Westend61/Getty Images
Long considered a health tonic, lemon water has dedicated fans like Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce who swear by starting their days with its zing of vitamin C. While it may not be a cure-all, drinking your water with a squeeze of lemon can reduce bloating and help you better absorb iron. (Here's what happened when one skeptic drank two cups of lemon water every day).
But drinking lemon water every single morning can get old, so why not refresh your routine with new ingredients? There are plenty of other yummy fruits and herbs you can toss into your mason jar or infusion water bottle for extra flavor and health perks. These seven ideas will make it even simpler to sip your recommended 64 ounces per day.
(Did you know your body has 6 key fat-fighting hormones? See how to balance and boost them—and lose up to 40 pounds in the process—with The Hormone Fix.)
Not only is it pretty, lavender is also known to help relieve anxiety. Add sprigs to your morning water to chill out before a busy day. If you prefer a fruitier flavor, toss in some blueberries, which are packed with antioxidants linked to improved memory.
MORE: 5 DIY Floral Teas
Orange, lemon, and rosemary water
You don't have to completely abandon the lemon, but mixing in some orange slices and a sprig of rosemary adds a nice touch of earthy flavor to your usual citrus sipper. Better yet, research shows rosemary can enhance memory and help you stay alert. (If you're drinking lemon water for weight loss, you need to read this.)
Add some chia seeds and your natural sweetener of choice (like maple syrup) to lemon water to make what's known in Mexico as a "chia fresca," and you'll kick off your day with lots of heart-healthy omega 3s.
MORE: 3 Best Chia Seed Brands
Blackberry and sage water
Oranges are good for blood circulation and provide Vitamin C
Last week, we discussed the benefits of drinking lemon water.
However, I also admitted that I don’t care for the taste of lemons. I know it’s good for you and I’ve really tried to like the taste of lemon water, but no matter how hard I try I just can’t.
So what are some alternatives?
- Orange slices—oranges are full of Vitamin C and also help aid healthy blood circulation.
Berries have antioxidants that are good for inflammatory issues
- Pineapple—relieves joint pain and arthritis
- Ginger—a great booster for the immune system
- Grapefruit slices—also have plenty of Vitamin C and good for the immune system
- Apples—numerous benefits including being good for bone health and the body tissues
- Strawberry slices—provides numerous anti-oxidants
- Mint—provides enzymes that supports the digestive system
- Grapes—have cleansing compounds and are also great for fighting cancer
- Raspberries—contain anti-inflammatory properties
- Lime slices—good for anti-aging and restoring
- Cinnamon—this spice helps boost the metabolism.
- Cucumber slices—they are great for flushing out toxins and aiding in hydration
- Rhubarb—the vitamin K helps to prevent blood clotting
- Blueberries—contain antioxidants that assist with arthritis, memory loss, and eyesight problems
I’ve seen this done numerous ways. Some friends have refillable water bottles that have a special fruit filter. Other friends have used mason jars, pitchers and jugs to place their cut up fruit in. From what I’ve been told by my friends, the fruit last around three to five days in this way.
The nice thing is the fruit combinations can be played with and changed to either prevent boredom or to find the combination that works best for your taste and health issues.
Are you willing to try it with me? Will this encourage you to drink more water?
What is your favorite combination?