tastes. Instead of drinking so much soda pop, this could be a great option for your family.

Carbonated drinks made into soda pop can be a calorie free way to make sure your family drinks plenty of water as we all know that the better the drinks taste, the more your kids will drink and the more they drink, the healthier it is for your family.

If anyone in your family is an athlete, this flavored drink will also make sure they stay properly hydrated while exercising. This has been an extremely hot summer; nevertheless, for most college and high school players two-a-day football practices are already underway. Football mom, you might consider providing the team with flavored carbonated drinks; make sure everyone drinks appropriate amounts to stay well-hydrated. The kids will love you;  maybe even the coach will love you. This could be a good project for the local booster club to take on.

The oppressive summer heat has made drinking water extremely important – in fact,  it has made it a dangerous summer even for Texas which is used to hot summers. Most people, however, are not accustomed to day after humid day of 100-degrees-plus temperatures;  infants and the elderly are especially vulnerable.

It is plain that not all carbonated drinks are identical.  So, you and your family might find flavored carbonated drinks to be a good option;  maybe your elderly neighbor might, too. We must accept our responsibility as our brothers' keepers.