If there is anything we know to be true, it’s that staying hydrated is a crucial part of overall health and wellbeing, especially as the weather warms. Daily fluid loss happens continuously, and it is essential to replace the amount of water lost each day. I know, I know, you’re probably saying, water is important, we get it. But did you know that water holds the key to healthier looking skin, the balance of body fluids, helps energize muscles, maintains healthy kidneys and normalizes bowel function? Your body is about 60% water and if we move into a dehydrated state, our digestion, circulation, transportation of nutrients and body temperature become out of whack. And for all of you surfers and beach babes who spend your days under the sun, staying hydrated in warmer climates and hot weather becomes even more important.That’s where we’re coming in! Because glass after glass of plain water can get a little boring, we are sharing our three favorite water infused recipes to keep you chugging down the good stuff all spring and summer long.
Lemon, Orange, Cucumber, Mint: Increases Immune Defense, Digestion, Antioxidant
Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are high in Vitamin C, which (as an antioxidant) helps protect cells from damaging free radicals and therefore may help prevent the common cold. Lemons also regulate your digestive system and helps things “move along.”Lemons also assist to freshen your breath, as it is believed that lemons may stimulate saliva, which prevents a dry mouth which causes bad breath by excess bacteria growth. Mint is also believed to improve oral care, as it has germicidal qualities, quickly freshens breath, and reduces harmful bacterial growth inside the mouth.
Cucumber water can be effective when trying to nourish your skin. Not only does staying hydrated help your body flush out toxins, cucumbers are also high in vitamin B-5, which has been used to treat acne.
Mint, like lemons, help aid digestion. It soothes the stomach and helps aid indigestion, nausea, and inflammation. According to organicfacts.net, “mint also stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fat, and turns it into usable energy.”That means you are increasing the amount of fat being put to use, as opposed to being stored in the body.
Directions:
Cut 1 lemon, 1/2 a cucumber, and 1/2 an orange into slices. Add to large glass of ice water. Break off a sprig of mint and place in water. Let seep for five minutes and drink. Change according to taste.
Lemon, Lime, Green Tea, (mint optional): Helps Sugar Control, Metabolism Booster, Aids Digestion
Much like lemons, limes are a healthy source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is extremely important for the growth and repair of cells in the body, as it helps the body make and repair cells of the skin, bones, ligaments and blood vessels. It is also said that limes may help aid in digestion and healthy bowel movements.
Green tea, considered one of the world’s healthiest drinks, is packed with antioxidants and is hailed for its many health benefits. According to Medical News Today, studies have shown that green tea can potentially have positive effects on everything from weight loss to liver disorders, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular ailments, stroke, and inflammatory skin conditions.
Directions: Boil two cups of water and add green tea bag. After five minutes, remove the tea bag and put green tea in fridge to cool. Cut 1 lemon and 1 lime into slices. Once the green tea has chilled, add the lemon, limes, sprig of mint, and ice. Change according to taste.
Blueberry, Apple, Raspberry (basil optional): Antioxidant, Vitamin Rich
It is said that many berries, especially blueberries and raspberries, are packed with anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. According to livestrong.com, “the cancer-fighting properties in raspberries and blueberries come from two of their chemical compounds, ellagic acid and vitamin C. These components may be helpful in the prevention of cancer by keeping free radicals from causing damage to cells. Because of the role of free radicals in the aging process, raspberries and blueberries may also slow some signs of aging in the body.”In addition, blueberries and raspberries may help maintain a healthy weight because they are high in insoluble fiber, are low in calories, and naturally fat free.
Like its berry friends, apples are highly packed with antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fiber. They are said to boost the immune system and improve digestion. They also may boost your brain power! The fruit has been linked to an uptick in acetylcholine production, Good Housekeeping reported, which communicates between nerve cells, so apples may help your memory and lower your chances of developing Alzheimer’s. A diet rich in antioxidants may have similar effects, so apples, since they are particularly rich in quercetin, are a good bet, according to 2004 research.
Basil, if you should choose to add it to your water, contains disease-fighting antioxidants and antibacterial properties. It also acts to lower inflammation in the body.
Directions: Cut half an apple into slices and add to a large glass of water. Add 1/4 cup of blueberries and raspberries (we used frozen raspberries). Add ice and enjoy!
