Nutrition

In practice, good nutrition means putting dietary emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, lean meats, and low-fat dairy foods to ensure the body has a steady and adequate supply of the nutrients it needs. It also means managing calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight.

Beverages can play an important role in providing essential nutrients. All beverages contain water, which supports proper hydration. Many 100% fruit and vegetable juices are also a good source of vitamin C, folate and potassium, while milk and some fortified juices provide calcium. Other beverages are formulated to meet specific nutritional needs. There are also new discoveries, such as research suggesting that the polyphenols found in some juices may have potential health benefits. To learn about nutrients found in some beverages, see our nutrient glossary.

Unfortunately, misunderstanding about how to interpret epidemiological research and animal studies has led to confusion about the role of fruit juices and beverages sweetened with sugars and low- and no-calorie sweeteners in health. But, by learning the facts, it is possible to incorporate a variety of beverages into the diet while maintaining a healthy weight and balancing hydration, nutrition and lifestyle needs.