Infused Water Recipes and Their Health Benefits

Infused Water Recipes

YAY! It is summertime in the South Bay. This means hot summer days playing at the beach and more time basking in the sun while participating in outdoor activities. Unfortunately, the heat and exercise can often lead to dehydration and heat stroke.  Most of us know that staying hydrated is important to our physical and emotional well-being.

However, if you are anything like me, you might prefer something tastier than plain water.  Sports drinks and flavored waters are often loaded with sugars, sodium and artificial chemicals which are bad for your heath and end up leaving you more dehydrated. The following, infused water recipes are not only yummy, but offer many other health benefits in addition to hydration. So drink up!

Recipes for Successful Hydration

Thinly slice the following ingredients into a half gallon of water. Chill for 1 hour before drinking so that the water is infused. Drink within 48 hours. When finished feel free to eat the fruits or vegetables that remain.

Cucumber Chill

1 thinly sliced cucumber
1 thinly sliced lemon
3 sprigs fresh mint (more or less to suit your tastes)

Cucumber is high in Vitamins A, C & K, Potassium, Calcium and Iron. Cucumber is known to benefit your metabolism, helps rejuvenate the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Lemon contains Vitamins A & B, plus Folic Acid.  Lemon can also aid in metabolism, rejuvenate the skin and is packed with antioxidants.

Mint contains vitamins A, B, C & K, can help with digestion and contains antioxidants. The menthol in the mint relaxes the nerves, is a painkiller and produces cooling sensations in the body.

Citrus Cooler

1 thinly sliced lemon
1 thinly sliced lime
1 thinly sliced orange

Lemon, lime and orange when mixed together have tons of antioxidants which are amazing for detoxifying the body.

In addition, this citrus blend can aid weight loss and rejuvenates the skin while fighting acne.

Berry Hydrated

½ cup blackberries
½ cup raspberries
2 sprigs of mint

Out of all fruits, blackberries and raspberries have the highest levels of antioxidants. They have anti-aging properties and aid in disease prevention.

Consuming berries may also assist in the deterrence of some cancers.

Frosty Fresh Fruit

1 Peach
1 Plum
1 Pear

Peaches contain 10 different vitamins including large amounts of vitamin A which benefits eyesight. They also have Potassium, Fluoride and Iron.  Eating fruits with these minerals can reduce the risk of becoming anemic, and will regulate blood pressure.

Plums are most known for regulating digestion due to their high fiber and sorbitol content. Like peaches, plums contain Vitamin A, which is good for your eyesight and antioxidants.

Pears also aid in regulating digestion and are recommended for weight loss.  In addition, they are packed with fiber and antioxidants and are believed to provide protection against colon cancer.

Treat Your Taste Buds

The key to drinking infused waters is to find the combination of healthy ingredients that fit your taste buds and lifestyle. The USDA has a nutrient database so that you can look up the nutrients in over 8,000 foods including fruits and vegetables.

The farmer’s markets here in the South Bay sell fresh fruits and vegetables to add to your mix. If you have little ones, they can be really creative at finding water recipes that are delicious and nutritious. You can add coconut water (which also has health benefits), or a splash or sparkling water for a twist on flavor.

Be creative and come up with your own infused water recipes. We would love to hear you share them below!