Is cactus water the new super drink?

Q&A With Dr. Manny: I've been hearing a lot of buzz about cactus water. Some are saying it's even better for you than coconut water. Is this true or is it just a passing fad?

Most new food trends tend to be forgotten once they are no longer fashionable, but others can be a healthy addition to your diet long after the hype passes. One trend gaining popularity lately is cactus water. The Internet and fashion magazines claim it’s the newest super drink to address everything from hydration to healthier skin. But is this true? We got this email from a viewer.

Dr. Manny,
I've been hearing a lot of buzz about cactus water. Some are saying it's even better for you than coconut water. Is all this true or is it just a passing fad?
Helen

Cactus water is a sweet-tasting drink made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. The drink is high in vitamin C, electrolytes, mineral and flavonoids that are anti-inflammatory. For more information about the drink and its usefulness we asked nutritionist Frances Largeman-Roth.

“Some studies do show that the betalains it contain, which is a type of antioxidant, are helpful in reducing the symptoms of a hangover,” Largeman-Roth told FoxNews.com.

Additionally, the drink may be beneficial to those with type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar.

But is it worth the cost of $2.25 a bottle? Largeman-Roth said she is going to stick to plain old H2O for hydration.

As always, you should consult your physician before beginning any new health regiment.

Fox News Health