How correct is it to drink water, juice or cold drinks through a straw? Know its advantages, disadvantages and important precautions…

Lifestyle Desk – Nowadays the use of straws is not limited to just restaurants or cafes. People use straws to drink water, juice, shake or cold drinks at home, in offices and even while travelling. Many people find this method convenient, while some people consider it harmful to health. In such a situation, the question arises whether drinking beverages through a straw is really beneficial or should it be avoided? Let us know about this in detail.

Benefits of drinking through a straw

some degree of protection for teeth

When you drink a beverage with the help of a straw, it has less direct contact with the teeth. Especially sweet, acidic or colored beverages like cold drinks, fruit juice or coffee can have relatively less effect on teeth. This can reduce the risk of teeth staining and damage to the enamel to some extent.

Helpful in surgery or health problems

After any surgery on mouth, teeth or jaw, many people have difficulty in drinking directly from a glass. In such cases use of straws can help in drinking beverages easily. However, after some special surgeries, doctors may also advise not to use straws, hence expert advice is necessary.

Convenience and cleanliness

It is considered more convenient to drink from a straw while on the go, while traveling in a vehicle or while working in the office. Using a straw with a cup with a lid also reduces the chance of spilling the beverage.

Disadvantages of drinking through a straw

Stomach gas and bloating problem

When a person drinks a beverage through a straw, sometimes excess air also goes inside the body along with the liquid. This can cause problems like flatulence, gas formation or feeling uncomfortable. People who already have digestive problems should take special care of this.

Risk of wrinkles may increase

The habit of repeatedly pursed lips and drinking through a straw can affect the facial muscles. Some experts believe that doing this for a long time can increase the chances of developing fine lines and wrinkles around the lips.

excessive consumption of sweetened beverages

Many times people drink excessive amounts of soft drinks or sweet beverages through a straw without realizing it. This can lead to excess calories and sugar in the body, which can cause weight gain and other health problems.

Keep these things in mind

1. Use steel, silicone or paper straws instead of plastic straws.
2. Clean straws regularly, especially if they are reusable.
3. Avoid drinking very hot beverages through a straw.
4. Limit the use of straws if you have gas, bloating or digestive problems.
5. Keep children under supervision when using straws.