How to Stay Hydrated with Healthy Infused Water

From apps that make drinking water into a game to water bottles that tell you what time to drink your water at, drinking water and staying hydrated is key to a healthy lifestyle. Our body desperately needs water and even the slightest hint of dehydration can have negative effects on the body.

Staying hydrated is difficult. Sometimes we forgot to drink water throughout the day and only remember when we have a pounding headache. Sometimes we just don't want to drink after and opt instead for coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, all of which will not hydrate as well as water. And some people just don't like the taste of plain water.

Not liking water and not wanting to drink it can mean choosing to drink other drinks, like juice, or simply not drinking water at all. In this article, we're going to be looking at an effective solution for those of us who don't like water.

We're going to take a look at infused water. Water infusions are usually water infused with fruits, herbs, and other fragrant plants that can alter the taste of water and make it more desirable to us. We're going to look at the best things to infuse in water, and how these infusions can help us stay hydrated. We'll also look at a few of our favourite infused water recipes.

To find out more about infused water, keep reading now!

Why do we need to stay hydrated?

Staying hydrated is vital to the proper functioning of the body. Dehydration can wreak havoc on the body in many ways, which is why you should always aim to drink enough water each day. The WHO recommends that adults drink at least 2 litres of water every day.

Drinking water and keeping your body hydrated has many functions and benefits. These include:

• Increasing energy and relieving tiredness and fatigue
• It can help with healthy weight loss by reducing food intake and boosting metabolism
• Flushes out the toxins in the body
• Keeps skin healthy and glowing
• Maintains digestive function and regularity
• Regulates body temperature
• Keeps joints well lubricated
• Can help to prevent infections
• Helps nutrients to be delivered to cells
• Keeps organs functioning properly

Staying hydrated is in our best interests and keeps our body healthy and functioning. To find out more about hydration through infused water, keep on reading.

How fruit infused water can help you to stay hydrated

Fruit-infused water is a great way to maintain hydration as it promotes higher water intake. Fruit-infused water, or water with added herbs, can help to increase the water you consume as it offers a flavorful alternative to plain water.

Additionally, drinking infused water that contains fresh fruit can help you to feel healthier, as though you're consuming something that is good for you, making you want to drink more of it! (And fruit-infused water looks really pretty too, which helps!)

Along with higher water consumption, infused water also comes with a range of other benefits. To find out more, take a look below.

Benefits of drinking infused water

Drinking infused water can up your water intake quickly but it can also benefit your body in other ways. The benefits of infused water include:

• Reducing sugar consumption. The theory is that because fruit- or herb-infused water is flavourful, you will choose to drink it over juice and other sugary drinks, thereby reducing your sugar intake.
• It is a low-calorie option. Water has no calories and the added fruit add only minuscule calories, making it a good option for those trying to lose weight in a healthy way.
• Rids the body of toxins. Water already takes on this role and with the added antioxidants of the fruit infusion, infused water can help to further protect your body from toxins.
• Could increase energy and brain function. Depending upon which fruits and herbs you add, you could actually create an energy-promoting infusion! More on this later!
• It's really easy to make. You don't need special equipment, though you could find a reusable water bottle with a fruit infuser, you can just use a regular bottle too.

Fruit-infused water is an exciting way to drink water and it comes with many health benefits. Next, we're going to take a look at the best fruits and herbs for infusion, as well as the kinds of water you can use!

The best fruits for fruit-infused water

There are many considerations when it comes to fruit infusions, from the fruit combinations to the fruit types to the water type. Below we've discussed a few of these considerations, check it out.

Does it always need to be fresh fruit?

There is some debate around whether a fruit infusion should always use fresh fruit. Fresh fruit allows for juice and other goodness from the fruit to infuse into the water, making it a great option if you're mostly looking for flavour, but does it always need to be fresh?

Though the idea of adding dried fruit seems a little odd, adding freeze-dried or dehydrated fruit to your water can have the same effect as fresh fruit. Both these kinds of fruit will rehydrate within the infusion and offer many of the same benefits as fresh fruit.

This is useful for fruit infusions because it means you don't constantly need to buy fruit. Fresh herbs and fruit tend to go off quickly and so if you don't get around to infusing it all, you could end up wasting money. Dried fruit and dehydrated fruit though, can be bought in bulk, saving money and using less packaging, and giving you a constant supply of fruit to add to your water.

You don't have to use dried fruit, and you may prefer to use the fresher stuff, but it's good to know that the option is available to you!

Citrus fruits and their place in water

Citrus fruits in water are probably the most common occurrence of infused water. Lemon water was probably the first thing you thought of when you read we were going to be discussing fruit-infused water ideas because it is such a common infusion.

Both lemon and lime are added to drinks, water and fizzy drinks, and so it seems obvious that citrus fruits, generally, make good infusions. Citrus fruit offers lots of fibre and nutrients, as well as adding flavour to your drink.

Try adding oranges, grapefruit, and even some yuzu to your water and see what flavourful combinations you can make. Indeed, this may be a healthier way to consume citrus fruit as many fruit juices contain lots of sugar which can be harmful in high amounts.

Herbs: dried or fresh?

Another consideration when designing your infused water recipes is for your herbal additions. When you infuse water with herbs you want to be able to taste the fragrant and warming flavours herbs can bring. Like with fruit, herbs can also be dried, so should you use dried herbs in your infused water too?

Like with fruit, dried herbs will rehydrate when infused in water, though it may take a while. These herbs may not have the same depth of flavour as fresh herbs and so you only should use dried herbs if you can't get your hands on fresh ones.

To extend the life of fresh herbs, you should remove them from their packaging and roll them in a slightly damp kitchen towel and store them in an air-tight container in the fridge, or keep live herbs and cut when you need to!

Does the water type matter?

When infusing water, it may seem like you can only infuse still water but there is absolutely nothing stopping you from infusing sparkling water. Infusing sparkling water with fruit can add a little kick to your drink. It can make you feel like you're drinking fizzy pop and help with cravings for sugary drinks.

The most delicious infused water recipes that you should be trying

Now we understand why we should be drinking infused water, we're going to have a look at some of the best and healthy recipes for infused water that there is. Each combination can be done with room temperature water, iced water, sparkling water, or distilled water - the choice is yours.

These recipes are great for inspiring your own fruit-infused waters and don't need to be stuck to too rigidly! Have fun with your infused water and see what exciting fruit and herb combinations you can come up with!

Now, let's take a look below at our favourite infused water recipes.

Mint, cucumber, and lime

Like a mojito without the alcohol, this refreshing blend will wake you up, make you feel invigorated and is flavourful enough you'll forget you're even drinking water! Add some chopped cucumber, fresh mint, and a few slices of lime to some iced water, or sparkling water if you're feeling fancy!

All of the citrus fruit you can find

We're talking lemons, limes, grapefruit, orange, tangerines, yuzus, even a bit of bergamot. Add it all into your water and let the citrusy flavour envelope you. Citrus is known to be energy-boosting fruit and drinking this can help make you feel more full of life.

Watermelon, basil, and mint

People who say watermelon has no flavour are wrong and we can prove it with this fantastic blend. For a summery feel, add chunks of watermelon, a few sprigs of fresh mint and some crushed basil leaves for a herby and fragrant infused water.

Lime and ginger

This blend is great for its flavour as well as its healing properties. Ginger has some fantastic health benefits and adding it into your water is a great way of reaping these benefits! Ginger can go into the water with the skin on, or you could add minced ginger and some chopped lime.

Papaya, passionfruit, and mango

This tropical twist is a great option for summer. You could add frozen fruit, or even dried papaya and mango with this recipe. Load it up with ice and sip this tropical delight in the height of summer to give off beachy vibes.

Grapefruit, orange, and rosemary

Rosemary is a fantastic source of antioxidants and infused alongside these two citrusy flavours, the floral and acidic balance is perfect! This is another blend that does well in summer with lots of ice and even more sun!

Strawberry, lemon, and mint

Lemon and mint have a new friend in strawberry, delicately balancing the powerful combination with its sweetness. This invigorating blend will do well to make you feel more alert and focused throughout the day.

Apricot, raspberry, and mint

Another mint option but with a more delicate balance. The slight acidity of the raspberries is balanced neatly with the sweetness of the apricot and the freshness of the mint. Don't add too much mint to this blend to ensure you can enjoy all of the other flavours too!

Apple, cinnamon, and red pear

A warming and spicy blend, this infused water is reminiscent of Christmas time. We recommend adding half an apple, half a red pear, and a cinnamon stick to some room temperature water and taking warming sips as the nights get darker and colder.

Kiwi and orange

Slightly tropical and bursting with flavour, this simple combination offers an energy-boosting taste and a combination that you may not have thought of before! Chop chunks of kiwi and mix with a few juicy slices of orange.

Apple, orange, cinnamon, and clove

Another wintery blend, this warming infusion is invigorating and soothing. Add a few slices of apple and orange, a cinnamon stick, and a few cloves to room temperature water. Don't be too heavy-handed with the cloves as they can overpower the drink!

Strawberry and lime

A classical combination and delicate balance between sweet and acidity, this is another great one to sip all day. If you're feeling an extra flare of flavour, add in some mint to add an energetic freshness to your water.

Conclusion

Water infusions are a fantastic way to boost your water intake and get some extra antioxidants while you're at it. Fruit infusions can combine any manner of fruit and the recipes we have suggested are just a few of the fantastic combinations you can achieve. Try adding the fruits you love to your water and see how much more water you start drinking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does putting fruit in water do anything?

Putting fruit in water can add flavour and add antioxidants and fibre. You will find that when you add flavourful fruit to water, you are more likely to drink it, particularly if you don't like water. Adding fruit into your water can make it more appealing to drink and can help you to stay hydrated.

What is the healthiest fruit to put into water?

All fruit added to water can be healthy. Depending upon your tastes you could add anything from citrus flavours like lemon and lime to apples and watermelon to strawberries and raspberries. Additionally, you can add herbs and spices which add flavour and more antioxidants too. Adding fruit to water is healthier than choosing sugary fruit juices.