Bored with Water? Add Some Flavor!

In a recent blog, I discussed the benefits of drinking water. I discussed how water helps with fluid balance, improves kidney function, clears skin, and helps control calorie intake.  However, several people shared with me that they get bored with water and crave flavor.  You may be surprised to know that adding fruit and veggies to your water can not only help your taste buds but adds to the ever growing list of benefits of drinking water. Adding a few slices of whole fruits and vegetables heightens minerals and vitamins that our bodies can easily and quickly consume. It's also so delicious that we may find ourselves tricking our mind into drinking more water than we have in the past.

Infusing Flavor

Spas around the world serve outrageously expensive infused water to their guests. The great news is that you don’t have to go to a fancy spa to enjoy those same benefits and pretty beverages, you can create your own in the comfort of your home. Creating healthy and delicious, vitamin infused water is inexpensive and economically friendly. Infusing water is as simple as adding your favorite fruit or veggie slices to your water before drinking. Popular water infusions include: cucumber, mint, basil and citrus fruits. But feel free to use your imagination to produce a flavor to suit you!

When you add your favorite fruits, veggies, and herbs to water seal it in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before enjoying so that the fruit and veggies have time to release their nutrients into the water. For the best results make sure you are using purified or spring water to avoid the intake of contaminants. You can also make your own infused ice-cubes. Use the ice cubes when you can’t wait 30 minutes for a nice cool drink, just simply add them to a glass of water for an instantly healthy, refreshing and tasty drink.

Benefits Galore

There are endless benefits of not only drinking plain water, but infusing your water.  Here are some benefits of the most common water infusing ingredients.

Cucumber

Cucumber is not only cool and refreshing when snacking but when added to water the benefits include:

•  Increases hydration resulting in increased energy levels
• Vitamins A and C
• Helps regulate blood pressure
• Contains silica which contributes to the growth and maintenance of connective tissue throughout your body
• Promotes healthy skin

Mint

Fresh mint is an herb that is super easy to grow. Adding mint to your water will:

• Promote healthy digestion
• Quickly ease headache and nausea
• Assists in clearing nose, throat, and chest congestion
• Natural stimulant - can boost your mood and energizes
• Freshens breath, with a natural germicide that promotes oral health

Basil

Basil is another herb that is easy to grow. When not in season, you can easily freeze for year round use. Benefits of basil include:

• Boosts the immune system
• Acts as an anti stress agent
• Vitamin A which leads to improved vision
• Decreased acne - the oil on basil leaves help clear bacteria from pores
• Improved kidney function

Combinations to Try

To get the most flavor and health benefits, try these combinations to mix it up a bit!

Orange, Lemon, Ginger

Oranges aid with healthy blood circulation.

Lemons help aid digestion and freshen breath.

Ginger is a notorious immune system booster.

Cucumber, Raspberry, Grape

Cucumber is hydrating and flushes out toxins.

Raspberries have anti-inflammatory properties.

Grapes contain cancer-fighting and cleansing compounds.

Rhubarb, Apple, Cinnamon

Rhubarb contains vitamin K to help with blood clotting.

Apples have a slew of benefits including maintaining bone and tissue health.

Cinnamon is one of the most efficient boosters of metabolism.

Strawberry and Lime

Strawberries are jam-packed with antioxidants.

Limes are an excellent anti-aging weapon due to its restorative properties for hair, skin, and nails.

Pineapple and Mint

Pineapple is an anti-inflammatory that helps relieve joint pain and arthritis.

Mint supports the digestive system by activating salivary glands and digestive enzymes.

No Excuses!

Even though excuses can be an easy habit to form when it comes to health, with these fun alternatives to boring water you have no more excuses!  I challenge you to make drinking water an everyday priority. And I encourage you to infuse your water with fresh ingredients to make it more enjoyable.