We can all agree that adding some extra flavors makes drinking water more interesting. I'm not saying that plain water is bad or not interesting, but sometimes, we need to add a little spice to change things from the usual to the normal.
Adding flavor to water is also a great way to engage yourself and, most importantly, kids to drink more water. We can all agree that if we choose between sugary drinks and water, most of us will choose the one that would likely tickle our taste buds.
However, we can not always have sugary drinks because they are not healthy for a person.
With the discovery of flavored water, we can have the best of both worlds: healthy and tasteful.
But we are not talking about processed flavored water because, to avoid putting a bad light on the companies that produce this kind of product, it has been proven that processed flavored waters contain chemicals that might harm a person's health, especially when consumed over time.
Moreover, this article promotes naturally made flavored waters.
Not only do you retain the health benefits of water itself, but with the additional natural and organic ingredients, more extra health benefits are added.
This article will introduce the different natural recipes to make up your flavored water.
The Best Natural Flavored Water Recipes
This lineup of combos for your flavored water takes just a few minutes to prepare. Mixing all the ingredients in a jar, preferably for safekeeping, is as simple as that.
The combo ingredients below are simple yet tasteful. They are also guaranteed to boost your immune system and keep you healthy.
The things that you will need to proceed with making your flavored water are:
-
Glass Jars with Lids
-
Bucket/s of Ice
-
Water
-
Your chosen fruit or herb ingredient
The suggested naturally flavored water combos below are as simple as possible. So, there is no exact procedure for mixing and making your flavored water.
Since all ingredients are natural, there is no room for errors. Having more or less of one thing is not a problem, as all the ingredients you use are guaranteed to be healthy for the body.
Hence, you will find below-detailed information regarding the health benefits you will get from these flavored waters.
1. Watermelon and Jalapeño Flavored Water
Prepare your glass jar and fill it halfway with ice cubes. Then, pour in the water, but do not let it reach the mouth of the jar.
Leave a gap of at least 2 to 3 inches from the water's surface to the jar. This prevents water from overflowing from the pot after adding the fruits.
Once you are done, clean up a lot of mess.
Next, add in the sliced watermelons and Jalapeños. Stir all the ingredients together to allow the juice of the ingredients to come out and mix with the water.
Now, you have your first naturally flavored water ready to drink.
Watermelons contain a lot of Vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and helps your body produce antibodies to fight off any sicknesses or diseases.
In addition, watermelon also carries a fair amount of Vitamin A, which is good for the eyes and can help reduce macular degeneration or cataracts.
Furthermore, watermelons also contain Vitamin B6, which is good for forming red blood cells. Vitamin B6 also helps the body to break down proteins. The more you intake proteins, the more Vitamin B6 is needed for your body to break down those proteins.
The watermelon is approximately 90 percent water, which is beneficial in keeping the body well-hydrated and nourished.
On the other hand, Jalapeños also have their fair share of health benefits. Although fairly small, they are jam-packed with nutrition and vitamins that the body needs.
Jalapeños are rich in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Together with watermelon, they also contain a good supply of Vitamin A.
2. Lime Slices and Basil Flavored Water
The same process of making the Watermelon and Jalapeños flavored water goes for this combo and the other combos after this. It is just a matter of mixing everything according to your preferred taste.
Lime is a member of the citrus fruit family. Like any other fruit, Lime is a good antioxidant that boosts the immune system.
Moreover, lime is also a good source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C, and D. For a fruit of minimal size, lime has a lot going on. That is why it works perfectly in a mixture with water.
Not only does it add taste to your average-tasting water, but it also offers additional health benefits. Lime gives off a series of health benefits, and some of them are the following:
-
Skin Rejuvenation. Limes contain vitamin C and flavonoids, which help strengthen the body's collagen.
-
Improves Digestion. Limes are acidic, helping saliva break down food.
-
Boosts your Metabolism. Because of the acid component of Lime, it helps significantly with digestion. Furthermore, it is also a great way to shed pounds because it increases your metabolism, which then helps your body to burn more calories.
-
Limes lower Blood Sugar levels. They are known to contain a low glycemic index and regulate the amount of sugar your body consumes.
Basil is a common herb with this unique scent of aroma, which belongs to the mint family. It is commonly used to add flavor to recipes, but little do we know that Basil also has some health benefits.
Studies have shown that Basil is an antioxidant, fights off cancer, is a pain reliever, prevents diabetes, protects the liver and blood vessels, and helps relieve stress.
3. Apples and Cinnamon Flavored Water
The famous quote, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away, " is true because Apples contain many nutrients and vitamins that are extremely beneficial and healthy for the body. They are also rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber.
-
It is incredibly helpful in improving neurological health. Studies have found that apples contain a kind of antioxidant called quercetin, which is said to help cell damage that results from oxidation and neuron inflammation.
-
Apples help reduce your chances of having a stroke.
-
Research has also been conducted, and it was found that apples help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Cinnamon also has benefits for human health. The U.S. National Library of Medicine found that it is an effective remedy for treating muscle spasms, vomiting, diarrhea, infections, the common cold, loss of appetite, and erectile dysfunction. Like other fruits, Cinnamon has antioxidant effects that help fight bacteria.
4. Citrus-filled Flavored Water
For this combo, you can incorporate any citrus fruits near your area or accessible to you. Citrus fruits include Lemons, Grapefruit, Oranges, Tangerines, Limes, Pomelo, Buddha's Hand, Blood Orange, Oroblanco, and more.
Whatever each of these you have available, you can slice them up as many kinds of fruits as you want and mix them all in the same jar.
5. Raspberry and Lime Flavored Water
In this combo, to add creativity and color, try mushing the raspberry to squeeze out its juices, giving the water a misty raspberry color.
Raspberry is an extremely rich source of antioxidants, such as quercetin, gallic acid, and Vitamin C. These combined provide a great shield against cancer and heart disease. Raspberries are also known to contain anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Lemon Flavored Water
The most common flavored water among all the combos on the list must be lemon-flavored water. It is usually the go-to beverage for those seeking weight loss, as lemon water is said to repress hunger and increase metabolism. Lemons are rich in Vitamin C, pectin fiber, calcium, and potassium.
7. Grapes and Pineapple Flavored Water
Grapes are considered to be rich in powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Polyphenols can prevent many types of cancer, including lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, esophageal, mouth, endometrial, pancreatic, and cancer in the pharynx. Other health benefits of grapes are:
-
It helps you lose weight because grapes reduce the body's ability to store fat.
-
Grapes contain resveratrol that improves blood vessels' dilation, which causes the bloodstream to flow smoothly.
-
Improves Brain performance. Due to resveratrol's unique properties, blood circulation in your brain is also easier. Hence, it enhances its functions and reaches its optimum potential.
-
It protects your skin from any skin diseases, such as cancer and radiation.
Pineapples are delicious by nature and in their original state. They are also known for their seemingly incredible health benefits.
Pineapples are best known for reducing joint and muscle inflammation and preventing arthritis. They contain a unique proteolytic enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down stubborn proteins.
Moreover, pineapples also have anti-inflammatory properties.
8. Watermelon and Lemon Flavored Water
You would unlikely imagine a combination of watermelon and lemon, but many of you might be surprised to learn that it could be good.
Do not squeeze the lemons too hard. Let their juices naturally come out. The combined nutrients and vitamins in the watermelon and lemon guarantee a healthy beverage that can be a great substitute for water.
9. Cucumber and Mint Flavored Water
There is just something about cucumbers that most people find refreshing, which is indeed a fact. The same thing applies to mint, giving just this soothing effect to people who smell or taste them.
Cucumbers contain high water content and essential nutrients such as magnesium and potassium, perfect for keeping the body hydrated. In addition, cucumbers contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can effectively remove wastes and toxins from the body and prevent skin irritation.
Mint leaves also have health benefits, including being an amazing appetizer and helping significantly improve digestion. In any case of indigestion or inflammation, the soothing effect of mint leaves can relieve the feeling of sickness.
Furthermore, mint improves digestive and oral health and prevents cancer.
10. Papaya and Mango Flavored Water
Not only are Papaya and Mango of the same color, but they also make a perfect combination. Their softness and sweetness are just satisfyingly good for the taste buds.
Papayas contain an enzyme called papain, which helps with digestion. Fun fact: that particular enzyme is also used to tenderize meat. Papayas are also rich in fiber and have a high water content, both of which have been proven to prevent constipation and help achieve regular bowel movements.
Mangoes, on the other hand, decrease the risk of macular degeneration and certain types of cancer. Furthermore, they significantly improve digestion and are extremely good for the skin and hair.
You are Your Maker!
The recipes above are suggestions that have proven to be tasty and a good substitute for water occasionally. You can always mix it up the way you want to. Just remember to use all-natural and organic ingredients because this aims to achieve a healthy substitute for water.
However, remember that even though we are using healthy and natural ingredients, this does not mean you should never drink regular water again. Of course, you still need to do so to provide your body with that all-natural cleansing effect.
← Older Post Newer Post →