5 Recipes of Infused Water with Health Benefits

While we are spending more time indoors these days, consumption of regular recommended water intake is getting harder. If you also think that drinking plain water is just plain boring, maybe it is time to add some fruity goodness to water. Infused water is not only the solution to the keeping up with the daily amount of water intake, it also comes with several health benefits. Not to mention, it becomes more enjoyable because it is so simple to make. Infuser water bottles are available everywhere in India, however, if you don’t already have one, all you need is a strainer and you are good to go. It typically takes anywhere between 4 – 8 hours for infused water to get ready, therefore it is probably best if you prepare your infuse at night so that you have ready to consume water in the morning.
The simplest way of preparing infused water is to dice up the fruits or herbs and put them in water directly. For a pour, you can stir up the contents and pour through a strainer. For preparing a litre of infused water, typically one fruit is enough, however, the recipe varies depending upon the ingredients.

Here are 5 recipes for infused water which have incredible health benefits...

Citrus Infuse

You can use any citrus fruit (lemon, oranges, grapefruit, etc.) to prepare this infuse. All you need to do is to roll the fruit a little in your palms and thinly slice them. You can add one orange to one litre of water. Leave it to infuse for 4 – 6 hours. This refreshing drink is high on vitamin C and is a flavourful way to keep drinking more water and boosting your immune system at the same time. You can also add crushed mint leaves for more freshness. However, it is a good idea to remove the slices after a maximum of 6 hours as the peel of the fruit tends to make the water bitter.

Apple Cinnamon Infuse

For a litre of apple cinnamon infused water, you can add one diced apple along with 2 sticks of cinnamon. The infuse takes 4 – 5 hours for best flavour. Apple is high on pectin which is a type of soluble fibre. It helps in regulating digestion and flushes out cholesterol and toxins. On the other hand, cinnamon adds a sweetness to the flavour and is known to curb hunger pangs. This infuse is great if you are working on losing weight. However, before adding cinnamon to you infused water, it is recommended that you consult your doctor since cinnamon may cause sugar levels to spike up.

Ginger Lemon Infuse

Ginger lemon infuse is packed with detox goodness. It is great for your digestive system and is known to reduce the risk of diabetes. It also increases the body’s ability to absorb fat which in turn promotes weight loss. Add thinly sliced ginger and lemon to water and leave it for 4 – 6 hours to infuse in the water. Remember to strain away the lemon slices after a maximum of 6 hours. While pouring for a drink, there is no need to panic if the ginger flavour comes out too strong, you can just add some more water to it or alternatively, squeeze some fresh lime into it.

Cucumber Mint infuse

Cucumber mint infused water is a great way to increase your water intake and stay hydrated. Since cucumber is mostly made of water, it infuses easily and imparts a great refreshing flavour to water. This infuse is high on antioxidants, therefore, they are great for your skin. Apart from all this, cucumber is also found to be a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B5, manganese, beta carotene, etc. which help combat eye degeneration and also promotes bone health. Due to high water content, this infuse is also known to help regulate blood pressure.

Berries Infuse

This infuse can be made with seasonal berries. Apart from carrot, berries are also known to be good for eyes. This infuse is not only delicious it also high in vitamin C, which helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.