Summer time can be the best time of year. The season consists of barbecues, fireworks, long walks on the beach… what’s not to like? Everything is perfect, except for the blazing hot days that make people want to stay in cool air conditioning all day long. Days like this are the worst, because even if one doesn’t mind the heat you can still run the risk of dehydration. A simple solution to dehydration can be drinking detox water.
READ: 7 Slimming Summer Detox Foods
This magical water is a great way to keep fluids in the body, get nutritious vitamins and cleanse toxins out of the system. There are many different recipes for detox water. All of these infusions add a variety of different nutrients and vitamins to the human body. Some popular ingredients one may use include ginger, basil, rosemary, strawberries, apples, raspberries, oranges and lime. Honestly, the list goes on and on. The combination really depends on an individual’s preference of nutrient intake and flavor.
Below is a basic detox water combination, with the benefits of each ingredient:
- Lemon slices
- Cucumber slices
- Mint leaves (a couple)
The number of slices and leaves are up to your discretion, depending on how much water is infused with the ingredients (e.g., water bottle, pitcher of water). Nonetheless, make sure the slices are thin so all of the “good stuff” (vitamins and nutrients) marinate in the water so the body can absorb all of the benefits. For best results, leave the ingredients soaking in water overnight and enjoy it all day long.
Lemon & Mint: Lemons make a strong detox drink. In fact, it is one of the most frequent ingredients used in detox water. Lemon helps start the body’s metabolism, digestive system, and even boosts the immune system. Mint leaves are an awesome choice to use simply because they aid in the digestion process and make the water taste delicious and refreshing. It is also known for curbing your appetite so you have less hunger cravings and avoid a trip to the fridge. But use caution with the mint leaves! Normally one can use the ingredients for up to 48 hours. However, mint leaves may need to be changed within 24 hours. If the leaf starts to turn brown, it will leave an unpleasant taste, ruining the water. Watch out for that!
READ: 9 Reasons To Detox Your Curls in 2016!
Cucumber: Cucumber is an excellent choice for a detox ingredient. It contains anti-inflammatory properties and is a great source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Since these vitamins are coming from a whole food source and not a synthetic vitamin, they will be consumed and utilized better compared to marketed items containing vitamins. The DV of potassium in cucumbers can keep the blood pressure down by 4%, overtime aiding in the prevention of strokes, heart attacks, kidney disease or even vision loss. The vegetable also has silica, which provides extra benefits to the skin. It’s wonderful for calming skin irritation that may be caused by acne or other blemishes.
Don’t wait until the summer is over to try this life-enhancing beverage. These nutritious benefits will make you feel healthier and rejuvenated!