Soda is generally thought to be a nonalcoholic, flavored, carbonated beverage that is commercially prepared and sold.

Eating the right foods and drinking water is not enough to achieve normal bowel movements for some people who are suffering from constipation. In those cases, using a gentle herbal laxative may be the next best thing before having to turn to medications or going to the doctor.

Gatorade is a brand of sports drinks made by PepsiCo. Gatorade's G2 variety contains fewer calories than regular Gatorade. The Powerade brand of sports drinks is made by Coca-Cola and is the main competitor for Gatorade. Powerade Zero has electrolytes but no calories.

When deciding between drinking soda or a sports drink, you're generally choosing between the lesser of two evils -- at least when it comes to nutritional benefits.

Soy milk is a soybean-derived beverage that is a popular substitute for cow's milk. While many vegans and those with digestive problems are forced to drink soy milk, it can actually provide certain nutritional benefits to all consumers.

When training for a significant period of time, your body needs fuel and hydration to keep going. This can come in the form of a sports drink such as Gatorade, which was created in the 1960s for the University of Florida football team -- the Gators -- hence, the name.

Alcoholic beverages have been enjoyed for thousands of years and have been appreciated for their taste and pleasing effects. They also have been used as food, providing nutritional value to the diet. Those who drink alcoholic beverages can gain some benefit from enjoying one or two drinks on a daily basis.

Kombucha tea is increasing in popularity in the United States, according to Dr. Brent Bauer of the Mayo Clinic. The tea is created from yeast and bacteria similar in appearance to mushrooms. The yeast and bacteria are added to green or black tea and sugar and allowed to ripen or ferment.

Choose the wrong beverage, and you might sabotage your diet in just a few gulps. Many alcoholic drinks are loaded in calories, especially if they contain sugary or creamy mixers. What's more, alcohol may lead to water retention, adding several extra pounds of fluid weight to your frame.

Powdered milk is very popular with people that have strict financial budgets, for use in recipes and to enhance nutritional value of foods for children and adults. However, there are many different benefits and drawbacks when using powdered milk.

Wine lovers usually have a preference of either white or red. If you have made a resolution to count your calories and improve your health, you may be wondering which wine offers the most health benefits.

Burdock root or Artium lappa is known for its medicinal properties and can be made into a tea, or sliced and added to broths or soups. Grown in Asia and Europe, historically, burdock root was used to treat arthritis, colds, measles, sore throats and tonsillitis.