Your guide to preparing different varieties of infused-water drinks and their benefits
It is the most important compound on earth. No life is possible without it, and life began in it. It is present everywhere, but there are still grave crises all over the world due to its shortage. The human body contains it in large amounts and also needs plenty of it to stay healthy. Yes, you guessed right – it is water.
You know it from childhood – you need to drink large amounts of water to stay fit, hydrated and avoid illnesses. However, very few people get around to drinking the required quantity of water. Rather than drinking water, you crave juices and soft drinks because they have flavor and fizz but at the same time you do know that this harms your body.
What if you could drink flavored water which does your body good and helps you stay healthy? That’s exactly what infused, or detox water does for you. Read on to know all about it.
Drink Your Way to Better Health
Saunf or fennel seed water
To prepare this water, toss 2 tablespoons of raw or lightly roasted fennel seeds into a liter of boiling drinking water. Switch off the flame and cover the pan till it cools to room temperature. Transfer it to a jug and pour yourself a glass. Keep sipping on this water throughout the day.
Alternately, fill a jug with room temperature drinking water and add the fennel seeds. Let this steep overnight and drink the water all through the next day. As this method has no heating, all the nutrients in the fennel seeds are preserved.
Benefits of fennel seed water:
- Helps in weight loss as it suppresses the appetite, speeds up metabolism and prevents hunger pangs
- Flushes out toxins from the body
- Aids digestion
- Purifies the blood
- Helps you stay focussed through the day while helping you stay away from caffeine.
- Increases secretion of melatonin from the pituitary gland, helping you get a good night’s sleep Consume up to 4 glasses of saunf water to get maximum benefits.
Coriander or dhaniya water
Add two teaspoons of coriander or dhaniya seeds to one and a half cups of boiling water. Cover and let it boil for 15 to 20 minutes on a low flame. Turn off the flame, strain the water and let it cool in a jug. Once it is cool, pour yourself a glass, add a teaspoon of honey and mix well. Drink it on an empty stomach in the morning to get maximum benefits. Another way to prepare coriander water is to add fresh dhaniya leaves and lemon to water.
Health benefits of coriander water:
- Helps people with thyroid, diabetes and weight problems
- Clears up the skin
- Improves digestion
- Aids better hair growth
- Helps fight nasty colds
- Keeps cholesterol in control
Lemon water
A warm glass of lemon water with a dash of honey first thing in the morning is just what your body needs to flush out toxins and get hydrated after a long night’s sleep. Lemons contain potassium which is excellent for your brain and nervous system. Lemon water builds up your immunity, helps digestion, clears up your skin, gives you fresh breath, and aids in weight loss.
It is a great refresher on a hot day and gives you a fresh burst of energy. Drink a glass of lemon water daily and notice how you begin avoiding coffee.
Amla or Indian gooseberry water
Soak slices of Amlas with a little salt in water. Keep it for a day and then strain. Drink this water to revitalize your body. Amla juice prepared by blending Amla with water is also an excellent way to consume Amlas.
This is how Amla water helps:
- Gets rid of acne
- Gives you stronger and healthier hair
- Reduces wrinkles and tightens the skin
- Boosts immunity
- Maintains eye health and improves vision
- Helps in weight loss
Tulsi or holy basil water
Tulsi is one of the magical herbs used for a long time in Ayurveda. It has immensely beneficial medical properties which can help to cure all kinds of ailments. It is a very easy herb to grown and can be found in most Indian households. Boil tulsi leaves with 2 pods of black pepper in water to make tulsi water.
Benefits of Tulsi water:
- Helps to fight fever and other bacterial and viral infections
- Improves immunity and helps in recovery from dengue, malaria, hepatitis, tuberculosis and swine flu
- Detoxifies the body and skin
- Has antibiotic and anti-carcinogenic properties
- Aids in overcoming respiratory illnesses
- Aids digestion and relieves stress
- Contains vitamins A, C, and essential oils
- Helps diabetics keep blood sugar levels in check
- Maintains dental health
Ginger water
Also known as ginger tea, ginger water is prepared by boiling freshly cut pieces of ginger root with water. Strain it and add a dash of honey to make the perfect tea.
This is how this infusion helps you:
- Decreases join pain and inflammation
- Gives relief from nausea
- Has antioxidants, which reduce the amount of harmful free radicals in your body
- Has anti-carcinogenic properties
- Aids in digestion and helps to fight against cold
Parting words
Staying healthy has never been so simple.
As is evident, preparing detox water requires little material, time, and effort. The gains you reap from regular consumption of detox water are so many. Make sure you stay away from juices, colas, and coffee, and instead switch to detox water. Prepare a different kind of infused water every day to add variety to your life.
“ Water is the only drink for a wise man” – Henry David Thoreau
