To get to the root of things, we spoke with Michelle McGuire, associate professor of biology and nutrition at Washington State University. Her response was tepid. Although birch and maple waters do contain some minerals, there’s not much research on how healthful they really are. Here’s how things stack up. MORE: Why Coconut Water Is Lame: Five New Drinks That Are Way Healthier MORE: Should You Be Drinking Quinoa Instead of Eating It?