The role of beverages in a healthy diet: Key issues and guidelines

Caloric beverage intake is not associated with energy compensation and is linked with increased energy intake, particularly of refined carbohydrates. This is a review of the health effects of all beverages, caloric and non-caloric and includes a ranking. The rankings placed drinking water as the preferred beverage to fulfill daily water needs, followed by tea and coffee, low-fat (1.5% or 1%) and skim (non-fat) milk and soy beverages, non-calorically sweetened beverages, a set of beverages with some nutritional benefits (fruit/vegetable juices, whole milk, alcohol, and sports drinks), and ending with the lowest priority for calorically sweetened, nutrient-poor beverages.