A recent study has revealed a natural drink that can help increase focus and alertness for hours while sitting at a desk, and is a safe alternative to coffee or energy drinks.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba in Japan conducted an experiment involving 14 amateur virtual football players for three hours (they participated in a football simulation game on a computer or simulators).
In one session, participants drank still water, and in another, they drank sparkling water. The researchers found that sparkling water was better for maintaining focus and reducing fatigue, and it also increased the enjoyment of playing virtual games.
Participants drank water at regular intervals, totaling 500 ml, either still or sparkling water chilled to 4 degrees Celsius. Their feelings of fatigue and enjoyment were measured, along with heart rate and pupil diameter as indicators of exhaustion.
The team concluded that sparkling water reduces feelings of fatigue, enhances enjoyment, and maintains mental performance compared to regular water.
The study showed that the carbon dioxide in sparkling water stimulates sensory receptors in the mouth called transient potential receptors (TRPs), which activates the brain and improves certain cognitive tasks. Participants also made fewer errors during games when drinking sparkling water, indicating better control over task performance.
Despite these findings, the study did not directly compare sparkling water to coffee or energy drinks. The researchers explained that these beverages contain caffeine and sugar, which temporarily increase focus, but excessive consumption can lead to health problems and addiction. In contrast, no health risks were associated with caffeine- and sugar-free sparkling water, making it a safer and more sustainable option.
Experts also confirmed the reason for the tingling sensation on the tongue when drinking carbonated water, which is caused by the reaction of carbon dioxide with enzymes in the sour taste buds, and not by the bursting of bubbles as was previously thought.
Dr. Nicholas Ripa, the study's author from the National Institutes of Health in the United States, explained: "The distinctive sensation of soft drinks arises from the activation of sour taste buds and the sending of signals to the brain."
