Vodka: useful properties and contraindications

In our country, vodka is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages. The exact date of its invention is unknown, but researchers believe that it happened in the XI century, presumably in Persia. Its usual appearance to the drink managed to acquire only by the nineteenth century.

Nowadays, vodka is a widely known drink around the world. Unlike Russia and the CIS countries, where it is customary to drink vodka in its pure form, abroad it can often be found as part of all kinds of cocktails.

What is vodka and how is it made?

Vodka is called an alcoholic drink with high strength, the basis of which is a water-alcoholic solution. The strength of vodka ranges from 40 to 53%.

Three components are used to make the drink:

• alcohol;
• water;
• additives.

Alcohol
For the production of the famous drink different types of alcohol are used, which differ in their degree of purification and determine the quality as well as the final cost of the finished product. Purified alcohol is called rectified alcohol. For the production of premium vodka "Super", "Alpha" and "Lux" spirits are used. The most budget version includes extra and high-purity alcohols.

Water
Water is no less important component needed to make a strong drink. Before production a multistage purification from salts and minerals is carried out.

Additives
Additives are components that can embellish and soften the taste of a popular drink. Birch buds, pine nuts, honey, pepper and various herbs can be used. A properly chosen ingredient can diversify the usual taste of vodka. Unfortunately, there are cases when unscrupulous manufacturers with the use of additives disguise a product of low quality.

The main stages of production:

1. Preparation of a water-alcohol solution by mixing water and alcohol in special containers.
2. The process of purification of the resulting solution. The technology is kept in the strictest secret from competitors, because the taste of the future beverage depends on it.
3. Checking the strength of the water-alcohol solution, adding the necessary components.
4. Purification of the finished product through charcoal filters.
5. Sending the drink to the bottling plant.

What is the difference between vodka

From moonshine

1. Vodka is produced on an industrial scale, while moonshine is made at home.
2. The strength of vodka reaches 40%, while that of moonshine can be any.
3. Vodka has a transparent color and smell of alcohol, while moonshine is characterized by a cloudy hue and a specific smell.
4. Vodka is recognized all over the world, moonshining is forbidden in many countries.

From alcohol.

1. The maximum strength of vodka on average reaches 40%, the strength of pure alcohol can reach 100%.
2. Vodka consists of 60% water, there is no water in the composition of alcohol.
3. The components have different physical composition and chemical properties.
4. Vodka is sold everywhere as a drink, for the sale of undiluted alcohol faces administrative liability.
5. Vodka is safe to drink if the measure is followed, undiluted alcohol can lead to serious problems such as mucous membrane burns and poisoning. In some cases, it can be fatal.

From Whiskey.

Nowadays, no major celebratory event is without alcohol. Gradually the honorary leadership of vodka on the holiday table is replacing other strong drinks, one of which is whiskey. To the inexperienced buyer at first glance it may seem that both types of alcohol are very similar, as they have the same strength. However, the drinks differ from each other in the following ways:

• the method of production;
• the way they are consumed;
• organoleptic properties.

Method of production
The production technology of these drinks differs significantly. Vodka is made from purified alcohol and water. The process of making whiskey is similar to that of making moonshine. Whisky is made by fermenting sprouted cereals and distilling the resulting liquid, which is aged for several years in barrels made of oak. The time of aging significantly affects the taste of the finished product. The process of making whiskey is the most expensive, as the alcohol for the drink is obtained from only a few grains (corn, barley, rye).

Directions of Use
It is common to drink vodka from a small glass, the taste of the drink does not play a big role, it is important to have a sufficient amount of snacks. Whiskey is drunk from a special glass, savoring every sip. It is not customary to spike and dilute it.

Organoleptic characteristics
A good vodka does not have a noticeable odor, color and taste. Whiskey in this respect is fundamentally different:

1. The drink has a rich range of colors, which depends on the time of aging and varies from yellow shades to brown.
2. Connoisseurs of the drink say that the taste can be both bitter and sweet - it depends on the ingredients added in the process of preparation.
3. The flavor can be completely different, because it depends entirely on the additives.

From cognac.

Cognac is another representative of popular strong drinks. In Russia, all drinks with the name "cognac" refer to brandy. According to the standards of the international classification, cognac refers to drinks made in the Poitou-Charentes region of France. There are endless debates about which of the two drinks is better.

Cognac differs from vodka in such parameters as:

• the method of production;
• method of consumption;
• organoleptic properties.

method of production
Cognac, unlike vodka, is produced from special sorts of grapes. Grape juice is poured into pre-prepared containers and left until the juice begins to ferment. The resulting grape broth is left to stand, then sent for distillation, as a result of which the strength increases. The resulting cognac spirit is poured into oak barrels, its strength at this stage is more than 50%. The future beverage is aged in barrels for up to 50 years.

In the final stage, called assemblage, the cognac alcohol is mixed in order to obtain the best organoleptic properties, and certain components are added. To obtain the desired alcohol strength, filtered or spring water may be used.

Directions for Use
Unlike vodka, to which it is better to use complete dishes, cognac is accepted to be consumed without snacks. If necessary, nuts, fruit, cheese, meat dishes, dark chocolate can be used as an appetizer.

Organoleptic characteristics
Connoisseurs of cognac products believe that it is impossible to describe the taste of the drink in one word. When tasting it, you can feel the caramel, vanilla, chocolate aftertaste. The color of the drink depends on the aging, there is a variety of shades, mostly golden with a reddish hue and brown. The aroma of cognac contains floral and fruity notes.

How long does vodka weatherize from the body?

It is impossible to give a definite answer to this question. Each person's body is individual, respectively, and the elimination time of alcohol will be different.

The main factors affecting the rate of excretion of the drink include the following:

1. Strength (it will take longer for the body to excrete strong alcohol).
2. The level of health and age of the person (a young strong body will cope with the task much faster).
3. Gender (the body of a woman will cope with the elimination of the drink longer).
4. Weight of the person (vodka is eliminated slower in the owners of a slim figure).
5. The quality of the finished product (it takes longer for the body to eliminate the adulterated drink).
6. Taking medications (medications put extra strain on the liver, so alcohol consumed with them will be eliminated more slowly).
7. Snack (the right snack will allow the body to cope with the excretion process faster).
8. The environment (the process will be slower in stuffy rooms than outdoors).

On average, 100 g of vodka is eliminated from the body within 4-5 hours.

What is better to drink: vodka or beer.

In our country low-alcohol beverages are gaining in popularity. Their price is lower, and not everyone appreciates the bitter taste of strong alcohol. One of the most common alcoholic beverages with low strength is beer. People are able to drink in good company dozens of liters of this drink, and that is where the main harm of beer lies.

The main harm of beer is as follows:

1. Because of the mild taste, compared to vodka, beer is easy to drink. The drunken volume is not controlled, and the process of addiction to the drink comes much faster than to strong alcohol.
2. This popular low-alcohol beverage negatively affects the pancreas, simply by destroying its cells.
3. In men there is an increase in the production of female sex hormones, resulting in an increase in breasts, abdomen and pelvic expansion.
4. This drink negatively affects the venous system and disrupts heart function.
5. Beer stimulates the appetite, and numerous snacks lead to weight gain.
6. The additives and colorings found in flavored beer drinks are not good for the human body.

It should not be forgotten that 1.5 liters of beer is equal to a glass of vodka, so medics advise to opt for a stronger drink.

Only the person himself can determine which of the two drinks is better, the main thing is to observe moderation. Then no complications will not arise.

Composition and calories

As mentioned earlier, vodka consists of 40% alcohol and 60% water. There are no fats and proteins in the composition of the drink. In 100 g of the drink contains 0.4 g of carbohydrates, the nutritional value is 240 calories.

Where do the calories in vodka come from if it contains no nutrients? The answer to this question lies in the production technology. The caloric value of the strong drink is given by substances that are used as additives.

How is vodka useful?

At first glance, the usefulness of the drink is very questionable. This is mainly due to the emergence of addiction and the development of such a dangerous disease as alcoholism. However, these effects develop as a result of vodka abuse, and in moderate amounts the drink can be beneficial to the body. These benefits are expressed in the following points:

1. Due to its alcohol content, the drink is used as an antiseptic.
2. A prophylactic dose (50 g) is used to combat viral infections and withdraw harmful substances from the body.
3. Vodka helps to reduce the temperature, for this purpose the patient's body is rubbed with the liquid and uses compresses based on it.
4. Added to herbal tinctures, the drink increases their shelf life.
5. Vodka helps to stimulate the appetite, has a positive effect on sexual desire, normalizes the cardiovascular system, strengthens the blood vessels.
6. The drink has a diuretic property, reduces pain syndrome, and helps to destroy fungal infection.
7. The product has a calming effect, is a good prevention of nervous breakdown and depression, reduces the risk of diabetes and cholelithiasis.

Can you drink vodka while losing weight?

The basis of healthy weight loss is considered to be a proper diet, which should be fractional, but frequent. It is important to control yourself and not to overeat. Vodka contains few calories, but you should not forget that alcohol can increase appetite, which means that the use of the drink can lead to a violation of the diet. Using a preventive dose of the drink will allow you to get rid of the stress experienced by a person who refused to eat his favorite foods.

Vodka in medicine

It is the purified ethyl alcohol, which is part of the vodka, has been used as a therapeutic agent for many centuries. In medicine, such alcohol is so called - medical alcohol. Nowadays it is widely used for the elimination of many ailments and has the following useful properties:

1. Due to its bactericidal ability, it helps to fight various inflammations and is used to treat wounds and abrasions.
2. It helps stop the development of purulent otitis media.
3. It can cool the burn spot, and the instant application of diluted alcohol on the damaged skin will avoid blisters.
4. Helps reduce body temperature, this is due to the instant evaporation of alcohol from the skin, resulting in a cooler skin.
5. It is an antidote for poisoning the body with methyl alcohol.
6. In the absence of analgesics, 100 grams of vodka taken orally helps to reduce the likelihood of pain shock.
7. It has choleretic, diuretic properties, normalizes the heart and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.

Diabetes mellitus

The disease is characterized by a metabolic disorder, characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels.

When alcohol enters the body, it is perceived by the liver as a poison, and the gland begins to purify the blood, while glucose production is suspended. At this point, the diabetic has a sharp decrease in blood sugar. If immediate medical attention is not given, the person may fall into a state of coma.

The disease is divided into two types: insulin-dependent and acquired.

In the first type

In this type of disease, insulin medication is administered when the body reacts to any carbohydrates from food intake. A special measure called bread units has been introduced for ease of counting carbohydrates in foods. Vodka does not contain bread units, so it is not counted when calculating the hormone rate. When a moderate amount of vodka is consumed, the risk that sugar will drop drastically is minimal.

In the second type.

In this case, the consumption of vodka poses a great danger, since the drink promotes an increase in insulin dependence. This is due to the ability of alcohol to increase appetite, which in a state of even mild intoxication entails a serious violation of the diet.

The diet for the disease is made taking into account the glycemic index of foods (a measure of the effect of carbohydrates in foods on changes in sugar levels). Vodka has a glycemic index of zero, other alcoholic beverages have a higher index. The best solution for the patient is to refuse alcohol. If this is not possible, 50 g of vodka will do less harm than drinking other drinks.

In pancreatitis.

This dangerous disease is associated with the destruction of the cells of the pancreas, accompanied by severe painful attacks. They cannot be eliminated at home, so the pathology requires immediate hospitalization. In most cases, the cause of pancreatitis is the use of alcohol. Many people think that a small amount of high-quality vodka will not do any harm, but this is a misconception.

The cells of the gland are destroyed not by a certain type of drink, but by ethyl alcohol, which is necessarily included in all alcoholic products. A minimal amount of any alcohol can lead not only to the development of a chronic form of the disease and forced hospitalization, but also cause the death of part of the pancreas, and in some cases - the entire organ.

Doctors strongly recommend to completely abandon all alcoholic beverages, in this case there are no exceptions.

Gastritis

The disease is characterized by inflammation of the walls of the stomach. With infrequent consumption of alcoholic beverages, the mucous membranes gradually recover, and frequent feasts contribute to the progression of the inflammatory process, which is the cause of improper functioning of the stomach.

Alcohol, contained in all alcoholic beverages, disrupts normal digestion of food and contributes to belching, heartburn, pain in the area of the left hypochondrium. Undigested food is subjected to processes of putrefaction, and pathogenic bacteria that multiply during this process enter the intestines and cause disorder, and diarrhea and constipation may begin to alternate.

Doctors' opinions on the use of alcoholic beverages in gastritis vary. Some doctors impose a complete ban on alcohol, while others are not against the use of a minimal amount of good vodka. When the patient's condition is normalized and he wants to take part in the feast, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

• do not drink vodka on an empty stomach;
• To protect the mucous membranes, use a small amount of oil in advance;
• give preference to drinks without gas;
• to reduce irritation of the walls of the stomach mix vodka with juice or dilute with water.

For the intestines.

Alcoholic beverages refuse to have a negative effect on all organs, including the intestines. To avoid or minimize problems with this organ, it is recommended to give preference to low-alcohol non-carbonated drinks, in which case you can dilute vodka with juice.

One of the problems of the intestines is its disorder, which can be accompanied by diarrhea, constipation or pain. If intestinal problems occur after every meal, you should stop drinking alcohol altogether.

The unpleasant symptoms associated with an intestinal disorder can be eliminated by cleansing the body. You can do an enema or take a laxative.

Vodka and other alcoholic beverages are not recommended in the case of bowel dysbiosis.

For constipation

Many people think that alcoholic beverages help with constipation. Some types of strong alcohol do help to relax the bowels, but they also harm the entire digestive system.

Vodka negatively affects the digestion process. As a result, food enters the intestines in almost its original form, getting stuck in it and causing stool problems, which manifest themselves in the appearance of constipation.

In gout.

The main cause of gout is a disorder of the metabolism of natural substances (purines). The disease is characterized by a significant increase in the amount of urea in the body, causing its crystals to accumulate in various parts of the body.

When alcohol is consumed, the body becomes dehydrated, blood circulation becomes poorer, and the amount of uric acid increases. At the same time, the patient begins to have inflammation of the joints, and a strong pain syndrome occurs. For this reason, the patient is assigned a strict diet and a complete ban on the use of alcoholic beverages.

Vodka does not contain purines, but, like any alcoholic beverage, contributes to dehydration of the body and entails the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.

Many doctors believe that a small amount of vodka will not seriously harm the patient, but also will not bring significant benefits. For a comfortable existence, it is better to give up this method of relaxation.

With hemorrhoids

The disease is characterized by the prolapse of venous knots and often accompanies fans of alcoholic products.

Alcoholic beverages have a negative effect on the venous system. They dilate the veins and can aggravate the course of the disease. For this reason, during an exacerbation of hemorrhoids, it is better to stick to a sober lifestyle. During remission, it is allowed to drink a minimum amount of vodka: for women - 30 ml; for men - 50 ml. At the same time, it is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Avoid spicy snacks and fatty foods.
2. Do not use carbonated drinks.
3. As a snack, choose low-calorie dishes, such as vegetable salad dressed with vegetable oil.
4. Take activated charcoal or polysorb before a meal.
5. Avoid drinks with high caffeine content, as it may lead to dehydration.
6. Prefer lean meats and plant foods.
7. Avoid diarrhea and constipation.

cholecystitis

The disease is characterized by inflammation of the walls of the gallbladder. Such a condition of the organ can provoke the following factors:

• improper diet;
• malfunction of the liver;
• infection;
• parasitic organisms;
• malignant neoplasms;
• Overweight and metabolic disorders;
• trauma in the bladder area.

The course of the disease can worsen the stagnation of bile in the bladder.

Consumption of vodka with gallbladder ailment is not recommended for a number of reasons:

1. Alcohol promotes stagnation of bile, causing it to thicken, and stones gradually begin to form in it, which contributes to the development of cholelithiasis.
2. Alcoholic beverages contribute to the fact that the bile ducts become narrower. This disturbs the normal functioning of the biliary system.
3. Alcohol increases the amount of cholesterol in the body, which also contributes to the formation of new stones.
4. Harmful bacteria multiply, contributing to increased inflammation.
5. Increases the likelihood of an attack of pain, which can not always be eliminated at home.

When there is a fever

Proponents of folk healing methods recommend the use of vodka to reduce the fever, but this method is very doubtful for several reasons:

1. When the drink is consumed, the blood vessels dilate and sharply narrow them, such a process has a negative effect on the heart.
2. Alcohol cannot be combined with taking medications, because it reduces their effect.
3. Dehydration occurs due to the rapid loss of moisture.
4. Alcohol is a poison which is not able to speed up the recovery of a sick person.

It is better to use vodka in small doses in the initial stages of the disease, when the temperature has not risen above 38 degrees. It can be taken internally, with the addition of honey, this helps to warm up the body and destroy bacteria. It is important to understand that an adequate treatment can only be prescribed by a specialist, so on health issues, a mandatory consultation with the attending physician is necessary.

In case of fever, it is better to apply rubbing with vodka and use vodka-based compresses. Because of the drink's ability to evaporate quickly, the patient experiences coolness and relief.

With sore throat

In folk medicine, a widespread method of treating a sore throat with vodka. The alcohol it contains will help to destroy pathogenic bacteria and reduce inflammation. Adherents of scientific medicine deny this method of treatment, they believe that alcohol can have a negative impact on the weakened body and lead to unpleasant consequences.

It is better not to risk your health, after all, vodka is primarily an alcoholic beverage, not an elixir of health. It is better to use it for rubbing and compresses.

In some cases, despite the prohibition of doctors, the drink is used to gargle the throat. But this method is strictly contraindicated for children, pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as people with diabetes and hypertension.

For joints

For the joints, you can use compresses soaked in vodka. This procedure will reduce pain syndrome and get rid of inflammation. This method of treatment is desirable to apply after consulting a doctor.

The main function of using a compress with the well-known drink is to warm the painful area of the body. Alcohol, which is contained in vodka, promotes the expansion of blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Tinctures with the addition of alcohol are widely used for rubbing sick joints. They have the following beneficial effects:

• reduce painful sensations;
• Establish a process of blood circulation;
• Have a warming effect;
• Eliminate swelling and inflammation.

Alcohol tinctures are not recommended for use in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, with damage to the skin, as well as in children (under 12 years).

From coughs

Cough requires a long treatment and an individual approach. Proper use of vodka can accelerate the process of recovery from this unpleasant ailment.

One way to treat cough in folk medicine is the preparation of a honey drink. To prepare it, mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 50 grams of vodka. The resulting mixture is drunk overnight, wrapped in a warm blanket.

The method of treatment is contraindicated to nursing mothers, pregnant women, children under 18 years of age. Also, it should not be used in the presence of high fever, the use of medicines, hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Vodka increases or decreases blood pressure

All alcohol-containing drinks increase blood circulation, with vasodilatation and an increase in the rate of contraction of the heart muscles, which increases the blood pressure reading. When the volume of the drink is increased, severe headaches appear along with the increased blood pressure.

The minimum amount of vodka (25 g) is used to regulate the pressure, but it is worth to consult with a specialist before starting treatment.

The use of vodka in folk medicine

All-known drink has found wide application among supporters of folk medicine. It is used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. You can take up to 50 grams of vodka per day without harm. Prophylactic use of the strong drink should not be systematic, 3 times a month is enough.

Vodka is used to make various alcoholic tinctures with the addition of medicinal herbs and spices, such as sage, calendula, wormwood, garlic, ginger and many others. Extracts are placed in pre-prepared vessels and poured over the drink. After aging, you can use the product for three years. Tinctures are used for rubbing, as well as consumed internally, observing the minimum dosage, which in some cases is measured in drops.

As examples, several positive effects arising from the use of this method of treatment will be discussed:

1. Sage tincture improves reproductive function.
2. The addition of valerian normalizes the nervous system, thus reducing irritability.
3. Application of tincture with mint reduces abdominal pain.
4. Tincture with wormwood allows you to improve the well-being with colds.

Recipes of folk medicine are rather preventive methods of treatment. In the case of pathology, the help of a competent specialist is necessary.

Vodka in cosmetology

Alcohol is widely used in the beauty industry due to its bactericidal properties. Cosmetics and perfumes made with alcohol have a long shelf life. At home, you can prepare your own cosmetics using ordinary vodka.

For the face

There are many folk recipes, which are not inferior to cosmetic products of industrial production.

One of the frequent problems of facial skin is the appearance of acne. To combat this disease is suitable to use anti-inflammatory lotion, which can be made with your own hands. To do this you must add to 50 grams of vodka 5 ml ether, 1 g g glycerin and 1 g resorcinol. The lotion should be applied only to the problem areas and leave until it dries completely, after the procedure wash your face with warm water.

For hair

When buying hair care products, you can see that they contain alcohol. But few people know that you can improve the quality and structure of your hair at home using ordinary vodka.

To enhance the effect indicated on the label of the shampoo, it is sufficient to add 3 teaspoons of the drink to 50 g of hair care products. The resulting mixture is applied to wet hair, soak for 5 minutes and wash off with warm water.

To stimulate hair growth, you can prepare a mask using vegetable oil. To do this, you should combine a chicken yolk, 1 tablespoon of oil, 25 grams of vodka and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp, wrap it with a cellophane bag and leave it for 30 minutes. After the time has passed, rinse the head with warm water using shampoo and balm.

How to use vodka in cooking

The drink is used in cooking in the following way:

1. Vodka added during the frying process reduces the amount of fat in the finished dish.
2. Adding a tablespoon of the drink to the dough will make baked goods more puffy and airy. This is due to the ability of the alcoholic product to evaporate quickly, the finished dish acquires a refined taste.
3. Vodka prevents the development of mold when making jams and jams.
4. Adding vodka in the process of marinating vegetables will make them strong and crispy.
5. The drink is used in making soups to make them most transparent. It also eliminates the specific smell of fish and is often used as a marinade.

Use of Vodka at Home

Vodka in the home is used in the following ways:

1. Cleans glass surfaces.
2. Neutralizes the unpleasant smell of clothes and shoes.
3. Eliminates the reproduction of fungus and bacteria in the bathroom.
4. Prolongs the life of the razor blade.
5. It is used as an antiseptic (for cuts, bruises, burns).
6. It is added in the process of cooking (in baking, during frying, for broths, elimination of the specific smell of fish), in the manufacture of products for facial skin and hair care at home.

Harm and contraindications

1. The drink promotes the appearance of excess weight. Vodka itself does not contain so many calories, but its ability to increase the appetite can cause overeating and subsequent recruitment of extra pounds.
2. Excessive consumption of vodka leads to disruption of the normal functioning of the digestive system and can provoke the development of such serious diseases as pancreatitis, cholecystitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids.
3. Vodka contributes to the death of brain cells, causes rapid addiction, which, if not treated in time, develops into a dangerous disease - alcoholism. The drink also contributes to a sharp decrease in sugar and can lead to a state of coma, loss of balance, dizziness.

The drink is contraindicated in all chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, liver, diabetes, pregnancy, breastfeeding, children under 18 years of age.

How to choose and store vodka

Nowadays, counterfeit products are found everywhere. Unscrupulous manufacturers of illicit alcoholic beverages use methyl alcohol instead of ethyl alcohol, which is a strong poison and can lead to death if not treated in time. That's why it is necessary to choose vodka with utmost seriousness. General recommendations that should be followed when choosing a drink:

• neatly glued label;
• The presence of excise stamps;
• Transparency of the liquid without sediment;
• a tightly closed cork.

Do not buy budget versions of an unknown brand. It is better to opt for a bottle with a ball dispenser (such containers are used by large manufacturers).

It is recommended to store vodka in a dark cool place in an upright position.

Can it be stored in a plastic bottle

Alcohol contained in vodka is capable of reacting chemically with plastic, resulting in the release of life- and health-threatening toxins. It is better to give preference to a glass vessel, which does not react.

Is it possible to freeze

Because of its alcohol content, vodka does not freeze in the home freezer, so you can safely store it there. This will not affect the taste characteristics of the drink.

How to test the quality of vodka

You need to check the quality of vodka from the moment of its purchase. If the external parameters correspond to a quality product, you can make a deal with the seller.

At home, you can test vodka for quality with ordinary matches. When lit, a quality drink will burn with a mesmerizing, blue flame. The weaker the intensity of the flame, the less alcohol the drink contains. It is worth taking into account that a drink that has been stored in the freezer must be warmed up to room temperature, cold it will not pass the test. The green flame is a direct sign of counterfeit, in the production of which methyl alcohol was used as a raw material. To consume such alcohol is dangerous to life and health.

It is worth paying attention to the aroma of the drink, low-quality alcohol has a pungent specific smell.

How to make vodka at home

It is possible to prepare a strong drink at home. To do this, you will need water, alcohol and the necessary additives.

1. Alcohol. It is important to use high-quality ethyl alcohol, medical alcohol will do. If you want, you can make your own alcohol, for this process you will need a special machine for making moonshine.
2. Water. It is better to take bottled water of industrial production, when using tap water the taste of the finished product will not be perfect. At home, it is difficult to find water that contains a minimum amount of salts and minerals, so when choosing, you should pay attention to the composition indicated by the manufacturer on the label.
3. Additives. They will be needed to soften the taste of the finished product, because the water-alcohol solution, cooked at home, has a rather unpleasant taste. You can use glycerin (5 mg per 1 liter), sugar (1 tablespoon per 1 liter) or glucose (up to 15 ml per 1 liter).

In a prepared glass or ceramic container, pour water, add the necessary additives for softening and then carefully introduce alcohol. After three hours it is necessary to carry out the process of filtration, purification can be done through a homemade charcoal filter or folded in several layers of gauze. After a week, pour the drink into vessels for storage.

How to make cognac from vodka

At home you can prepare a drink from vodka, which not everyone can distinguish from the real cognac. You will need 0,5 l of vodka, 1 teaspoon of oak bark, hawthorn fruit (20 pieces), rose hips (5 pieces), 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 clove stems, 0,5 teaspoon of black tea.

Pour boiling water over oak bark and leave to infuse, it is necessary to eliminate the specific smell of the future product. Then rinse and dry the bark. In a vessel for the preparation of brandy drink pour dry ingredients, pour vodka, cover tightly and send to insist for 20-25 days. Periodically shake the drink. After the required time, filter the cognac. At home, the drink can be purified with an ordinary water filter or passed through several layers of folded gauze. Pour the filtered beverage into storage containers and close tightly with a lid.

Cognac prepared in this way is stored for five years.

How to drink vodka

Solemn events do not do without drinking alcoholic beverages, including vodka. As statistics shows, the consumption of alcoholic beverages at such events is rarely limited to a minimum amount. To preserve your health it is important to prepare your body for such loads in advance. To do this, it is recommended:

1. Replenish the amount of iodine in the body, as this substance contributes to the oxidation of the products of decay of alcohol, which is contained in vodka.
2. Take vitamins B1, B6 and C to improve liver function.
3. Before the meal, drink activated charcoal, a sorbent that removes poisonous substances before they enter the bloodstream.

Usage basics:

• The drink should be drunk chilled;
• It is better to use small shot glasses of up to 50 ml;
• it is desirable to drink only one kind of alcohol;
• If you feel unwell, you should stop drinking alcohol.

How much can you drink without harming your health

Doctors recommend consuming no more than 50 grams of vodka per day; with this amount of drink the liver will quickly recover and cope with the products of alcohol decay.

Exceeding the allowable dose can not only harm the body, but also cause addiction. Systematic abuse of vodka can lead to the development of alcoholism.

What is better to snack on

Before consuming the first shot it is worth having a snack. It is desirable that the dish has enveloping abilities, a sandwich with butter, hard cheese or salad, seasoned with vegetable oil will do perfectly.

As an appetizer to vodka suit herring with black bread, boiled potatoes, vinaigrette, lard, sandwiches with various fillings.

Do not snack vodka with smoked and fatty meat products, mushrooms, confectionery, spicy dishes. These products have a negative effect on the pancreas and liver, making it difficult to eliminate alcohol from the body.

Can I drink vodka after a tooth extraction?

Doctors do not recommend drinking vodka after tooth extraction for at least 3 days. If complications arise, the ban can last up to 14 days, this occurs in the following situations:

• Pain for 3 days;
• Stitching as a result of tooth extraction;
• taking medications;
• The presence of swelling.

Can you drink vodka after beer?

In order not to suffer from hangover symptoms, it is better to refuse to mix different types of alcoholic products. Studies have shown that the advice - to drink low-alcohol drinks first, and then to increase the degree - is just a myth. It is possible to drink drinks in any sequence, it will be bad in any case. This is due to the fact that vodka and beer are drinks made from different raw materials.

Is it possible to drink at a fever

You can consume a small amount of vodka at the initial stage of the disease, when the body temperature does not rise above 38 degrees. With an elevated temperature (over 38 degrees), drinking an alcoholic beverage can only aggravate the condition.

Reasons why you should not drink vodka with fever:

1. There is a dilation of blood vessels and their sharp constriction, such a process has a negative effect on the heart and can cause death.
2. Alcohol cannot be combined with taking medications, it reduces their effect.
3. Dehydration occurs due to rapid loss of moisture.

Vodka Cocktails: Recipes

Alcoholic cocktails using vodka are incredibly popular not only in European countries, but also in Russia. The most popular of them can be prepared at home.

Cocktail "Screwdriver" - perhaps the easiest to prepare. The ingredients are 25 g of vodka and 75 g of orange juice, it is better to use freshly squeezed. It is necessary to combine the components together. The drink is ready to drink, if desired, you can add ice.

Cocktail "Bloody Mary" is one of the most famous drinks in the world. According to belief, it was used as a hangover cure. The necessary ingredients:

• vodka (60 ml);
• tomato juice (30 ml);
• orange juice (10 ml);
• salt;
• ground pepper.

Mix all the ingredients and pour into a glass.

Can I give vodka to a dog if it is poisoned?

Poisoning of animals is not uncommon. It is enough for a dog to eat an expired product so that the symptoms of poisoning are not long in coming.

If such a situation has actually occurred, but there is no vomiting, then the dog is given special medication to induce this process, and an enema of water with salt added (1 teaspoon of salt per 1 liter of water) is put. After cleansing the contents of the stomach, the dog is given vodka and salt, previously diluted with water in equal proportions (1:1). The procedure helps to destroy pathogenic germs. The amount of vodka depends on the size of the dog (small - 1-2 teaspoons, medium - 1-2 tablespoons, large - 2-3). Salt should be added so much that the solution ceases to be bitter to the taste.

How to give up drinking vodka

Vodka is powerfully addictive in record time. Later the habit becomes the cause of a serious illness called alcoholism.

You can overcome the disease in the following ways:

• By one's own volition;
• by medication;
• by coding;
• Through hypnosis.

To begin the path of self-correction, it is necessary to take certain measures:

• avoid occasions for drinking vodka;
• change your social circle;
• Find new goals in life;
• Watch films about the dangers of alcoholism and the prospect of a new life in which vodka has no place.

Awareness of your disease is a direct path to recovery.

1. With the help of medication it will be easier to say goodbye to the addiction, they can reduce the craving for alcoholic beverage.
2. Coding is an effective way to combat alcoholism. The patient is injected with special medications, after which the attachment to vodka disappears.
3. The method of hypnosis is suitable for a person who understands how strongly and terribly ill he is. The patient is indoctrinated with an aversion to vodka.

Interesting facts about vodka

1. One liter of the drink weighs 953 grams.
2. 0.5 liters of vodka is a lethal dose.
3. The name of the drink was fixed in Russia during the reign of Elizabeth I, before that vodka was called moonshine and bread wine.
4. The strongest vodka is produced in Scotland, its strength is almost 90 degrees.
5. In England, the only vodka in the world is produced in black color, the taste and strength of which does not differ from the usual colorless drink.
6. Peter I introduced the heaviest "reward for drunkenness," which is a collar with chains, its weight was 8 kg. Such rewards were awarded to drunken people, it was impossible to remove it.
7. In the 1940s soldiers serving in the army were given 100 g of vodka daily, later the rate was increased to 200 g.
8. Vodka has a shelf life, usually the drink can be stored for one year.
9. A tablespoon of the drink can improve the property of the shampoo.
10. A shot of vodka added to broth makes it more transparent.
11. A quality drink burns with a blue flame.
12. The use of vodka in the minimum allowable amount (50 g) will not harm the body.
13. Alcoholic drink does not freeze in the freezer.
14. Vodka can cure a dog when poisoned.
15. One bottle of the drink contains 1170 calories.

Photo of vodka