10 Super Healthy Things To Add To Your Water

10 Super Healthy Things To Add To Your Water. Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com. Background photo © AdobeStock 83932452 (under license)

With more than 40 liters of water in the human body, dehydration can be as easy as doing a little bit of exercise or getting a fever. The advice to drink eight to ten glasses of water is not without merit because a high intake is essential in keeping the body properly hydrated. Dehydration is bad for you.

Because we drink a lot (or rather, we are supposed to drink a lot) of water in a day, adding extras like herbs and fruits can be very beneficial in giving our bodies a vitality boost. It also helps get over the “boredom factor” with some added delicious flavor that doesn’t involve any sugars, artificial sweeteners or other unhealthy ingredients.

It will pay in the long run to keep tabs on how much water you drink in a day, as well as adding a little bit of extra zing to it to make it healthier.

1 – Cucumber

Cucumber is a vegetable that is quite high in water content, making an excellent choice for replenishing your body’s reserves. However, it also has other benefits, the most important of which is cucumber’s antioxidant properties. Cucumbers are able to reduce damage to DNA and red blood cells – factors that contribute to faster ageing and deterioration of the body. ^[1] Another factor to consider is cucumber’s potassium content; over 147 milligrams of it in 100 grams of cucumber. ^[2]

2 – Fresh Mint

Fresh mint is a very popular choice to add to drinks because of its refreshing taste – but it also has added health benefits too! Mint (specifically Mentha longifolia) could possibly have anti-mutagenic and anticancer properties. It can protect our cells from damage and mutations, thereby decreasing the risk for cancer. ^[3]

3 – Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are relatively new in the food market, with most people unaware of their numerous health benefits. Chia seeds have low calorie content and can be a suitable snack – but you can also add the powdered version to your water! Chia seeds have protective effects on your liver; they reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the blood, improving the body’s lipid profiles and hepatic health. ^[4]

4 – Lemon Or Lime

Lemon and lime are two of the most popular things to add to water (aside from mint) but do you ever wonder why? What nutritional benefits do they have? The answer is pretty simple. Lemon and lime are rich in ascorbic acid or vitamin C and other immune system boosting nutrients. ^[5]

5 – Aloe Vera

When used topically, aloe vera is able to soothe a variety of skin problems – from sunburn to insect bites because of its cooling properties. However, adding a few drops of aloe vera extract into your drinking water also has a several health benefits, including significant anticonvulsant, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. ^[6][7]

6 – Ginger

Ginger is widely regarded to help with stomach problems like indigestion and acid reflux, hence the numerous ginger ales and sodas available for purchase in your local grocer’s. However, these drinks have been processed within an inch of their lives, leaving very little nutritional value in them. Instead, why don’t you try adding a few slices of real, fresh ginger in your water (or even ginger root powder)? Ginger has significant protective effects on your gastrointestinal health. ^[8]

7 – Herbal Tea

Herbal teas are often good for fighting cough and colds, sore throats, and other similar conditions. They pleasant taste and aroma make them an excellent addition to your water. You get a lot of benefits from herbal infusions – primarily because of their strong antioxidant properties and ability to relieve fatigue without any damage to other organs of the body. ^[9][10] Look for brands with pure organic herbs and no additives – such as Traditional Medicinals (Amazon link).

8 – Berries

The next time you buy berries on your next grocery run, get a few extra ones to add to your water. Strawberries, blueberries, and other berry fruits (even tomatoes, which are technically a berry!) have great anti-oxidant properties that cleanse the body from unwanted toxins. ^[11]

9 – Cinnamon

The viral “cinnamon challenge” has given cinnamon a bad name but there is more to this spice than silly teenagers and choking hazards. Cinnamon does not just add zest of spice to your food, it can also help fight diabetes! Cinnamon is able to promote weight loss, reduce blood glucose levels, increase good cholesterol (HDL or high density lipoprotein), and increase insulin sensitivity – all of which promote good metabolic health. ^[12] Note – it is important to get real cinnamon – cinnamomum verum. Much of the so-called cinnamon in the marketplace is actually cassia which has a high coumarin content and this is actually a health concern. Look for the pale tan, crumbly, thin sticks instead of tougher red-brown ones.

10 – Honey

Out of all the items on this list, honey is probably the most delicious one to add to your water yet. A tablespoon of honey in warm water is a popular sore throat reliever because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. But you don’t have to wait to get a sore throat or cough to drink this concoction! Drink it as a prophylaxis to help prevent mouth and throat infections as well. ^[13] Again, make sure you are getting actual real honey instead of the fake honey that is rampant nowadays. More info on that – https://herbshealthhappiness.com/the-top-7-benefits-of-raw-honey/