Walk into any Whole Foods and it’s easy to see: coconut water has taken over the beverage industry, becoming a billion-dollar business in the process. No surprise, then, that companies are peddling other waters derived from so-called super-plants, promising performance benefits and improved hydration. A few are suspect (we’re looking at you, artichoke water), but some are worth a try. Just don’t expect miracles yet: the market is young, and there isn’t a lot of science to back up some of the bolder claims.
Drink Maple Water ($3)
What It Is:.
PurportedBenefits:Reduces muscle soreness and fatigue, thanks to manganese and malic acid.
Our Take: Thescience is scarceon maple water, but research shows that the syrup is loaded with antioxidants that boost theimmune system.
WtrmlnWtr($4)
What It Is:.
PurportedBenefits: Aids muscle recovery and delivers twice the potassium of a banana.
Our Take: It’s cold pressed, so it retains all the vitamins and nutrients ofthe fruit. But watch those calories—60per serving.
Harmless Harvest CoconutWater ($3)
What It Is: .
PurportedBenefits:Replenishesfluids as effectively as popular sports drinks do.
Our Take: It has less sugar andsodium than Gatorade and is higher in magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous. Small studies have shown it to be a good replacement fora sports drink.
AloeGloe Aloe Water ($2.50)
What It Is:, taken from the pulp, with cane sugar and water added.
PurportedBenefits: Promotes digestive balance and strengthens the immune system via an abundance of amino acids.
Our Take: Research is mixed. Some studies have shown that aloe juice can aid digestion and help circulation. But given the addition of sugar and other flavors (grape, lemon, coconut), we’ll stick to putting aloe on our sunburns.
True Nopal CactusWater ($6)
What It Is:.
Purported Benefits: Fights inflammation, due to high levels of the antioxidant betalin.
Our Take: It has half the calories and sugar of coconut water. Some research suggests it could ease hangover symptoms.