Everyone knows that vegetables are healthy, right? And water is necessary for life. So what could make more sense than to combine the two, and thus provide a reason for charging a pretty penny for hydration? This being America, there are many marketers out there who are ready and willing to jump in and tout the benefits of their type of souped-up H2O, according to an article in U.S. News and World Report.
Registered dietitian Keri Gans reviews the supposed benefits of waters suffused with coconut, cactus, maple and artichoke. None are calorie or sugar free. Coconut water supposedly helps with weight loss, cactus water claims include a plethora of antioxidants, maple water contains manganese for a healthier thyroid, and artichoke water supposedly is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and electrolytes.
What could be better than these waters? Probably eating the vegetables and drinking plain water is better. As Ms Gans points out, if you like the taste of these waters and can afford them, go ahead and enjoy but not because of the supposed health benefits!
ACSH s Dr. Ruth Kava agrees While these waters may indeed contain the nutrients they claim, there s no way the consumer can tell if there s enough to have any effect at all on one s health. Nor can you tell how much you d need to drink to obtain a useful amount. So drink em if you like em, but don t expect miracles.
