Why is everyone drinking maple water?

The hype

Forget coconut water: the newest wellness waters come from trees. Birch and maple waters — which are lower in sugar than coconut water — are quickly becoming today's health elixirs of choice. Fans claim that the natural minerals found in tree waters can help control blood sugar, reduce inflammation and improve the health of your bones.

But is it true?

“Maple water does contain antioxidants, manganese and potassium,” says Dr. Esther Konigsberg, a medical director for Integrative Medicine Consultants in Toronto.“As a quick electrolyte balancer that doesn’t come with extra calories, it might actually be better than sports drinks, which are high in sugar.” But while tree water is fine for a rehydrating boost, she says, the minerals in it aren’t present in significant enough quantities to have any real impact on your health.

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