Have you ever sipped a less than pleasant tasting glass of water in the morning?

Theres reason your water tastes weird in the morning.

I typically fill it up every other day and rinse it with warm water and soap when I do.

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The water tastes stale, slightly bitter, and distinctly musty?Blechnot fun.

Carbon dioxide is converted in our bodies to carbonic acid by an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase.

Carbonic anhydrase also converts carbonic acid back to carbon dioxide.

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medical toxicologist and co-medical director of the National Capital Poison Center

Good to know: The bad taste we get from C02 exposure is unpleasant butnotdangerous to our health.

BTW, this phenomenon of carbonic acid-induced flavor changing is not unique to water.

Now, did I know this when I chose a glamorous decanter that came with a trusty lid?

red pigment in a wooden spoon

Do I now feel even better about the splurge purchase?

Keep in mind that its more common for folks to reuseand, ahem, not washwater bottles than cups.

Temperature also has effects on taste.

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Does that mean I will be getting rid of my precious decanter?

Definitely not, butcatch me continuing to wash it daily.

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medical toxicologist and co-medical director of the National Capital Poison Center

A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.