beverage

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Beverages are liquids suitable for drinking. This category encompasses a wide range, from water to juices, teas, coffees, and alcoholic drinks. Historically, alcoholic beverages like wine and beer have played significant roles in social and religious ceremonies across many cultures.12

While many beverages are consumed for taste or effect rather than nutrition, some offer vitamins and minerals. For instance, fruit juices are a source of vitamin C and potassium, though often high in sugar. Coffee and tea contain caffeine, a stimulant. Alcoholic beverages provide energy, with beer, wine, and spirits varying in alcohol content. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to malnutrition and serious health issues, but moderate intake may offer some health benefits. Non-alcoholic beverages are those that do not contain alcohol.345

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angiosperm
Significance to humans
Many beverages are also derived from angiosperms; these include coffee (Coffea arabica; Rubiaceae), tea (Camellia sinensis; Theaceae), many soft drinks (e.g., root beer from the roots of Sassafras albidum; Lauraceae), and most alcoholic beverages (e.g., beer and whiskey from cereal grains and wine from grapes).
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Many beverages are also derived from angiosperms; these include coffee (Coffea arabica; Rubiaceae), tea (Camellia sinensis; Theaceae), many soft drinks (e.g., root beer from the roots of Sassafras albidum; Lauraceae), and most alcoholic beverages (e.g., beer and whiskey from cereal grains and wine from grapes).
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human nutrition
Beverages
Although most adults drink one to two litres (about one to two quarts) of water a day, much of this is in the form of liquids such as coffee, tea, fruit juices, and soft drinks. In general, these are appreciated more for their taste…
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Although most adults drink one to two litres (about one to two quarts) of water a day, much of this is in the form of liquids such as coffee, tea, fruit juices, and soft drinks. In general, these are appreciated more for their taste…
Read More