When it comes to health and wellness, separating the fact
from the fiction can sometimes be quite the challenge. How can you be sure
something you want to try will really work the way you want it to? Is that hot
new health trend everyone’s been talking about on social media something with
real staying power or just another flash in the pan that’s better off ignored?
Most importantly of all, is the option you want to try really right for you and your unique set of needs?
Detox
water is the latest wellness trend to set social media feeds everywhere on
fire. It’s also one of the few trends well worth considering, as it does come
attached to some truly fantastic benefits. However, there’s a lot of hype
surrounding detox water as well. Here we’ll take a closer look at the benefits
of adding it to your own wellness regimen, as well as separate the fact from
the fiction. We’ll even get you started with some especially worthwhile recipes
to try.
Although it may sound like
something a lot more scientific, detox water couldn’t be simpler. It’s simply
water that’s been infused with the fresh, natural flavors of fruit, vegetables,
herbs, or spices. It’s also possible for the water to absorb some of the vitamins,
minerals, and healthful components of the produce used.
Detox water is different from juicing or blending, in that
it simply imparts the flavors and
essence of the produce you’ve chosen into plain, ordinary water, as opposed to
extracting anything additional from it. For that reason, it has very few (if
any) calories, making it a popular addition to weight loss programs, diet
regimens, and healthy lifestyle plans of all kinds.
Detox water is also a great way to encourage yourself to
drink more water in general. Many people don’t like the taste of ordinary
unflavored water and find it difficult to consume their doctor-recommended
eight glasses per day for that reason. Detox water, on the other hand, can be
as packed with flavor and fun to drink as any
soda, juice, or other beverage. That said, adding it to your diet comes
attached to all the benefits that come with proper hydration. They include:
In other words, if there could be said to be a fountain of
youth and ultimate health out there, water is the key. Detox water, in particular,
can help you make it a reality for you!
There are no hard and fast rules
when it comes to what you put in your detox water. Every possible ingredient is
good for you, so everyone has their own method when it comes to choosing their
produce. Some like particular flavor or color combinations. Others
strategically choose ingredients for their unique health benefits.
However, some combinations are going to be more
universally appealing than others. Start your detox water journey with some of
the following recipes. Once you find out what you like, feel free to get
creative and come up with more of your own.
If you’re looking for a detox water that really
lives up to its name, try this combination on for size. Both strawberries and
pomegranates are well-known for their high levels of antioxidants, so this
combination is a great option for those looking to improve the condition of
their skin, boost their immune system with plenty of Vitamin C, and rid the
body of disease-causing free radicals. The beautiful reds involved help make this a pretty drink as well.
Start by slicing a
generous number of fresh strawberries and gathering an equal amount of
pomegranate seeds. (Pre-seeded options are fine, as whole pomegranates can be
difficult to work with.) Add to a mason jar or pitcher of your choice. Fill
with filtered water, chill, and enjoy!
Blueberries and
mandarins aren’t just among the tastiest ingredients you could add to your
detox water. They also come attached to plenty of health benefits all their
own. Blueberries
are fantastic for detoxifying the system and warding off conditions like
urinary tract infections. They’re also excellent aids when it comes to
converting fat and carbohydrates into energy. Mandarins, on the other hand, are
packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, making them great for boosting the
immune system and improving the integrity of bodily structures like veins.
Gather a generous amount of blueberries, as well as
slice two or three mandarin oranges. Add to your favorite mason jar, pitcher,
or another container of choice. Fill with
filtered water, refrigerate, and enjoy! Try experimenting with other berries
and citrus fruits to create even more combinations to get excited about.
It will be a while,
yet, before the chilly weather is truly a
thing of the past. Boost your body’s ability to fight off illness and stay free
of toxins with this powerful combination of lemon and ginger. Ginger is a
wonderful detoxifier, as well as a great metabolic booster. Lemons are packed
with immune-boosting Vitamin C, as well as additional antioxidants to help keep
your system clean, clear, and functioning.
Slice one or two mid-sized Meyer lemons, as well as
a one-inch portion of fresh ginger. (You can even add a few springs of mint,
basil, or lavender for extra color and flavor.) Add to a mason jar, pitcher, or
another container. Fill with water, chill
overnight, and enjoy in liberal amounts to stay in the pink of health!
Fresh fruits aren’t
the only ingredients capable of making incredible-tasting detox water.
Cucumbers are just as delicious and refreshing. They’re also packed with
ingredients like citrulline, an amino acid that helps improve liver and kidney
function. Herbs like mint, oregano, thyme, or rosemary all contain detoxifying
powers of their own. Plus, they taste great and help add nuance to your detox
water recipes.
Thinly slice a cucumber and add to your favorite
mason jar or pitcher with several generous sprigs of a fresh herb of your
choice. (You can also add some lemon or lime slices for additional flavor and
an extra hit of Vitamin C.) Fill the container
with filtered water, chill, and enjoy. Although fresh herbs are always best for
detox water, you can use dried if
that’s all you have on hand. Just make sure to strain your drink before
enjoying.
If you like your
detox water with a hint of spice, this recipe is for you! Apples are packed
with essential nutrients like Vitamin C, the better to support collagen growth,
promote wellness, and achieve the healthy skin you’ve always dreamed of.
Cinnamon is prized for its ability to improve circulation, while rosemary is
famous for its antibacterial properties. Plus, the combination of the three
makes for a visually appealing drink, to boot.
Thinly slice your apples and add to your container
of choice. Add at least one cinnamon stick and a couple of generous sprigs of
fresh rosemary. For extra oomph, try adding strawberries and lemon as well.
Fill the container with filtered
water, chill, and enjoy!
If you’re looking for a powerful detox water that
will really wake your system up and get your metabolism revving, look no
further than this bracing combo. Citrus fruits like orange, mandarin,
grapefruit, or lemon bring Vitamin C and antioxidants to the table. Cayenne
cleanses the blood and sends your metabolism soaring.
Slice any combination of citrus fruits you like and
add to your favorite mason jar or pitcher. Add a generous pinch of cayenne or a
whole dried pepper if you have one. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy in the
morning as a pre-workout booster or simply a great way to get ready to meet
your day head on.
Here we have another great combination that’s
perfect for recuperating after an illness or simply giving your body a fighting
chance against infection. Your citrus fruit of choice fortifies this mixture
with Vitamin C and powerful detoxifying agents. Edible aloe vera gel soothes
your system, calms inflammation, and lends a fresh flavor to the mixture.
Thinly slice any combination of citrus you like and
add to your pitcher or mason jar. Add a generous spoonful
of aloe gel, as well as mint leaves to taste
if you like. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy! Looking for a fresh way to enjoy
this combo? Try adding thinly sliced cucumber instead of or in addition to the
citrus.
At this point, your mouth is
probably watering, now that you know how many delicious combinations you can
enjoy once you’ve embraced detox water. Nevertheless, it’s well worth making
sure all of your bases are covered when it comes to making your waters as
healthful as possible.
After all, a good detox water isn’t just delicious. It’s also completely free of any possible harmful elements. Here’s how to make sure all of your healthy creations truly make the grade.
Not all fruits, vegetables,
and herbs are created equally. Too many standard grocery store options have
been exposed to harmful pesticides and other toxic substances that can easily
make your way into your detox water and harm your system over time.
That said, always create your detox drinks with organic produce only. Consider doing even better and purchasing locally raised produce that’s in season at the farmer’s market or via your community’s CSA program. Going with seasonal options is also a great way to make sure your detox waters are as effective as possible. Mother Nature has a way of giving us exactly what we need right at the times of the year we need it most – immune-boosting citrus fruits during the winter cold system, detoxifying berries in the warm summer months, and so forth.
The quality of your produce
isn’t all that’s important when it comes to detox water. You’ll also want to
make sure your water is up to snuff. Never use plain, ordinary tap water to
create your recipes. Even good quality municipal water can contain trace
elements of harmful substances that you don’t want to consume. (Examples
include, but are not limited to, arsenic, lead, bacteria, mercury, and even hundreds
of different pharmaceuticals.)
Bottled water isn’t really
any better, as the bottles themselves contain harmful compounds that can easily
leach their way into the water they contain. Such chemicals have been linked to
serious health conditions like cancer, hormonal imbalance, miscarriage,
developmental problems in children, and various pregnancy-related issues in
expectant mothers.
Instead, invest in a water
filter for your home and start using it religiously not only in your detox
water recipes but for all your drinking
and cooking purposes. They come in a wide range of styles and sizes, including refrigerator
water filters, inline water filters for under the sink, and faucet
water filters that can be installed right there on your kitchen sink. Just
choose the option that’s the best fit for your lifestyle, preferences, and
water usage habits, and you’re all set!
At the end of the day, detox
waters are a lot more than just a trend that’s got everyone talking. They’re a
wonderful way to keep yourself hydrated, up your intake of essential vitamins,
and make staying healthy a colorful, fun process. Get started today! You won’t
believe what a difference it’ll make in the way you look, feel, and live.
