Beverages are those fluid substances that we drink for the primary reasons of satisfying thirst and maintaining our body's 65 percent water content. There are also further reasons for consuming different liquids, including body detoxification, energy stimulation, relaxation, nourishment, and merriment and celebration.
Favorite Beverages of Various Countries
United States?coffee, beer, sodas, milk, mineral water Great Britain?tea, beer China?tea Japan?tea, wine (sake) Germany? schnapps France?wine, coffee, mineral water Russia?vodka Italy?wine, coffee, mineral water Australia?beer, milk
Different people and cultures have their favorite beverages. Many of the substances we drink have the potential for addiction and may produce certain problems when consumed in excess. Alcohol and caffeine, in our culture mainly as coffee, are two commonly abused ones. Milk use can create difficulties for many adults and children because of its calorie and fat levels, lactose intolerance, or allergy. Sugared soda pops, many of them containing caffeine, have become a common addictive problem in our culture, especially in young people.
We all need to consume liquids to maintain life. It is best for as much as possible of our liquid intake to be water and for the other beverages to be used only as special treats. In this way, along with a diet containing our essential nutrients, we will more easily provide our body and cells with what they need rather than make it harder for our digestive and other systems to obtain the replenishment they require.
Water
Water has been discussed rather thoroughly in the beginning of this book. Ideally, we should consume about six to eight glasses of water daily with average activity and a fairly balanced diet, consuming a fair portion of water-content fruits and vegetables. If we are more active and sweat, or if we con-sume a higher portion of richer or fattier foods, we usually need more water.
The water that I believe is best for us is not city-processed tap water but well water, spring water, or home-purified water. Any water can be checked for basic minerals, toxic minerals, or chemical contamination. This is suggested when there is any concern about the water that we use for regular consumption.