One of the best parts of living a healthier lifestyle is that small changes yield big results, and different recipes can be super fun. Virtually everyone knows how important it is to drink water because it makes up more than half of an adult’s body. The brain and heart are made up of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. If you do not drink enough water, your body will have to work harder to compensate for the lack of water and oxygen. For some, it can be a daunting task to consume enough water regularly, but one of the problems can be the taste of plain water.

Contrary to popular belief, water does not have to taste the same, and it can serve a different purpose if you add things to it. Fruit-infused water, also called “detox water” is simply cold water infused with fresh fruit, veggies, or herbs. Infused water can be a catalyst to living a healthier lifestyle and provides a nice alternative to sugary drinks. Detox flavored water is aesthetically pleasing when hosting an event but also packed with much-needed minerals and vitamins to help the body.

What does Fruit Infused Water Do for the Body?

 Detox flavored water, fruit-flavored water, and fruit infused water can all be used interchangeably. However, it is important to note that fruit-flavored water is more than dropping random pieces of fruit in water. Most people carefully select different fruits, vegetables, and herbs to maximize the benefits of each ingredient. The blend of the different herbs, veggies, and fruits can make the water taste amazing. The benefits are contingent upon the combination of ingredients used in the water. For example, oranges are packed full of vitamin C which can help boost the immune system. Cucumbers, on the other hand, are rich in antioxidants and fiber but can be used as cancer prevention. Mint, which tastes and smells awesome (if you like mint) may reduce irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory effects which aid in joint pain, but some folks add it to help with nausea. The list can go on and on, which is why it is important to infuse your water with the types of fruits, veggies, and herbs that you love. Once the fruit or herbs has been added to the water, it should rest in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours, which allows the ingredients to “infuse” the water. Some of the known benefits of drinking fruit infused water can be found in the list below:

o Weight loss.

o Toxin removal or detox.

o Balancing the pH of the body.

o Better digestive health.

o Boosting immune function.

o Improving mood.

o Increasing energy levels.

o Improving complexion

 

Fruit Infused Water: An Activity for Individuals, Family, and Friends

 Sometimes it can be challenging to find activities that the whole family can do together. However, creating combinations of fruit infused water can be fun, but also a good way to get the whole family involved. Parents can help their children learn some of the benefits of infusing water with different fruits and veggies. Grandparents can get in on the activity as well, and my benefit from incorporating ingredients like turmeric, lemon, or coconut. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory spice that improves heart health and joint pain. Adding lemons may improve skin health, boost the immune system, and aid in digestion. Infusing water with coconut may prevent kidney stones, improve heart health, and reduce high blood pressure. Individuals can start their mornings with a glass of infused water to boost their metabolism and immune system, instead of drinking coffee. Date nights include hydrating with infused water after a long night of dancing. There are many different detox water recipes, and most are simple in nature. The following list includes popular fruit infused water recipe combinations:

o Cucumber and mint.

o Lemon and ginger.

o Blackberry and orange.

o Lemon and cayenne pepper.

o Pineapple and mint.

o Strawberries and lavender.

o Orange and lemon.

o Lemon and lime.

 

Fruits That Naturally Boost the Immune system

In current times, nearly everyone is searching for foods that will boost their immune system. Some fruits are better at boosting the immune system than others, but other fruits may be better at helping with moodiness. Let us take a closer look at the properties of some fruits (other than oranges) that boost the immune system.

o Pineapples – are rich in vitamin C and considered a “superfood”. The term “superfood” is a marketing term annotating a nutrient-dense food, with exceptionally high health benefits. Vitamin C is the body’s main water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin C protects the body against free radicals that try to damage healthy cells.

o Blueberries – are rich in a flavonoid called anthocyanin which has high antioxidant properties. Flavonoids are pigments and chemicals found in most fruits and vegetables. However, blueberries are exceptionally high in antioxidants that are known to boost the immune system.

o Blackberries- are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and fiber. Vitamin C and K both are vital for bone and blood vessel health. Vitamin K helps strengthen bones and blood vessels resulting in fewer fractures and bruising.

o Lemons – are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and help boost the immune system naturally. Lemons also help the body absorb iron faster and better, and studies show that they are successful at preventing cold and flu.

o Acai Berries – are also classified as a “superfood”. Acai berries are small purple fruit rich in minerals and vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, calcium, proteins, and potassium.

o Strawberries – are high in vitamin C as and a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize radicals that attack the body. Strawberries can fight colds, flu, and even prevent certain cancers.

A Few Fruit Infused Water Recipes

Take a look at the following water detox recipes. They are simple, healthy, tasty, and easy to make. Taste of Home offers an endless combination of fruits, herbs, spices, and veggies that can be infused into the water.

 

Summer Medley

You will need:

o ½ cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

o ½ cup whole raspberries

o ½ cup whole blackberries

o 2 quarts of filtered water

 

Lemon, Ginger & Turmeric

You will need:

o 1 tbs. turmeric powder

o 4 slices peeled fresh ginger

o ½ lemon, sliced

o 2 quarts of filtered water

 

Lavender and Strawberry

You will need:

o ½ cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

o 3 sprigs organic lavender

o 2 quarts of filtered water

 

Cantaloupe, Mint & Lemon

You will need:

o 5 sprigs fresh mint

o ½ lemon, sliced

o ½ cup cantaloupe, cubed

o 2 quarts of filtered water

 

Fruit-infused water has proven beneficial for many people because of the various benefits associated with different fruits and veggies. For some, water consumption goes up simply because they enjoy the taste of the fruit, veggies, or herbs. Therefore, it is easier to drink more water which automatically helps with weight loss and boosting metabolism. For example, cucumber mint water may taste better to some folks on a hot, summer day. Those people may find themselves constantly reaching for their fruit-infused water over a bottle of plain water. Parents may find that their children drink more water if strawberries or blueberries are added to their cup. It is important to keep in mind that each combination of fruit, herbs, and spices will benefit the body differently. The following chart below is a small example of how three different combinations of infused water can create different health benefits.

Key Takeaway:

Fruit infused water taste amazing! Making fruit infused water is easy and experimenting with different flavors can be loads of fun. The whole family can help come up with different ideas surrounding different flavors. The activity can create a learning experience for the kids but is also inclusive of grandparents. Most recipes are short, simple, and easy to make. Each combination yields different health benefits, but there is something for everyone. Since detox water is made by infusing flavor which differs from juicing or blending, the caloric intake is much lower. The low caloric intake and overwhelming health benefits are why fruit infused water has been trending in recent years.

Detox water works well with most weight loss plans because they replace high-sugar drinks, like sodas and fruit juices. During the summer months, they can be more refreshing than a fruit smoothie because they are lighter but still packed with flavor. Currently, the pandemic surrounding the novel coronavirus has negatively impacted virtually every corner of the world. It would be wise to incorporate fruit infused water as a preventative treatment and immune system booster. Remember small changes yield big results when it comes to living a healthier lifestyle.