HEALTHY FOOD SERIES, TOP-LINERS

5 Detox Water Recipes

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Hey Everyone! I hope y’all are doing great! Well, keeping in mind the crazy “sunny” adversities, I guess, it’s time for some “Summer Relief” to be discussed in our weekly Healthy Food Series!

Water – is an integral part of our lives, making it impossible to live without! For centuries, medicinally, water has been advocated as the best natural detox available to mankind. Water carries nutrients to our cells, aids digestion by forming stomach secretions, flushes our bodies of wastes, and keeps our kidneys healthy. It also keeps our moisture-rich organs (skin, eyes, mouth and nose) performing well, it lubricates and cushions our joints, and regulates our body temperature and our metabolism.

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Scientifically, water approximately makes around 60% of our body and “water-loss” is a natural process that occurs on everyday basis through sweat and pee. Drinking water at regular intervals (up-to at-least 8 glasses) hence, is cardinal to replenish and maintain the right electrolyte balance on the inside.

“Water is the driving force in nature.” 
― Leonardo da Vinci

The latest fad to this “water-intake program” is DETOX WATER (aka Infused Water). Drinking detox water has many positives – ranging from whole body toxic cleanse to increase in energy by hydrating the brain cells to weight loss! Adding fresh veggies, fruits and herbs to water does not only make it a little less boring but also adds to the flavor. (Win-Win!)

Keeping up with the fad (and also because I care), I share my Top 5 detox-water recipes, that are easy and quick to make and look wonderful! Why have “boring” water when you can add some “zing and bling” to it! (Right!)

1. CUCUMBER + LEMON

Ingredients : 1/2 cucumber, 1 lemon, a few sprigs of mint and water

For this combo, slice up the cucumber and lemon and rinse the mint. Fill the jug up with water and add lemon, cucumber and mint leaves. Mix well and leave to steep overnight in the fridge.

Benefits : Lemon helps in kick starting effective digestion while flushing out toxins. Vitamin C in it also helps in brightening the skin. Where as, cucumber furthers hydration. It also supplies the skin-friendly minerals like – magnesium, potassium, silicon for a guaranteed glow and freshness. Drinking lemon-cucumber water, the first thing in the morning gives our body a chance to absorb these vitamins effectively and can provide the little needed immune boost.

2. STRAWBERRY + BASIL

Ingredients : 10 fresh whole strawberries, 2 lemon wedges, handful of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 lemon juice and water

In one liter of water add all the ingredients and mix. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours to allow all components to infuse.

Benefits : Strawberries are high in antioxidants, potassium, Vitamin C and other nutrients. Vitamin C and phytochemicals in strawberries neutralize the effects of the harmful oxidants in our body and rejuvenate the system. Furthermore, strawberries are rich in iodine as well, which is very helpful for regulating the proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system. On the other hand, basil has anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties, aiding in reducing inflammation and swelling. (Perfect concoction for “hung-over” mornings).

3. GINGER + MINT

Ingredients : 1 cucumber, 2 inches of fresh peeled ginger, 2 lime wedges, 10-12 fresh mint leaves and water

In one liter of water add all the ingredients and mix. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours to allow all components to infuse. (You may also chose to crush the peeled ginger for added infusion of flavor)

Benefits : Ginger is used to eliminate a variety of ailments like – an upset stomach or a sore throat because of its anti inflammatory properties. It is loaded with nutrients and bio-active compounds that have powerful benefits for our body and brain. Interestingly, one of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain. (Tweaking this mix with luke-warm water instead of cold can help cure chronic indigestion and tummy aches)

4. LIME + RASPBERRY

Ingredients : 12-15 Fresh raspberries, 2-3 lime wedges and water

In one liter of water add all the ingredients and mix. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours to allow all components to infuse.

Benefits : Red raspberry is used for treating gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorders, including diarrhea; for respiratory system disorders, including flu and swine flu and for heart problems, fever, diabetes, and vitamin deficiency. It is also used to promote sweating, urination, and bile production. Due to its medicinal properties, it is also used for general “purification of skin and blood.”

5. PINEAPPLE + TURMERIC

Ingredients : Some pineapple chunks (preferably fresh, otherwise go for the unsweetened canned ones), a pinch of turmeric and water

In one liter of water add all the ingredients and mix. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow all components to infuse.

Benefits : Turmeric is a super food when it comes to inflammatory conditions and boosting the immune system. Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric – has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. It also helps the body fight foreign invaders and also has a role in repairing damage. Pineapple, on the other hand contains an enzyme called bromelanin, excellent for reducing inflammation. Vitamin C in pineapple, helps in reducing illnesses and boosting the immune system by stimulating the activity of white blood cells and acting as an antioxidant to defend against the harmful effects of free radicals (which are the dangerous by-products of cellular metabolism).

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Pro Tip – For serving, you can pour infused water into cute looking mason jars and add fresh herbs like mint, rosemary for that extra glamour! (Looks good, tastes great!)

Click here for evidence based “Facts and Myths about Detox Water” by HealthLine.

For the ones who have trouble reaching the recommended daily intake of water (like me!), INFUSED WATER is the way to go. It’s easy to make and is cost-effective. Plus, it is undoubtedly a preferred alternative than a high-calorie, artificial sugar-infused drink, any day! Drinking detox water does not only help you lose weight and have a better digestive health but also makes you happier, active and dynamic.

Here’s to happy-healthy drinking! Cheers!

Love,
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57 Comments

    1. Oh yes, you absolutely can! I always do!🙋
      The only thing is that – they might not taste that great and hence “infusing” them helps.😀

      Reply

    1. Haha.. I can imagine! (Coming back from the vacation and all!) 😉
      Tbt, I used to be lazy earlier, but then my weight wasn’t! So I had to! 😛

      Reply

  13. Well, my strawberry plants are fruiting and I have 4 basil plants this year! I would never of thought to put them together, but I think I’m going to give it a try!!!
    No. 5 also sound amazing!!!

    Reply

  14. Yess… I love detoxing my Water. Actually my whole family does. We also use use of Lime, Tangerine. Thanks for sharing. Very informative.
    😊🌸💜

    Reply

    1. Oh wow, that’s really wonderful! I’ve been detoxing for almost 5 years now,and it’s really helped me clear my system!😊😊

      Reply
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