We all know we are supposed to drink 8 – 10 glasses of water a day so our bodies stay hydrated. But sometimes plain water gets boring. It is nice to be able to change it up by adding herbs, fruits, and vegetables. By adding these foods to your water, you reap their health benefits.
When you make any of these infused waters remember to chill the water, fruit, herbs or vegetables so it can infuse for 4 or more hours. This allows the healthy benefits of what you add to be imbued into the water. I like to make my infused water the night before so it’s ready in the morning. There are water infusing pitchers like this one that make it easy to refill the pitcher and not have the fruits or vegetables floating in your water.
Cucumber
Cucumber gives your drinks extra flavor, encouraging you to drink more. Cucumbers are rich in vitamin C, potassium and beta carotene. Having enough potassium in your body regulates the amount of sodium retained by the kidneys, thus helping lower blood pressure. Who can resist the smell of a fresh cut cucumber?
Raspberry Lime
Raspberries are a great source of vitamins and minerals like folate and vitamins C, A, and K. Raspberries lower the risk for heart disease and treat upset stomachs. Bonus: 1 cup is packed with 8 grams of fiber!
Limes are packed with potassium and water that restores normal fluid balance and flushes out any bloating salt that may be causing you to store water and puffiness. They are loaded with vitamin C.
Mint
Mint is a calming and soothing herb that aids in calming an upset stomach and indigestion. Mint drinks help weight loss by stimulating the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fat turning it into usable energy.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are known for their richness in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, antioxidants, and calcium. They also act as a natural laxative. Grind the chia seeds into a powder in a coffee grinder, then add 2 tablespoons to a glass of water. Drinking this aids in weight loss due to the high fiber content, making you feel fuller longer.
Fruits
Fruits are free of calories, making them a very powerful tool in your efforts to lose weight and gain better health. Fruit flushes toxins from your system. They also reduce muscle fatigue while working out and help you recuperate faster from a workout. Fruit water is easy to make, just slice the fruit of your choice in a pitcher of water.
Honey
Honey is very beneficial for your body. A tablespoon of honey has small amounts of potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, chromium, zinc, riboflavin, folic acid, selenium and other trace nutrients that are essential to your diet. A glass of honey water daily helps reduce ulcers. Honey is antibacterial and drinking this helps clear acne from the inside out. Warm honey water really helps a sore throat and gives you some relief.
Herbs and Spices
Spearmint leaves, parsley, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, lavender, whole cloves, and cayenne pepper are more ideas to liven up your drinks. Chop up leaves, crush the nutmeg or cloves a bit, add lavender or cinnamon sticks whole, or mix any powdered spices into your water. The combinations are endless for creating flavor enhancers.
Now we have a variety of different ways we can increase our daily intake. Many of these drinks aid you in weight loss and improve your overall health. Just by drinking infused healthy drinks that you prepare at home really gives your health a big boost. Will you give these fruits, vegetables, and herbs a try in your drinks?