Drinking Straws

Drinking straws are a popular utensil used to carry the contents of a beverage to one’s mouth. They are commonly made from plastic, but there has been a rise in reusable and biodegradable straws made of silicone, cardboard, or metal. Drinking with a straw has potential advantages. It increases convenience by making it easier to sip the drink without tilting it too far, especially if the beverage has ice. Drinking through a straw may be ideal when consuming a canned beverage as it is more sanitary than directly putting your mouth on the can. It also helps prevent harmful bacteria from contaminating the cans during storage, transportation, or handling at the store. Drinking with a straw is also more hygienic at restaurants as it prevents you from putting your mouth on glasses, which can harbor bacteria if they’re improperly washed or handled.

However, drinking through a straw may have more drawbacks than benefits. The practice can lead to negative health and environmental effects over time. Using a straw requires you to pucker your lips, which can lead to lip wrinkles over time. Straws also capture some air when placed in a drink, which travels to your digestive tract, causing increased gas and bloating. For this reason, avoiding straws is often recommended for reducing excess gas. Moreover, plastic straws contribute to environmental pollution and harm marine life.