What Are We Really Getting Out of Fruit Infused Water?

Clear skin!

Weight loss!

Detox!

Haven't we all seen the various claims about the health benefits of drinking fruit infused water, or water infused with herbs or veggies. Let's keep it real, though; what are we really getting out of this obviously gorgeous glass?

~What is Fruit Infused Water?

Fruit infused water, detox water, also called fruit flavored water is any combination of fruits, veggies or herbs immersed in drinking water.

~How Does it Help Us?

You probably know that our bodies are made up of mostly water; about 60% to be exact. Every drop plays a critical role in our bodies, like being used to increase blood circulation, aid in food digestion and elimination, along with control of the regulation of the body's temperature. With water being such a vital need for life on its own, the infusion of fruit honestly just makes the water taste better! Too get the full nutritional value of the fruit (or herb, or veggie) then it should be consumed. Meaning that once the water is gone, you can either eat the diluted fruit, or even better, re-purpose the fruit into a delicious smoothie!

So ultimately, if fruit infused water tastes great and causes us to drink more water ,then I personally am all for it! Also, what a great way to easily create a flavorful alternative to sodas and other sugary drinks more often.

The simple truth: The real health benefit of drinking fruit infused water is that you're drinking more water!

~Tips for Making Your Own Fanciful H2O!

-Fruit infused water is best enjoyed after a few (2-4) hours of infusing. Infuse water at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. After that, put it in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth (or add ice).

-The length of time the water lasts depends entirely on the type of fruit and herbs you use. Basil, for example, only lasts for 3 days, while heartier varieties like rosemary or thyme can last up to 7 days.

-Softer fruits like citrus and strawberries can be sliced to your liking: thick, thin, halved, or quartered. Harder fruits like apples should be sliced very thinly because they take longer to release flavors.

-Crush leafy herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro to release their oils. Crush more fibrous herbs like ginger root, rosemary, and lemongrass with a muddler (HERE) or a wooden spoon(HERE).

-Loose herbs and flowers, like lavender or rose petals can be collected in a tea infuser(HERE) or cheesecloth (HERE) before placing into water.

-To avoid a bitter flavor when infusing lemons, simply remove the rind before infusing. Or, avoid infusing fruits with rinds for over 4 hours. Infusing lemons with rinds on them for days will yield a water that is too bitter to sip!

-Additions like cucumbers, citrus fruits, melons, and mint will flavor your water almost immediately. Apples, cinnamon, fresh ginger root, and rosemary need an overnight soak in the fridge.

-Melons and sliced strawberries start looking waterlogged after a few hours; citrus, and whole berries look pretty good even after hours in the fridge.

-If you don’t drink your infused water within 24 hours, strain out the solids and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

-Remember to re-purpose diluted fruit. Simply eat it to get the full nutritional value, or try making a delicious smoothie with the remaining fruit, combined with fresh fruit!