Detox H2O
By: Tara Coberly
We all know that drinking eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day is recommended, but do most of us actually do it? If you have questions on the specific amount of water suggested for daily intake, check out our previous blog post So How Much Water Do I Need to Drink? This post, however, is going to focus on fun ways to get up to the proper amount of water, without feeling like you have to carry around a gallon to chug throughout the day. Which is exactly what this guy did. By adding a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and essential oils to your water you can increase the benefits of drinking water and enjoy it in the process.
Often called ‘detox’ water or infused water, this healthy drink can focus on helping a variety of ailments. If you are experiencing digestion, skin, or fatigue issues there is likely a combination of healthy ingredients to help alleviate it. Below I’ve outlined some common ingredients and their uses. I’ll go over a recipe later on, but keep in mind that mixing up whatever suits your fancy (or whatever you have in the fridge!) is a perfectly acceptable practice. Also, after sipping (or chugging, as the case may be) your detox water, the added ingredients are still delicious! Their flavor might be a little watery, but the fiber is still intact and very beneficial.
Citrus Fruit: Examples being lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges. Citrus contains high levels of vitamin C, which supports your immune system, it aids in weight control, and is a natural stress reliever. In addition, citrus is a great energy booster.
Cucumber: Cucumber is an excellent base for your infused water, as it naturally has a high water content. Cucumber is also an anti-inflammatory and is packed with skin-friendly minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and silicon.
Mint and family: Including basil, lavender, and spearmint. Great for digestion, oral health, and can help alleviate congestion in nose, throat, and lungs. Go easy at first, as mint leaves are full of strong oils that pack quite a punch. The mint family offer a wide range of benefits, for example lavender is calming and peppermint is energizing.
Ginger: Adds a spicy flavor to infused water. It aids in digestion and is a natural pain reliever.
Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and any other berry you can think of! All berries are high in anti-oxidants and fiber, meaning they are a great choice to infuse in your water, and munch on after you’re done drinking it!
Spices: Cinnamon is an excellent example of a spice that is extremely beneficial to health. Adding a cinnamon stick to your detox water can add anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and a warm kick to your water.
Essential Oils: Adding a drop or two (seriously, no more than that!) of lemon, peppermint, or other food-grade essential oils to your water is a great way to boost flavor quickly. Make sure to read up on the oil before adding it, as they are very potent and can potentially cause discomfort.
detoxH20 Recipe Idea:
Slim-down and Energize Water:
½ small sliced lemon.
3-5 slices of cucumber.
¼ of sliced orange.
a few fresh mint leaves.
24 oz of ice cold water
Slightly muddle lemon, cucumber, and orange in the bottom of a tall glass. Pour water over mixture and garnish with mint leaves.
