A drink is a fluid designed for personal consumption. This fluid has been used for centuries across many cultures. In addition to their primary function of satisfying thirst, beverages also play various roles in society. Common varieties of beverages include juice, milk, soda and water. Historically, warm beverages such as tea, coffee and hot chocolate were consumed during long journeys. Nowadays, these beverages are often used as refreshments during the day.
Although fruit juices may seem more natural than other drinks, the chemical composition of many fruits make them difficult to digest. Ingesting them can cause unpleasant side effects such as headaches, nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, individuals with certain medical conditions should exercise caution when selecting a beverage. For example, individuals with kidney disease should avoid soft drinks because they often contain large amounts of sugar. Individuals with high blood pressure and pregnant women should also be cautious about the amount of sodium contained in certain fruit juices.
There are several differences between a standard drink and a mixed drink. Standard drinks typically contain at least one alcoholic beverage, such as beer, wine or spirits. Mixed drinks consist of one or more fruits, vegetables, nuts or an ingredient that serves as a sweetener. Popular mixed drinks include peach nectar, frozen yogurt and sherbet, among others.
The nutritional value of mixed drinks varies significantly. Though some fruits and vegetables are considered to be healthy alternatives to alcohol, individuals with high blood pressure or diabetes should exercise caution when consuming sugary drinks. Moreover, individuals who consume high volumes of alcohol on a regular basis should consider reducing their consumption of soft drinks altogether. This is because they tend to contain higher levels of calories and additional health risks such as weight gain and increased risk of tooth decay.
An ounce of liquor contains approximately five calories and is easy to obtain. Thus, the beverage does not require any calorie counting in order to be considered to be low in calories. Beer, which is the most popular type of alcoholic drink, has only two calories per ounce and is a better option than diet soft drinks, which have approximately zero calories. However, an ounce of hard liquor contains approximately nine calories, while diet sodas contain only three calories per ounce.
Most individuals enjoy a cold beverage during the day. Many individuals choose to drink coffee or tea throughout the day. However, drinking a beverage that has a low to moderate alcohol content can significantly improve a person’s energy levels. An ounce of wine contains approximately two calories per ounce and should be consumed with food. Red wines contain high levels of antioxidants and therefore are a better choice than other types of alcoholic drinks when mixed with food.