Water is a part of everything we do. We need water to cook, to clean, and, of course, to survive. Our bodies themselves are made up of 60% water, which means more than half of our physical forms are nothing but H20.
It’s no wonder, then, that dehydration can have a profound effect on our wellbeing, even serving as one of the most common causes of ailments like headaches and fatigue. To support good health, many doctors recommend drinking between 2-4 liters of water a day. Based on the average size of a drinking glass, that’s approximately 17 glasses of water a day. That’s a lot of water!
Even though water is critical to our survival, many people struggle to drink it with enthusiasm since water has no taste or smell. So if you’re trying to consume 17 glasses, that may mean a long, boring day of tossing back the clear liquid.
Despite what you may think, this may get even worse in the winter, when many of us tend to slack off on our water intake. Yes, winter dehydration is a thing! To help you jazz up your water and achieve better hydration, here are eight inspired, winter-friendly ideas using cold-weather fruits and herbs to give your drinking water a seasonal twist.
8 Beneficial Herbs and Winter Fruits for Drinking Water
Much like vegetables, fruits and herbs are seasonal. Even if you can get them year-round in your local grocery store, they’ll be at their refreshing peak during certain months. Fortunately, while some produce options are at their best in the summer, others flourish in the winter and are perfect for garnishing your wintertime drinking water.
1. Rosemary
Rosemary is a delicious herb that is used in both cooking and drink creation. Versatile for sweet or savory uses, rosemary is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also been known to improve memory and boost your immune system.
2. Grapefruit
Grapefruit has long been associated with weight loss benefits, as it’s found in popular diets to help kickstart fat burning. But it also contains other body-healthy benefits! Grapefruit can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (or help eliminate an existing condition) and supports long-term heart health. Its high concentration of vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium can also strengthen your immunity.
3. Pomegranate
If you’ve never had pomegranate before, this fruit may seem a little mysterious. It’s actually not the flesh of the pomegranate we eat, it’s the juicy seeds inside. They may be little, but they are mighty — those seeds have nearly 40% of your daily requirement of vitamin C! In addition, pomegranate boasts anti-inflammatory properties and has been known to reduce the risk of diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and even arthritis.
4. Apple
Not only are apples delicious, but they are also packed with fiber. They, like grapefruit, can promote long-term weight loss as well as lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. You know what they say: an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
5. Clementines
Clementines have the highest antioxidant content of any fruit or herb on this list. Why is that important? Because these fun little compounds have a significant influence on inflammation in your body. Since high inflammation can lead to serious diseases like heart disease and cancer, it never hurts to add a little antioxidant-rich clementine to your diet.
6. Mint
You may have heard of mint’s natural antiemetic properties, meaning it can be a great resource to settle an upset stomach or eliminate nausea. It’s often recommended to pregnant women to help combat morning sickness. Mint can also reduce acne, alleviate symptoms of the common cold, cure bad breath, and help you manage stress.
7. Chamomile
These days, chamomile is most often found in teas — especially those to help relieve stress or ease you into sleep. This is because this flower helps battle insomnia and can promote relaxation and a good night’s rest. But in addition to helping you get those nightly ZZZ’s, chamomile can help with menstrual cramps, reduce symptoms of diabetes, and even help treat and prevent cancer. So whether you’re infusing chamomile into hot tea or cool drinking water, this herb is a good one to have in your repertoire!
8. Lavender
Lavender isn’t just for perfume or essential oils — you can also include it in drinks and food for a host of health benefits. It’s mostly known for its relaxation properties, but lavender can also reduce blood pressure, help with asthma, and is known as a natural option for pain relief.
Winter Water Infusions That Will Inspire You to Hydrate
Clearly, these fruits and herbs have a lot of beneficial potential. Plus, adding winter fruits to your drinking water adds a little pizazz! But why limit yourself to just one at a time? Below are some great recipes to mix-and-match winter produce and make your water really jump from the bottle.
Citrus and Herbs
For a fresh wintertime favorite, begin by peeling a grapefruit and cutting it into slices. Next, mix these ruby-red slices into a pitcher of water, along with several sprigs of rosemary. Place in the fridge for a few hours, so the flavors have time to infuse properly, then enjoy! You’ll be pulling in those heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory benefits in no time.
That Mojito Life
Is your stomach feeling a little upset? Or maybe you’re just craving intense refreshment. Grab six springs of mint and three lemons. Juice one lemon and add to a pitcher of water, being sure to remove the seeds. Slice the other two lemons into rounds or half-moons and throw them in the pitcher with your sprigs of mint. Let them infuse, then say goodbye to nausea and hello to hydration!
Apple and Cinnamon
Apple cider is delicious, but it’s also filled with sugar and calories. Enjoy the next best thing by making apple-cinnamon-infused water to keep you hydrated and happy. You’ll need one apple (sliced thinly and with the seeds removed), a cinnamon stick, and a tablespoon of honey. Mix together and let sit to infuse optimum flavor.
Seeing Red
Everyone loves a little color, and that’s exactly what you’ll get when you combine a blood orange and a pomegranate in one delicious, water-filled carafe. First, slice the orange and scoop out the pomegranate seeds. Then, simply combine with your water for a refreshing and colorful beverage filled with vitamin C.
Tips for the Best Infused Water
In order for you to really taste the winter fruits in your drinking water, you need to let them actually infuse. This means combining the ingredients and letting them sit in the fridge anywhere from 2-4 hours for maximum flavor.
Of course, another important factor affecting the deliciousness of your infusion is the quality of your water source. Avoid using tap water that is heavy with minerals and contaminants, which can leave a metallic or even gritty taste to your water. Use a filter or even consider a whole-home filtration system for perfectly clear water every time.
Enjoy a Better Drink with The Science of Water
Here at The Science of Water, we understand how important it is to have clear, fresh water in your home. That’s why we’ve been a trusted, authorized seller of Puronics whole-home filtration systems for over 25 years. Our experts can provide you with filtration solutions that are safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective.
Want to know more about your options for cleaner, more delicious drinking water? Contact us to claim your free water test today!
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