Infused Water: A refreshing DIY health beverage, recipes and benefits
Infused water is a refreshing approach to staying hydrated. It is a treasure trove of benefits but often admired for simplicity. This refreshing yet simple to make DIY health beverage lets you infuse plain water with a variety of fresh fruits, herbs or even spices!
Beyond its vibrant aesthetics and customizable taste profiles, infused water promotes increased water intake and can provide a subtle boost of essential vitamins and antioxidants. In this article, we’ll explore some easy and creative recipes to get you started, and delve into the health benefits that make infused water a smart and enjoyable choice for wellness enthusiasts and casual sippers alike.
Benefits of Infused Water
According to webmed.com, fruit-infused water contains all the hydration of a cool glass of water and the bright, sweet, and tangy flavors of your chosen ingredients. Lemon-infused water and lime-infused water are some of the most popular choices, but you can also infuse water with herbs like mint, sage, or basil.
The main benefits of drinking infused water come from the simple fact that it’s water. Adequate hydration is absolutely key to being healthy. By infusing tasty flavors, many people tend to drink more water. Infusion can thus be a way to make water more appealing. Dehydration prevention, weight loss, and detoxification of the body due to abundance of antioxidants make infused water a refreshing DIY health beverage.
How to Make Infused Water
Making infused water is a simple and delightful process. Involve children into it, they will love it! Begin by selecting your favorite fruits, herbs, or whole spices. Thoroughly wash your chosen ingredients to ensure they are clean. Next, take a glass jar or pitcher and fill it with drinking water. Add the ingredients you’ve chosen for infusion, but be careful not to overfill; herbs should only occupy up to one-third of the jar’s capacity. After combining the ingredients with water, stir the mixture well.
Place the jar in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to blend. When you’re ready to enjoy a glass, simply pour from the jar and replenish the water back to its original level in the jar. Give it another shake before returning it to the refrigerator. You can reuse the ingredients multiple times, typically up to five uses, as long as they continue to impart flavor. Be vigilant and discontinue use of any ingredients that show signs of spoilage.
Infused Water – Suggested Combinations
Stay hydrated with these easy infused water recipes. A pitcher of fruit- and herb-infused water makes hitting hydration goals easier.
- Summer Squeeze – Mint, Lemon Slices, and Cucumber
- Detox Potion – Basil (Tulsi), Ginger, and Lemon
- Apple of my Eye – Apple, Lemon, Carrot
- Fuzzy Fruit Cooler – Peach, Plum, Mint
- Citrus Burst – Orange and Lemon
- Pink Hawaiian – Strawberry and Pineapple
The combinations and the recipes for infused water are only limited by your imagination. You can create any combination of fruits and herbs that you love and let their earthly flavors transform simple water into a heavenly drink.
Potential Risks of Infused Water
Although infused water is generally safe to consume even in large quantities, there are a few health risks that should be considered.
Food Poisoning
Prepare your fruit prior to infusion to make sure your water is free of any contaminants that can cause food poisoning. Between 20 and 60 foodborne illness outbreaks are tied to fresh produce each year. Be sure to select fruit that has an intact rind or skin, wash your hands before preparing, and store infused water in a sealed container in your refrigerator.
Tooth Enamel Erosion
Many infused water recipes include citrus fruits, which are known to wear away tooth enamel due to their acidic content. Frequently drinking citrus-infused water could lead to tooth sensitivity or cavities, so be sure to infuse your water with other fruits from time to time.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a medical advice. Talk to your healthcare professional for accessing the risks and benefits of consuming infused water and its ingredients mentioned in the article.
