Infused water recipes are a healthy way to cool off on hot days. They can be a great option for people who have difficulty drinking water, or are unable to drink juices or soda.
Infused water, or flavored water, can be made with still or sparkling water, fruit (like oranges, lemon, pineapple, or berries), and herbs and other seasonings.
The advantage of infused water is that in addition to adding to your daily fluid intake, they are low in alories and do not contain sugar. They are also a refreshing way to prevent dehydration for those looking to lose weight.
1. Lemon and cucumber water
Because it contains lemon, this infused water reduces water retention and helps to clean the palate, which reduces the urge to eat sweets. This can be a great tool for weight loss.
Cucumber helps to improve digestion, and can also reduce acidity and gas formation.
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon
- 4 slices of cucumber
- 1 liter of filtered or boiled water
How to prepare:
Wash the lemon and cucumber, then slice them in slices. Transfer these two a pitcher of water with the water, stir and store in the fridge to drink throughout the day.
2. Orange and mint water
This infused water reduces water retention and prevent early aging. The orange contains vitamin C and potassium, which are nutrients with diuretic and antioxidant action.
Mint has antispasmodic and soothing action, and can relieve intestinal cramping, improve digestion and decrease gas.
Ingredients:
- 1 orange
- 1 liter of filtered or boiled water
- 8 leaves of mint
How to prepare:
Wash the orange and mint. Cut the orange in thin slices and chop the mint leaves, then place into a pitcher. Add the water and stir well. This infused water should ideally be stored in the fridge.
3. Berry and cinnamon water
Water infused with berries help to improve hydration, strengthen the immune system and promote weight loss.
These benefits are made possible because this infused water are low in calories and contain great amounts of antioxidant compounds, like anthocyanins and catechins.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh berries
- 1 liter of filtered or boiled water
- 1 cinnamon stick
How to prepare:
Wash the berries and chop them into smaller pieces. Place all ingredients in a pitcher and stir well. Store in the fridge and drink throughout the day.
4. Hibiscus and ginger water
Water infused with hibiscus can aid in weight loss. It contains polyphenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids, which are bioactive compounds that regulate hormones associated with appetite.
In addition, the ginger infused water can help to improve digestion, prevent nausea or vomiting and combat intestinal gas.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of ready-to-use hibiscus tea
- 4 thin slices of ginger, or 2 tablespoons of grated ginger
- 1 liter of filtered or boiled water
- Ice to taste
How to prepare:
Place all ingredients in a pitcher, stir well, and drink throughout the day. You can store this infused water in the fridge and drink cool on hot days.
5. Apple and cinnamon water
The cinnamon helps to improve digestive issues and can also reduce tiredness. In addition, when consumed with lemon and apples, cinnamon can boost metabolism and facilitate weight loss.
Ingredients:
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 apple with skin, sliced
- Lemon juice
- 1 liter of hot water
How to prepare:
Pour the water in a jar and add the cinnamon and apple. Allow to infuse for 10 minutes, then store in the fridge to cool. Add the lemon juice, stir well and drink throughout the day.
6. Strawberry and holy grass water
Water infused with strawberries and holy grass is very refreshing and can offer many health benefits. The antioxidants in the strawberry can help to manage blood pressure.
holy grass as a soothing and sedative action, which can improve sleep habits and relieve stress and anxiety. In addition, the holy grass also has a diuretic action which can reduce bloating.
Ingredients:
- 1 holy grass leaf
- 1 bowl of strawberries
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 liter of filtered or boiled water
How to prepare:
Wash the strawberries and holy grass leaf well. Cut the strawberries into smaller pieces and place in the pitcher. Using your hands, rip the holy grass leaf and place in the pitcher. Add the lemon juice, stir well, and store in the fridge. Drink throughout the day.
7. Coconut water with fruit
This infused water is great for hot days, as it is refreshing and replaces electrolytes (like potassium and sodium) that are generally lost through sweat. Read more about the health benefits of coconut water.
Ingredients:
- 6 grapes
- 6 strawberries
- 2 slices of pineapples
- 1 kiwi;
- 2 slices of lemon
- 1 liter of cold coconut water
How to prepare:
Was the strawberries and grapes and cut them in half. Cut the pineapple slices into cubes. Place all ingredients in a pitcher and mix. Then serve and store in the fridge.
