Popular opinion is that soft drinks are by definition unhealthy. But could this, in fact, be a popular misconception?

In the America, we call our favorite flavored carbonated drinks soda pop. The carbonation process is what puts the "fizz" in soda pop. 

The quality of carbonate drinks including soft drinks and the different taste of both are 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 taste 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 predominant ingredient of most "soft drinks".

In the past, these drinks were made at home by putting water in a seltzer bottle and adding CO2. Club soda, identical to plain carbonated water, may contain a small trace of salt or other minerals. These ingredients cause a salty taste in home-made soda pop. Want some good old soda pop? Just add some drops of concentrated flavors.

With enough mineral content, the drink is called sparkling water. A big variety of calorie-free flavors to flavor sparkling water with great tastes is sold at allfreightfree.com. Instead of drinking so much soda pop, this might 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; after all, we all know that the better drinks taste, the more kids will drink, and the more your kids drink, the healthier it is for your family.

If anyone in your family competes in a sport, this flavored drink will also make sure they stay properly hydrated while exercising. This has been an extremely hot summer; but heat or no heat, most colleges and high schools have begun two-a-day football practices. 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; possibly the coach will, too. Maybe this would be a fun project for your football 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 more important than ever. But we are not accustomed to day after day of 100-degrees-plus temperatures with high humidity; little infants and the elderly are especially vulnerable.

It is evident that not all "soda pop" is identical. So, flavored carbonated drinks could be a good option for you and your kids, and maybe even for your elderly neighbor. After all, are we not our brother's keeper.

Tags: Health, soft drinks, soda pop, carbonated water, carbonated drinks