Every resident of the country consumes approximately 30 gallons of bottled water. Coincidentally, the US government is involved in the regulation of both bottled and tap water. While the former is overseen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the latter is governed by the standards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The purpose is to ensure that the drinking water we consume is chemical-free. Understanding the key difference between the two can help save expenses and the health of the family. Bottled Water vs. Tap Water – Which is Better?  Tap Water Nearly 92 percent of tap water that originates from lakes, rivers, reservoirs, deep wells, or any other portion of the municipal water system, according to the EPA, is safe to drink. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) make the same argument. Before entering our homes and workplaces, the water has been treated. However, there have been instances where in certain places, local tap water has been discovered to be contaminated and dangerous to drink. For example, Pittsburg residents were advised to boil their water before drinking it in 2017 because the water had a parasite that could cause diarrhea. What is good and bad in tap water? Good Both bottled and tap water essentially have the same taste. However, the age and kind of the water pipe system affect how the tap water tastes. Tap water is relatively cheaper – you simply need to refill a reusable bottle and consume the same day after day. In hotels and restaurants as well, tap water is free of cost. Tap water has a significantly smaller total environmental impact than bottled water. Chemicals are used to treat the water before distributing it to homes and offices, so there is some level of influence. After drinking water, you should also wash the glass, cup, or bottle. However, these effects are considerably reduced due to the absence of plastic containers in this scenario. EPA has quite a few stringent rules regulating tap water. As a result, municipal water in the US is considered to be one of the safest in the world. Bad Tap water may contain chlorine and some fluorides. Bottled water As mentioned, the FDA regulates the requirements for the processing and packaging of bottled water. The source of water is natural springs, artesian well water, mineral water, well water, as well as municipal water systems. This kind of water goes through an extensive purification system and is then packaged to be sold through retail stores. What is good and bad? Good Packaged drinking water does not contain chlorine; in most cases, it does not include any fluorides either. It is treated with specific flavors and minerals, which gives it a distinctive and special taste.  Packaged water is a practical option when traveling or spending time outdoors because it is typically accessible in all locations like supermarkets and other stores. Bad Bottled water  is about 1000 times more expensive than tap water. For example, while 1 gallon of tap water in the US costs about $0.05, a packaged bottle of water costs about $9.47. FDA rules are comparatively less stringent than the EPA’s for regulating packaged water. FDA regulations govern quality control, sampling and testing, purification processes, bottling, storage, and transport processes. However, the packaged water may still contain microplastics even after this. These substances can cause inflammation, interfere with the body’s endocrine system, and have a negative impact on vital organs like the kidneys, liver, and intestines. One of the most serious drawbacks of packaged drinking water is its environmental impact. The carbon footprint due to all the processes like refrigeration, transportation, and the use of plastic is immensely high. With the bottles choking landfills and the extensive use of energy resources, sustainability is a big question mark. Choosing between the two – which is better? Both bottled water and tap water are safe for consumption. However, considering the above pros and cons, tap water is a better, cheaper, and a much more eco-friendly alternative compared to the water available in plastic bottles. To top it off, tap water can be easily filtered and made safer using water filters or purifiers at home and in the office. Before choosing either, it is best to consider the local conditions. If your municipally supplied water is usually contaminated and the risk of water-borne diseases is high in your region, consider going in for bottled water. Also, if you are suffering from certain conditions, you may be asked by your doctor to drink packaged water.

We have a coffee addiction that shows no signs of abating anytime soon. You probably already have a favorite coffee drink, whether you get it at Starbucks or prepare it at home. Apart from coffee, our tea culture has also long been perpetuated, leading to the emergence of numerous tea traditions. Anyone will be inspired by our list of famous coffee & tea beverages to brew at home or purchase at your local café. Espresso Not just in the country, espresso is by far the most consumed and popular coffee & tea beverage in the world. A single or double shot of espresso is frequently enjoyed on its own, especially as an after-dinner beverage. Espresso is made in a pressure machine by forcing near-boiling water through packed, finely ground, carefully roasted coffee beans. A single or double shot of highly caffeinated espresso with a coating of crema is produced by the espresso brewing process. Americano An Americano is a popular coffee & tea beverage that combines water with espresso. For an Americano, the proper water-to-espresso ratio is commonly 1/3 espresso to 2/3 water, while some individuals like equal portions of both. Americanos are generally served without milk, but you can add it or have it done for you by the barista. Cappuccino The cappuccino is an espresso-based coffee drink that is popular among coffee & tea enthusiasts worldwide. It is topped with a thick coating of luscious microfoam, resulting in an airy, decadent, and oh-so-delicious drink. A cappuccino is made by combining 1/3 espresso with 1/3 heated milk and topped with 1/3 milk foam. It may be personalized by adding syrups, cocoa powder, spices, or even foaming cream instead of milk for an even more decadent drink. Latte Another espresso-based beverage that is hugely popular in the country is the latte. The Italian term “latte” literally translates to “coffee with milk.” The difference between a latte and a cappuccino is that the latte has more steaming milk and less microfoam. For individuals who don’t want something particularly potent or aggressive, lattes are a decent option for coffee & tea lovers. The caffeine concentration of the beverage is also lower than that of plain espresso or coffee since it has been diluted with steamed milk. For a latte, the proper espresso to milk ratio is 1/3 espresso to 2/3 steamed milk, with a thin coating of milk foam. The type of milk or milk substitute used to make lattes is entirely up to you. Frappuccino/Frappe The names frappe and Frappuccino are used to refer to a common frozen coffee shop beverage that may or may not include coffee. The phrase “frappuccino” is only used by Starbucks, although “frappe” is used by people worldwide. There are hundreds of frappe variations, including caramel and fruit flavors to coffee & tea. Every coffee shop has a different method for making these beverages, so it’s interesting to experiment and find what you prefer. Typically, these drinks are mixed in a blender with ice. Earl Grey Tea A flavorful tea that is distinctly British but loved by Americans as well is earl grey tea. The oil from the rind of the Bergamot orange is used to flavor the black tea base. Each person who enjoys tea will have a magnificent experience thanks to the exquisite blending of the two tastes. Due to the smooth and flavorful black tea leaves used as its basis, Earl Grey tea is delightful and excellent. English Breakfast Tea The English breakfast tea is a traditional favorite popular in many homes worldwide. This powerful, thick black tea mix pairs wonderfully with some honey and milk. This tea helps you get through your hectic work and home schedule and makes the perfect morning beverage! Strong Green Tea Hyson and Gunpowder, two of the most-liked green teas, are particularly well-liked in blends, hot tea beverages, and iced teas. Due to their robust flavor, which pairs well with many seasonings, it forms an excellent tea foundation. Green tea is also an excellent health enhancer since it contains flavonoids and antioxidants. Black Lemon Tea The Russian tea described in the Boston Cookbook from the late 19th century is highly similar to the lemon iced tea we have today. The natural lemon taste is typically greater in home-brewed teas. They may also contain broken loose leaf black tea or tea bags and lemon juice. Peach Tea Peaches, apart from lemons, are the most preferred tea taste, whether green, black, or even oolong. Peach iced teas sold in stores could include flavorings and no actual fruit. Use real peaches for a fantastic homemade peach iced tea. Regardless of the day, everyone like their coffee & tea. The most popular ones are discussed in this list. Haven’t heard of a beverage on this list? You’ll have to try these to know why they’re so popular.

When you think about beverages, you probably come up with a list of fizzy drinks that are available in the market. Due to the high calorie and sugar content of most beverages, many health-conscious people try to avoid everything that comes under this category of drinks. However, you need to know there are many healthy options when it comes to choosing a beverage to keep yourself hydrated. Whether you go out with friends or you are at home or looking around the supermarket aisle, you can opt for healthy beverages instead of coming back empty-handed or just ordering water. Here are five healthy options for you. In addition to helping you be at peace with your diet plan, these will also give you other benefits! Green tea : This is one of the healthiest beverage you can find. Rich with antioxidants, green tea reduces cholesterol and improves blood flow. Green tea is a smart choice for a beverage. You can have it the usual way, by brewing it or you can also ask for iced green tea. It tastes as good as your regular iced tea and is healthier. Ginger tea : Ginger is a favorite of ancient medical science. Its health benefits are so extensive that it is the most common ingredient in almost all natural home remedies. Ginger tea is quite simple to make. Just soak two tiny slices of ginger in warm water and add honey to sweeten it. Beet juice : Beetroot has excellent health benefits. It is a superhero ingredient for a healthy body. If you consume beet juice, it would work wonders for your skin, blood, brain and hair. You can make smoothies or mix beetroot with other ingredients like ginger to make a healthy beverage for yourself. Orange juice : It is the most basic healthy beverage. You can have it during breakfast, after your workout, anytime and anywhere. Orange juice has high vitamin C content. It also helps to beat allergies and the common cold. Like green tea, orange juice too lowers bad cholesterol. It is also quite good for your liver and digestive system. Hot chocolate : This is probably the most delicious of all healthy beverages. However, you have to make sure that raw cocoa powder is used while making the concoction. Hot chocolate has high magnesium content that improves blood flow and helps in preventing clots in your blood stream. It also has antioxidants and stimulants. So instead of ordering that latte, you can opt for a healthy hot chocolate.

The very idea of a probiotic drink may draw a rather unappetizing picture of micro-organisms wiggling around in the translucent liquid.  The good news, however, is that probiotic beverages are not as bad as they might sound or as terrible as you might imagine them to be. Probiotics are basically bacteria that are beneficial for your body. They detoxify your body and heal your intestinal system. In addition to keeping your gut healthy, consuming beverages containing probiotics will also keep your immune system in a high-functioning order. A regular intake of beverages with probiotics can prevent bloating of your tummy, limit the occurrence of diarrhea, and keep you away from irritable bowel syndrome. Your gut is a crucial part of your body that is often neglected. The gut has trillions of bacterial cells, some good ones, and some bad ones. Probiotics ensure everything you put in your body remains clean and healthy. Probiotics are the cleaning agents that help you keep your gut healthy and happy. One of the easiest ways to consume probiotics is through probiotic beverages. Before bringing home any probiotic drink, you should be aware that their flavors differ. What might not appeal to one could be a taste that you like. Check out the list of ingredients and flavor on the label before deciding which is the best probiotic-based beverage for you. Probiotic beverages are easily available in your nearest supermarket or grocery store. Beverages that contain yogurt, fermented dairy products like kefir, and fermented tea kombucha are high on probiotics. Check out this list of probiotic beverages that you could buy and include in your diet. Kombucha: Not everyone likes the taste of kombucha. The generic taste of a kombucha-based beverage is sweet, tart and fizzy. Simple milk kefir: Generally blended in smoothies or consumed as it is, milk kefir has a tangy flavor. If you are lactose-intolerant and cannot have regular milk, milk kefir is quite harmless for you. Simple water kefir: This is usually fermented twice with fruit juice or is consumed as it is. It is dairy free. If you are vegan, any water kefir-based beverage will be a good choice for you. Probiotic lemonade: This is your regular beverage with a probiotic twist! It tastes a little bit fizzy since it is lacto-fermented. You keep the juice aside in an airlock container for a couple days. This leads to a production of lactic acid by our friendly bacteria called probiotics.

If your Instagram news feed is bombarded with images of different kinds of cuisine and beverages, then you are witnessing a growing trend where people like to show how interesting their lifestyle choices are. It can be easier for you to tell one cuisine from the other, but how well do you know your beverages? If you don’t, here’s a crash course for you in the beverage department. So, beverages are of two kinds- alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages. The youth have a penchant to be more inquisitive about the alcoholic ones. Also, there are plenty of different kinds of beverages that belong to either of these categories. Alcoholic beverages are the ones that immediately draw your attention when you enter a party! So, here are the most commonly sought-after alcoholic beverages- Beer- This oldest and probably the most popular beverage is something that every individual must have tried at some point of time in their lives and is the most popular option when you wish to spend a day chilling at home, watching a football match Wine- The most sophisticated alcoholic beverage you can ever come across is the Wine. A glass of wine is a must after dinner in many cultures, the reason being that it aids digestion. So, grab a tall glass of red wine and move a step closer to living a healthy life Liquor- Liquor or hard alcohol is something that can turn the most somber person you know into a stand-up comedian. Your Whiskey, Rum, Brandy, Gin, Tequila, etc. are the ones that fall under this category. These beverages are stronger than the other ones Cider- Beer comes from starch, wine from grapes and then comes cider that has apples as its source. Ciders are mostly healthy as they are abundant in antioxidants that apples too boast of, but only when consumed in moderation. Your non-alcoholic beverages are listed below- Juices- Fruit juices are a popular choice among those who are not into alcoholic beverages. Your mango juice, orange juice, etc, are 100% non-alcoholic and double as health drinks as well Tea- Half the world’s population vouch for tea as the drink that gets rid of their fatigue or calms their nerves during anxiety attacks Milk- Milk is one such beverage that has minerals that increase your immunity and works wonders for your bones. A glass of milk every day is a must for everyone Coffee- Coffee lovers are a highly dangerous breed of people who cannot function without their morning coffee. So, a cup of coffee makes them less agitated on a Monday morning. So, now that you are aware of what alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are, the next time someone asks you, what’s your poison?, you won’t be in a fix.

You have to plan a great party that would not only please your peers but also would add to your reputation as an efficient host/hostess. Planning a party is not an easy task, but when handled with precision it can turn out to be exactly as you had pictured it in your mind. You pay attention to different aspects of a party, such as the food, the decor, the venue (our own house or some good restaurant) and finally the drinks. Deciding which drink would appear on your menu is a tedious task as you have to put a lot of thought into it. The beverages that you are about to serve in your party should strike a chord with those attending your party, as chances are very high that people often attend parties for good beverages. If you are about to throw a party, do not fret and do not freak out since there are some really interesting beverages that would help you win accolades as a host. The good old Martini is an all time favorite among almost all sections of the population! The succulent mixture of gin and vermouth, garnished with either a lemon or an olive is what would appease your guests’ taste buds The Cosmopolitan is one of the most popular beverages that is high on the list of a majority of hosts. If you are a Hollywood enthusiast you would know how A-listers liked being seen with the drink, so, give your guests an opportunity to experience the same feeling The Gold Rush has garnered quite a fan following in recent times. The Gold Rush Cocktail is your bourbon and lemon juice garnished with mint. The interesting combination has made it to the list of awesome party beverages, so add it yours as well Next on the list would be the Whisky Sour. Your traditional whiskey with lemon juice and sugar and at times, mixed with a dash of egg white! Though it sounds unusual, it has its army of admirers Add the Mai Tai to your list of beverages. It is fruity and it has rum, so fruit lovers at your party can rejoice. Two rums, an orange curacao and orgeat syrup is what it is made up of The Piña Coladas are the ones with a liking for sweet stuff. It is a mixture of rum, coconut cream or coconut milk and pineapple juice blended with ice Since you have the list of some of the most happening beverages that can win you the title of the best host ever, make sure you throw a great party. Bottoms up!