Water-The basis of all Life- does not have to be boring. The average adult needs to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Chronic dehydration leads to exhaustion, depression, lack of focus, frequent infections, and other health problems.
But drinking all that water each and every day can get a little mundane. Drink a little water and you probably won’t notice the lack of flavor. Chug large quantities of water daily and well- at times the complete lack of flavor can get to a person.
Why not add some fruits, vegetables or herbs to make it little more exciting–and even get some added health benefits? Here are a few suggestions to brighten your day by sprucing up your H2O.
1. Lemon- this juicy fruit adds so much flavor and imparts serious health benefits- not only infusing your body with vitamin c and folates but acting as a cleanser inside. The antiseptic properties disinfect you internally. It also stimulates the digestive system, helps to elevate bloating, revs up the metabolism and freshens your breath. Try using not only the fruity inner portion but also some of the rind for added taste and nutrition.
2. Mint– helps with digestion, inhibits fungal growth, and contains anti-cancerous properties. It’s a super quick add-on. This herb is packed with nutrients and flavor. It supplies the body with manganese, copper, and vitamin c.
Its sweet, cool and sharp flavor will give you a quick natural lift.
Simply drop a few leaves in a glass. Grab a handful and place in a large plastic pitcher, fill with fresh water, leave it in the refrigerator and let the herb infuse the water for a few hours producing a more intense flavor.
Do you enjoy a real burst of fresh minty flavor? Slightly muddle the mint with a large wooden spoon for the most intense version of this easy to make beverage. Anyway it’s added- mint will permeate your water imparting a fresh, fragrant punch- a quick pick me up that delivers critical health benefits.
3. Thyme- While it may seem a little unusual, a little bit of this fragrant herb will do a lot to infuse a subtle, delicate flavor while imparting important nutrients. There are many varieties of this herb. All are aromatic. Why not try a few and choose what works best for you.
Thyme contains an essential oil that has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. It is packed with potassium, iron, and manganese and is a great source of vitamin B6.
Adding lemon as well as the thyme will layer the flavor and the health benefits.
4. Blueberries- Blueberries are full of antioxidants and contains a high dose of vitamin C. It works very effectively to keep the urinary tract in proper working order. It can assist in weight loss and especially helps in reducing belly fat.
Blueberries can be combined with lemons for a fresh twist, the juicy sweet and slightly sour berry combined with the tart lemon pair very nicely together.
5. Cucumber– Add a bit of this vegetable for much more hydration from your glass of water. It almost wholly comprised of naturally distilled water. This makes it superior addition.
Packed with phytochemicals, the cucumber is a natural breath freshener. It assists in eliminating constipation, helps to relieve high blood pressure and reduce cholesterol. The cucumber replenishes many essential nutrients.
Preparing to Infuse
If you have a little room in your refrigerator, clean off about half a shelf. Pre-make a few sixteen ounce plastic bottles with lemon, mint, thyme, blueberries, and cucumbers. Ready to take water infusion to the next level? Make a few extra with lemon/mint, lemon/thyme, or lemon/blueberry combinations. Be adventurous-try various medleys.
Whenever you’re thirsty you’ll have some water pre- made, waiting for you, packing nutrients and a burst of fresh flavor!
Fridge lacking space? Use very small Tupperware containers or tiny plastic bags to hold pre-cut and sectioned lemon, mint, thyme, blueberries, and cucumbers without the water. Either way, having the fruit, vegetables, and herbs at easy arm’s length, pre- organized and ready for use will make it much easier to add a punch of flavor and burst of nutrients to your next plain glass of H2O.
Make your next glass of water more exciting, more flavorful, and more nutrient dense.
Fresh water + fresh fruit and herbs = great health.
What’s your favorite flavored water combination? Please share!
Also by Alex: How to Use Herbs as Basis of Your Cooking
Related: How to Drink Water for Health and Beauty
__
Photo: Alex Kudukis
