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Water: the new wave in health drinks

Posted on May 27, 2015

Reading Time: 3 minutes

All health professionals agree that we should be drinking more water but are there other natural health ‘waters’ out there that are better for us?

Hydrating coconut water

From coconut water to birch water, it sometimes feels like a new ‘super’ drink is discovered every couple of weeks each with an increasingly impressive claim for nutrients and health benefits. So which are the best of these new natural ‘waters’.

Coconut Water

Last year’s big craze, coconut water really does have the nutritional content to back up its claim as a ‘super’ drink. Packed full of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes (including high levels of potassium), enzymes, amino acids, cytokine and phyto-hormones, coconut water has been lauded as the ultimate rehydration drink as well as containing anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic properties. The clear water from the centre of the green coconut also contains high volumes of the minerals calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc.

Birch water

This year’s challenger for the most super of ‘super’ drinks, rivalling coconut water for the top slot, is a water made from the sap of birch trees. Rich in electrolytes including potassium and flavonoids with strong antioxidant properties, birch water has been attributed with the ability to improve hydration, control cholesterol, improve the immune system as well as flushing out toxins and excess water retention.

Watermelon water

Cold-pressed watermelon juice is packed with nutrients including high levels of potassium, beta-carotene and citrulline, promoting healthy blood vessels. Great for hydration, healthy skin, eye health and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Cactus water

Refreshing watermelon juice

Despite the title, cactus water is actually a combination of prickly pear concentrate, water and natural flavours, which proponents claim are great for general health and for reducing hangover symptoms thanks to high levels of a group of super antioxidants known as betalains. Belatains are proven to neutralize toxins and supporting cell detoxification.

Frankincense water

Traditionally drunk in the Middle East, this water is created by adding frankincense gum to water and letting it slowly dissolve over 12 or more hours. An ancient cure for joint pain and an antifungal agent, just a couple of ounces a day reportedly boosts the immune system, improves skin and aids in detoxification thanks to its diuretic properties.

Maple water

Collected from maple trees this liquid contains electrolytes such as potassium (although not as much as the coconut or birch water) but does contain abscisic acid a natural plant hormone with anti-inflammatory and disease treatment properties.

With great health benefits argued for all these natural waters they make a great option for drinking alongside your daily water intake. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that many drinks companies will add sugar and other additives to some of these drinks so always read the label to make sure you’re getting only the pure natural goodness of the drink.

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