By Kriss Smolka
You know drinking water is good for you, but there often comes a point where you want something more. You want color and additional flavors, as well as the possibility of making the water even healthier.
Infused water is the solution. Infused water is where you immerse vegetables, fruits and herbs in cold water for a period of time, infusing the goodness and flavors of the ingredients with the water itself.
Benefits of Infused Water
Infused water enhances the benefits of drinking water, and it makes water more interesting and enjoyable to drink. These health benefits include:
- Improves digestive health – staying well hydrated is essential for good digestive health, particularly in relation to preventing constipation
- Boost your immune system – the nutrients from the ingredients you include in your infused water can have a positive impact on your immune system
- Help you lose weight – drinking water increases your metabolic rate and reduces your appetite, both of which can help you lose weight
- Improves your energy and concentration – dehydration can have a significant impact on your levels of energy and your ability to concentrate, so drinking infused water will help you stay alert and focused
Tips When Making Infused Water
- It is usually best to make your infused water recipe in a jug that you can then enjoy throughout the day, although you can use a bottle or a large glass too
- Choose a clear container, as the ingredients look great inside the water when sitting on your table or countertop
- Add the ingredients to the jug or bottle before filling with cold water
- Cut up the ingredients into cubes or thin slices to infuse the flavors and nutrients faster
- Be patient – the longer you leave it before drinking, the better it will taste and the healthier it will be
- Some fruits, particularly citrus fruits, infuse quickly, while herbs and berries take longer
- Keep the jug or bottle in the fridge
- Once you have finished the water in the jug or bottle, refill it again to reuse the ingredients
- Mix it up with the ingredients and experiment
Get Started with These Health-Enhancing Water Recipes
The Immune Booster
The immune booster is ideal as a daily drink or if you are feeling a bit under the weather and need a boost. The ingredients taste great and they will infuse your body with immune-boosting nutrients.
Ingredients:
- Orange
- Raspberries
- Ginger
Remove the green leafy part of the raspberries as well as any stems and add a handful to the jug. Slice up the orange into thin slices, leaving the skin on. Then, add some slices of fresh ginger.
Vitamin C Booster
This recipe is packed with color, flavor and natural goodness with an emphasis on vitamin C.
Ingredients:
- Grapefruit
- Cucumber
- Lemon
- Lime
- Watermelon
- Mint
Cut the watermelon into small cubes and the cucumber, grapefruit, lemon and lime into thin slices. Add to your jug or bottle, fill with cold water, then add some fresh mint leaves.
Berry Buster
Berries are packed full of natural goodness and they are delicious, so this infused water recipe makes a fantastic healthy alternative to normal water.
Ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Mint
Slice up the strawberries and add them to your jug or bottle. Add the other berries whole and fill the jug or bottle with cold water. Finally, add some fresh mint leaves.
Pre-order the author’s forthcoming book, Water Wellness, now. (No official publication date yet, expected late-summer 2020)
Kriss Smolka is the creator of the award-winning health & fitness app WaterMinder. WaterMinder was named Apple App Store Editor’s Choice in 2019 and has been featured by The New Yorker, Women’s Health, Glamour, Business Insider, BGR, Venture Beat, Apple, and more. Based on his own experience and extensive research, along with numerous real-life stories from those who have been affected by dehydration, Kriss started work on Water Wellness, a hydration book with the goal of educating everyone on the importance of staying hydrated. For more information visit: https://hydrationbook.com or find and follow the author on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.