It can get pretty hot in the Philippines. It is advised that we should drink at least 2 liters of water a day to make sure that we are properly hydrated. But, for some reason, it is difficult to get into the habit of drinking water consistently. One solution you could try would be to fill up a bottle of water and have it with you at all times. There are even apps that you can download on your phone to remind you to drink water. But if you’d like cold water, there are numerous brands that sell insulated water bottles that keep water cold for a long period of time.
But sometimes we are demotivated to drink plain water because it does not have a taste. Because of this, we resort to drinking soft drinks or juice. However, if you are interested in leading a healthier lifestyle then you would know, these drinks have a lot of added sugars that will do you more harm than good. The recommended daily sugar intake is at 6 teaspoons or 24 grams of sugar for women and 9 teaspoons or 36 grams of sugar for men. To put this into perspective, a 12-ounce bottle of Coke contains 9 1/2 teaspoons of sugar already. While a 10-ounce Mountain Dew contains 9.6 teaspoons of sugar. Add to this the sugar that is in your other meals. Make sure to check the sugar contents and nutrition facts of these sugary drinks before buying them. Diabetes is prevalent these days. As they say, health is wealth.
A trend to address dehydration that has recently been gaining momentum is flavoring your water! By adding fruits, vegetables, and herbs into your water, not only are you making it more exciting to drink, but you are also infusing your H2O with vitamins and antioxidants, making it even better for you!
Stay hydrated. Here are some infused water recipes for those of you who would like to try it out:
1. Watermelon Mint
Photo from cookinglight.com
Watermelon in itself is great for hydration, as it is a fruit made up of 92% water, but it is also a good source of antioxidants. Specifically, the red pigment of watermelon, called lycopene, has been linked to better heart and bone health. Mint, on the other hand, is an herb that has been linked to better digestion. Because it contains menthol, mint also acts as a natural respiratory decongestant. Mix in a couple of cubes of watermelon and a few fresh mint leaves to have this infused water that will help you breathe easy.
2. Apple Cinnamon
Photo from stemilt.com
We always hear the phrase, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and that’s because apples have been linked not only to heart health but to neurological health as well. Cinnamon has also been cited to promote heart health, as well as lowering blood sugar. To treat your heart and blood better with apple cinnamon-infused water, add thin slices of apple and add whole sticks of cinnamon.
3. Orange Rosemary
Photo from taste.com.au
Oranges are known to have twice the daily needed amount of Vitamin C content, which builds the resistance of your immune system. Rosemary is also known to boost the immune system because of its anti-inflammatory properties. The scent of rosemary has also been associated with enhancing concentration and lifting a person’s general mood. For a beverage that will lift your spirits, add in sliced rounds of oranges and a couple of sprigs of rosemary into your water.
4. Citrus Fruit Infused Water
Sometimes simplicity is the way to go. You don’t need to go far to get these fruits. These are readily available in your local grocery stores or supermarkets. Citrus fruits such as Oranges, Lemons, Limes, and Grapefruit are a good source of vitamin C. This vitamin helps strengthen your immune system, fit for the times that we live in today where we need a very strong immune system. They are also a good source of fiber, fit to relieve constipation. Adding lemon slices to your plain water to make lemon water would increase your vitamin C intake. You can also make orange water, lime water, and grapefruit water. Just add fresh slices, stir with a wooden spoon then you’re good to go. Make sure you consume immediately to avoid a bitter flavor as the rinds of citrus fruits get bitter after being soaked for some time.
5. Apple Ginger
Photo from healthier.qld.gov.au
Is it a good idea to add something sweet and spicy to your water? This recipe gives you the best of both worlds. Ginger is one of the healthiest spices in the world and is loaded with antioxidants and gingerol which helps in anti-inflammation. Apple on the other hand is rich in fiber and vitamin C. Add slices of apples and slices of fresh ginger to your water, mix them up, and then you have apple and ginger water.
6. Strawberry, Basil, and Lime
Photo from foolproofliving.com
Much like citrus fruits, strawberries contain a good amount of vitamin C. Add to this, manganese, potassium, and antioxidants. The heart shape of strawberries might give you a clue if whether is it good for you or not. Basil, on the other hand, is part of the mint family. It is a good source of vitamin K and manganese. As well, it contains vitamin C, A, and copper. It is a popular plant used in popular Chinese folk remedies. Lastly, lime is part of the citrus family – a good source of vitamin C. Add sliced strawberries, fresh basil, and lime to your flavored water. Stir them. Refrigerate for a few hours then you’re done. You can also strain the solids if you’d rather. These wouldn’t only taste good but they would also be good for your body. But if you just want something plain, make strawberry water instead.
These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg of what you can do to make your hydrating more interesting and fun! Infusing water is surely a great way to add fun to your needed daily water intake. And the health benefits it brings must be taken into account as well. But if you don’t like fruit-infused waters, then a bottle of sparkling water might do the trick. The good thing about some of these infused water recipes is that you can have a snack while drinking water as you can eat the fresh fruit inside of the drink.
These healthy recipes can help elevate your health. There are many more combinations of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices that you can explore. And you can customize your water to your needs too! So don’t be afraid to experiment and pour yourself a beautifully-colored glass of infused water.
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