Nutrition-Packed Drinks Vying to Become the Next Coconut Water

Coconut water has had more than its 15 minutes of fame. It's now time for the trendy drink to step aside and let something else shine.

Don't get us wrong, we're still huge advocates for the benefits this nutty, tropical water bestows on our bodies, especially as it helps kick off our days the healthy way by making delicious breakfast smoothies. But there are many other refreshing contenders that are poised to become the next coconut water.

We're bringing you the newest wave of nourishing drinks that might be the next beverage star and should be stocked in your fridge STAT.

Aloe Water
Aloe has been used for centuries to treat all sorts of ailments both topically and orally, but it's only now that its water form has gained momentum. Proponents of the beverage tout its abilities to aid in weight loss as well as improve digestion and immune function, just to name a few. In a study from the Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, researchers found people with ulcerative colitis were given aloe vera gel to drink, and after four weeks researchers found clinical improvement with no untoward side effects.

Cactus Water
Cactus water is a plant-based beverage that is made from the juice of the prickly pear cactus. This water features taurine, which is an amino acid that is added to energy drinks. Additionally, it contains betalain, which is a type of antioxidant found in vegetables like beets that help create red blood cells and act as anti-inflammatory agents. Additionally, it's been said cactus water can help reduce hangover symptoms after a night out.

Maple Water
This sweet contender is comprised of pure maple sap — that watery liquid collected from maple trees. A study for the National Research Council of Canada found it can help control blood sugar and boosts an array of benefits for those with diabetes and obesity-related inflammation. Advocates even maintain that it is a great source of healthy antioxidant compounds as it is full of electrolytes like potassium and manganese, which can aid in thyroid health, bone strength and vitamin absorption.

Birch Water
Popular in the Baltic countries for countless years, birch water is made from tapping the sap of several species of birch trees. It has health benefits similar to maple water but includes includes xylitol, which is a natural sugar alcohol that helps prevent tooth decay. Birch water is also known for its reported ability to aid in replenishing and protecting skin from oxidative stress like Ultra Violet rays, environmental pollution and causative inflammation.

Watermelon Water
Cold-pressed watermelon juice has more potassium than any other juice, in addition to the amino acid called L-citrulline, which has been said to reduce muscle soreness and fatigue and a dose of lycopene. The best part about watermelon juice is how easy and cost-efficient it is to make at home.