Cholesterol, High Cholesterol

A study examined the effects of drinking sodium-bicarbonated mineral water on cardiovascular risk among 18 young volunteers in two 8-week intervention periods. In addition to their normal diet, participants took 1 L/day control low mineral water, followed by 1 L/day bicarbonate water which was the equivalent of ¾ teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in 1 quart of water. Results indicate that dietary intake, body weight and body mass index were not significantly affected. However, systolic blood pressure decreased significantly after 4 weeks of bicarbonated water consumption, though no significant differences between Weeks 4 and 8 were demonstrated. Consumption of bicarbonated water was shown to significantly reduce total cholesterol by 6.3% and reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol by 10%. This study suggests that supplementing dietary intake with bicarbonate water may reduce cardiovascular risk. (125)