Tea total
In the USA, a team of highly respected independent scientists reviewed an array of commonly consumed beverages in the USA and graded them for their health benefits with respect to hydration and goodness. Water, not surprisingly came top - but what the scientists did confirm is that tea served without milk and sugar was the next best drink to water.
Coffee
Coffee also supports hydration but has more caffeine than tea. A cup of instant coffee contains between 45- 75mg per 190ml cup and brewed coffee contains between 100-115mg of caffeine per 190ml cup.
Milk and milk drinks
Milk also supports hydration and can be a good source of other important nutrients such as calcium and vitamins. Nutritionists recommend that you should have 3 portions of milk and dairy products daily. This includes milk, cheese and yoghurt. You can also include soya drinks fortified with calcium.
Fruit juices
Fruit juices can contribute to one of your five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Sweetened drinks
Avoid drinking too many-high sugar drinks if you can, as they can damage teeth and be high in calories.
Diet drinks
Although these are low-calorie drinks, drinking too many can still be harmful to your teeth.
The teeny-tiny print:
1. The Facts about Hydration. The British Dietetic Association (2007). http://www.bda.uk.com/hot_topics.html
2. A new proposed guidance system for beverage consumption in the United States. Popkin BM, Armstrong LE, Bray GM, Caballero B, Frei B and Willett WC. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2006, 83, 529-42
3. Black Tea- helpful or harmful? A review of the evidence. Gardner EJ, Ruxton CHS and Leeds AR. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2007, 61, 3-18.
