We all know how important water is, but let’s face it, plain H2O can get seriously boring. Try spicing up your next glass of agua with these delightful, and totally healthy additions. You won’t see any sugary drink mixes on this list…
Experiment with your favorite flavors and water additions and stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water each day.
CitrusLemon, lime, grapefruit, orange. Basically, any citrus fruit or combination of citrus fruits you can think of will add a bright, zingy taste to your water and give it a kick that will have you coming back for more. As an added bonus, citrus fruits are loaded with vitamin C that can help boost your immune system and keep your skin looking youthful and glowing.
BerriesBerries are another all-around excellent addition, especially if you let them infuse in a pitcher of water overnight. The flavor will be more intense, and the cool, refreshing water will quench your thirst with style. Berries are loaded with antioxidants that can protect your body and keep harmful diseases at bay. You can also try mashing berries at the bottom of a glass and pouring water over the top if you don’t have time to let it sit overnight.
MintFresh mint leaves serve a twofold purpose; they taste great and seriously enhance your water and they are incredibly beneficial for soothing an upset stomach. Mint is also thought to increase bile secretion and encourage bile flow, which helps to speed and ease digestion.
TeaNoncaffinated, herbal tea is a great way to drink water if you don’t actually enjoy the taste of water. As long as you don’t add anything (sugar, honey, or cream), tea is a no-calorie beverage that seriously boosts plain, filtered water.
CucumberOther than making your pitcher of water seriously Instagram worthy, cucumbers provide a number of health benefits and give water a subtle flavor infusion. Cucumber slices contain silica, which is a trace mineral that works to keep your muscles healthy and reduce skin inflammation and puffiness. Enjoy cucumber water as a wonderful post-workout cooldown drink.
CinnamonMore of a lesser-known addition, cinnamon is a surprisingly healthy way to amp up your water. This super spice can lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and help reduce your risk of heart disease. What’s not to love? Mix the powdered spice into hot water to let it dissolve or infuse cold water with cinnamon sticks.
GingerGinger water is another excellent, post-meal beverage to encourage healthy digestion and prevent nausea. Grate or slice it and add it to a pitcher of water overnight before straining and sipping. You can also make hot ginger tea on the stove with a little honey for the perfect warm drink on a chilly day.
Fruit juiceNo, we’re not talking about those “from concentrate” sugar-laden fruit juices. Real, unadulterated fruit juice can seriously improve the taste of your water and is a great option if you have a busy schedule that doesn’t allow time for slicing and infusing fruit. Simply pour a splash into your bottle, and you’re good to go.
Flavored ice cubesIf you love ice-cold water and want an easy way to include a little extra flavor, try freezing your favorite water enhancers into ice cubes. For instance, you can purree watermelon, add it to an ice tray, top it off with water, freeze, and then enjoy watermelon ice cubes for a delectable drink.
Sparkling waterAdd a little (unflavored) carbonated water to your bottle for a nice bubble effect. This is a great option if you are trying to quit soda and miss the carbonation. Combine this with any other flavorings on this list for a totally natural, sparkling water.
Basil Surprisingly, crushed basil is another herb that you can add to your water. Combined with some muddled strawberries, this unique flavor will delight your tastebuds and enchant your senses.
