Drinking Infused Water
The Health Benefits
by Carol Bullard

Drinking infused water provides some nutritional health benefits but the most valuable benefit is simply a matter of increased hydration. 

Many people do not drink enough water on a daily basis because they don't like the taste of plain water or they just get tired of it.

Thus, the unique flavors of infused waters will often help these people consume more fluids.

There are many different combinations of ingredients and recipes to choose from that will suit just about anyone's taste preferences.

Since hydration is extremely important to overall health and vitality, infused water is an excellent choice for many.

How to Make Infused Water

Infused water is made by simply adding several slices of fruits, veggies, and/or herbs to a container of water. 

The preferred method is to use some type of infusing bottle, pitcher or mug. These containers usually contain an inner permeable core where you put the ingredients, and then the container is filled with water. (See images below). 

Or you can use an infusing ball that you fill with ingredients and drop into the water container.

Glass containers are preferred but BPA-free plastic containers can also be safely used for infusing water.

Health Benefits of Drinking Infused Water

Each infused fruit, veggie and herb can provide specific health benefits, depending on the quality of food ingredients that are infused, such as how they are grown (organic vs non-organic) and how fresh the ingredients are.

Fresh fruits and veggies provide an array of antioxidants, phytonutrients, anthocyanins, as well as numerous vitamins and minerals.

The exact nutrient content with infused waters is difficult to determine because the length of time, temperature, and the amount of water that is used to infuse the ingredients are all factors.

What we do know is that drinking plenty of water (including infused water) on a daily basis can help:

• Bring nutrients and oxygen to the cells and organs
• Improve the look and feel of skin 
• Regulate and maintain body temperature
• Lubricate joints
• Provide more energy to muscles
• Regulate bowel movements
• Give a feeling of fullness and possibly reduce overeating
• Foster clear thinking and optimal brain function

Infused vs Commercial Flavored Waters

For people who enjoy flavored waters, infused water is much healthier than commercial beverages, such as the array of bottled vitamin waters and flavored waters you can find in most grocery and health food stores.

Infused waters have far less sugar content (other than the natural fruit sugars) and they do not contain the added chemicals, as well as artificial flavorings and sweeteners that are found in most commercial flavored waters.

Summary

Infused waters are a delicious and satisfying replacement for people who don’t like the taste of plain water, but they want to increase their daily water intake.

Making your own infused water and experimenting with recipes will provide more health benefits than the commercial brands of flavored water. 

Also, be sure to thoroughly wash all fruits, veggies and herbs before infusing them, and use filtered drinking water for optimal benefits.

For more information about drinking infused water and some excellent recipes, check out Infused Waters: Recipes.

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