Forget about coconut water we'll soon all be drinking artichokes

There's a new post-workout rehydrator on the scene: artichoke water. Photo / Thinkstock

Where healthy Californian hippies go, the rest of us eventually follow. And so it was with coconut water, which has been enjoying a moment ever since Gwyneth Paltrow praised the gloopy clear liquid found inside young green coconuts as nature's answer to sports drinks. The richest source of naturally occurring electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, which are lost in sweat during exercise, coconut water is also reputed to be more hydrating than a glass of H2O. The industry is now a £$264 million-a-year (NZD$532m) business in the US alone.

If you're still wondering whether to pour yourself a glass of coconut water right now, forget it. There's a new post-workout rehydrator on the scene: artichoke water.

Though yet to appear on UK shelves, this even less appealing-sounding concoction is set to take off soon, as we search for ways to slake our seemingly unquenchable thirst for easy nutrients and no-pain gain.

Artichoke water, or Arty Water, its brand name, claims to improve your immunity and detoxify your liver. It describes itself as vegan, low-glycemic, lactose-free, gluten-free and cholesterol-free - perhaps not everyone's idea of a good time but apparently it "may help reduce increased levels of oxidative stress biomarkers after exercise" And who wouldn't want that?

Joanne Reid Rodrigues, a nutritionist and author of the book Slim, Happy and Free, says: "Artichokes have the highest amount of antioxidants in vegetables. As well as vitamin C, which is the most powerful antioxidant, artichokes contain phytonutrients - that's plant nutrients - with medicinal effects. In particular, artichokes contain cynarin and silymarin (milk thistle), which are the ingredients that detoxify and support the liver. Silymarin has even been shown to have a beneficial effect in patients with liver disease."

Hence, presumably, the rationale for turning this wonder vegetable into a drink.

So how does it actually taste? Well, much as you would expect: like a mushed-up, watered-down artichoke in a bottle. I was lucky enough (or unlucky enough, depending on your views on artichokes) to try the stuff in Los Angeles, home of all the latest crazy food trends.

I was offered a glass of the yellowy-green liquid by a particularly fitness-minded friend, a herbal hippy constantly looking for a quick hit of vitamins in a low-calorie form, who swears by the drink. I'm an artichoke fan myself, but even I couldn't imagine how something I'd normally chuck into a salad or on to a pizza could work in a glass.

That said, it wasn't ghastly. It didn't reek. It was bitter, yes, and minty, sure, but surprisingly not horrific. I'd even go as far as to say I'd drink it again, perhaps sweetened slightly by adding berries in a blender and lots of ice.

If you're not disgusted by the very idea, Arty Water is available on amazon.co.uk, where two-dozen cartons will set you back $64.80. For anyone who can't imagine anything worse after a workout, there are plenty of other watery drinks, all claiming health benefits ranging from improving your immune system to easing menstrual cramps, curing a hangover and improving skin tone.

So... birch tree water, anyone? According to the hype, the tree's sap floods your tired body with antioxidants and minerals. According to me, it tastes like a cup of sweet twigs, pine and fresh air. It may not yet be found in your corner shop, but the Finnish brand Nordic Koivu is on sale at mypure.co.uk.

If that's not your cup of tea, there is rose-flower water, which tastes like a bottled version of a trip to your grandma's garden on a rainy July afternoon. This one claims to soothe a sore throat and ease menstrual cramps. "For thousands of years, countries including China, Iran and India have recognised the healing power of the rose," says Rodrigues. "It contains hundreds of chemical compounds that have medicinal benefits. Rose petals also contain analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and for centuries rose oil has been used to treat the nervous system and alleviate depression. Rose water is believed to bring relief from a sore throat because of its antibacterial properties as well as the pain-relieving effect from the analgesic."

Then there is almond water (keeps you refreshed and happy but not much else), maple sap water (tastes like a pancake brunch stripped of all the carbs and joy), tumeric water (seriously, what?), watermelon water and - wait for it - cactus water. The mind boggles but the body, supposedly, becomes fit, healthy, rejuvenated and well.

But is it worth it, or is this all so much faddish nonsense, soon to be replaced by the next big thing in health trends? "These trendy products can be expensive," says Rodrigues. "Personally, I'd rather juice a selection of organic vegetables daily. In this way I know there's no added sugar or processing. And so long as you're getting a variety of coloured vegetables, you'll be getting plenty vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients."