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After a study on numerous young people, scientists made a surprising discovery concerning sparkling water.
For over a month, everyone has been talking about fuel. Due to the conflict in the Middle East, the price of a barrel of oil has literally skyrocketed. As a result, every trip to the gas station is a real blow. With fuel prices above 2 euros, many are waiting for a government intervention to help them cope. However, the government’s action has not made everyone happy. But if fuel is essential in the daily lives of many professionals, there is another type of fuel that is equally important. This is brain fuel. And on this subject, scientists have made an impressive discovery.
A study with surprising results
It’s no secret that staying focused for hours is far from enjoyable. Especially if it’s in front of a screen. As the hours pass, the brain falters. Indeed, concentration weakens. From this moment on, our choices lose clarity and an invisible weariness sets in. It’s at this precise moment that one realizes they are running on empty. In an attempt to maintain the pace, many opt for coffee or energy drinks. However, these techniques are far from the most effective in these situations. Indeed, for researchers, another drink helps to revitalize the brain. A true brain fuel. This is sparkling water. To highlight the impact of this drink, researchers from the University of Tsukuba conducted studies on young adults playing video games for hours. Their results, published in Computer in Human Behavior Reports and reported by Neuroscience News, show that the brain is tired after 2 hours.
Sparkling water: an unsuspected fuel for the brain
The whole point of this study lies in an almost banal detail. Researchers compared the effects of a simple glass of flat water to very sparkling water. No cheating, no sugar, not even a drop of caffeine. Indeed, the protocol was strict, but the results are impressive. While the attention of flat water drinkers eventually fizzles out, those who chose the bubbles kept their minds sharp. Even better, their pupils, true mirrors of our cerebral activity, did not contract with fatigue. This suggests that carbonated water could stimulate the prefrontal cortex. According to researchers, this stimulation sends signals to the brainstem and then to the involved prefrontal regions. This allowed them to deduce that sparkling water acts as a sensory signal.
Neglected effects
The effect of sparkling water goes beyond the confines of the lab. It is verified on the field, controller in hand. Indeed, in the midst of a virtual match where pressure rises, players who opted for the bubbles demonstrate impressive discipline. While their level of play remains constant, it is their self-control that makes the difference. In front of the screen, they make significantly fewer mistakes. It sheds a fascinating light on mental fatigue. While many players turn to energy drinks to extend their vigilance, this experience suggests a more targeted stimulation. And what better than sparkling water to give a tired brain a boost.
