It looks like swamp water and it tastes like swamp water but green drinks are the latest health must have.

The likes of singer Natalie Imbruglia and make-up artist Gemma Kidd have both been spotted clutching the foetidlooking liquid, which they swear by.

While both ladies favour US brand InnerLight's Supergreens, which is packed with 49 organic grasses, sprouted grains and green vegetables, there are lots of alternatives on the market.

For most the formula is the same a green powder packed with alkalising green plants and vegetables which you add to a litre of water and swill throughout the day.

Dare to drink the stuff, and the rewards you might reap are boosted energy levels and a bolstered immune system. Green drink devotees claim our Western diet littered with meat, dairy, sugars, alcohol, saturated fats and caffeine creates an acid environment in our bodies.

They say this over-acidification is one of the underlying causes of most diseases and can cause countless health problems from weight gain and allergies to fatigue and nervous system trouble.

Unlike our diet, green drinks contain grasses, sprouted grains, and green vegetables, which infuse the body with easily-absorbed vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to create an alkaline environment.

Brighton-based nutritionist Martina Watts warned that while green drinks may be beneficial they shouldn't be a substitute for a good balanced diet.

"Powdered green drinks won't do much to improve your wellbeing if you neglect to take care of your diet or are under too much stress," she says.

"However, they can be a useful add-on to a healthy lifestyle."

It may be hard to believe something the same hue as Grotbags' face could have a positive effect on your body but it's probably worth a try if you can stand the stench.

How to take green drinks Each green drink varies, but generally one heaped teaspoon should be mixed with one litre of water up to four times a day.

Green drink virgins should ease themselves into the regime, taking just a half dose in each litre of water for the first week. Also if drinking four litres of the green stuff is too daunting, start small and build your way up.

PH-boosting drops can be added to the water to increase alkalinity and boost its cleansing effects.

The Benefits Green drink devotees say the liquid will help to create a more alkaline environment in your body by neutralising excess acid.

This is supposed to increase energy, boost the immune system, reduce yeasts and toxins in the body and, more importantly, you'll be less inclined to reach for sugary snacks and that double espresso.

Typical Ingredients

  • Kamut grass Highly alkaline and is thought to help lower cholesterol levels.
  • Alfalfa sprouts Saponins in the plant are thought to lower cholesterol,while oestrogens in the shoots may aid bone formation.
  • Broccoli Contains high levels of antioxidant phytochemicals, which have been shown to protect against cancer and reduce the risk of heart disease. It's also rich in vitamins C, A, B6 and B2, and the minerals folate, iron, potassium and magnesium.
  • Dandelion greens Boosts the immune system and is a good source of iron and calcium.
  • Kale When chopped or chewed it forms sulforaphane, which triggers the production of detoxifying enzymes which help neutralise potentially carcinogenic substances. Also rich in vitamins C and A, as well as iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium.
  • Kelp Strengthens the blood and immune systems and could help lower cholesterol. A good source of folate, iron, calcium, magnesium and iodine.