Combinados

The nutritional value of mixed drinks varies greatly depending on the ingredients used. Some mixed drinks, such as those made with fruit juice, can add to your daily vitamin and mineral intake while others simply provide empty calories. Check the calorie chart for your favorite diet drinks to determine their nutritional value.

Vitamin and Mineral Content

Mixed drinks made with fruit juice can provide your body with valuable vitamins and minerals. For example, orange juice and pineapple juice – two common mixers for mixed drinks – are high in vitamin C and calcium. Vitamin C is essential for immune health and it also helps with the healing of wounds and neutralization of free radicals in the body. A mixed drink made with 8 ounces of orange juice will provide your body with 125mg of vitamin C and about 27mg of calcium.

Empty Calories

Though some mixed drinks may provide vitamins and minerals, many mixed drinks are low in fat and protein but high in carbohydrates. The calorie content of mixed drinks varies greatly from one type to another but, for the most part, they are higher in calories than beer, wine, and hard liquor alone. According to the USDA, a 1.5 ounce shot of hard liquor (like rum, vodka, or gin) contains just under 100 calories while the average mixed drink can range from 250 to over 800. Choosing seltzer or diet soda as a mixer instead of juice or another beverage can help keep the calorie count down.

While mixed drinks are generally not considered “healthy,” enjoying them in moderation can provide certain health benefits. It is important to be mindful of what kind of mixed drinks you enjoy, however, because they can be high in calories which may lead to weight gain. Check the calorie calculator for your favorite diet drinks to determine their calories and nutritional value.

Reduced Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

A study conducted by the School of Public Health at Harvard University discovered that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can raise your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels – that is, your good cholesterol. Higher HDL levels can protect your heart against disease. Other benefits of moderate alcohol consumption include a reduction in the type of blood clotting that blocks arteries, causing heart attacks and stroke.

Weight Gain

The overconsumption of any type of food or drink can lead to weight gain, but it is particularly dangerous with mixed drinks because alcohol consumption reduces your inhibitions and causes you to be more likely to make poor food choices. Many mixed drinks themselves are high in calories – especially frozen mixed drinks like daiquiris and drinks made with ice cream. Consuming mixed drinks on a regular basis can significantly increase your daily caloric intake which may lead to weight gain.