In general, the more water people drink, the more fibre and the less sugar they consume. They also have a lower intake of calorie-dense foods a general marker of a healthier diet.

Calorie density refers to the amount of calories in a food in relation to its weight; fruits and vegetables; for instance, tend to have a low calorie density, Health News reported.

Researchers reviewed data from 12,283 Americans, age 20 years or older, to examine the association of contribution of water intake with dietary characteristics, meal consumption and body weight.

On an average, respondents got one-third of their daily fluids from water, 48 percent from other beverages and the rest from food.

It was found that people who drank more plain water tended to eat more fiber, less sugar and fewer calorie-dense foods. The reverse was true of people who got much of their fluids from other beverages.

From a purely physiological standpoint, the researchers noted that people could get their fluid needs from any source. Drinking plain water, therefore, is not necessary, but it may be preferable.

Even though the findings do not prove that drinking water makes for healthier eaters, they do suggest a connection and a reason to encourage people to choose water over beverages.

The researchers concluded that sedentary healthy adults could let thirst be their guide on when to drink.