When you think of Summer, you naturally think of hot summer days by the beach, or hanging by the pool, hiking, biking, trail walking, camping and sailing. We also tend to think of BBQs and outdoor gatherings. What we tend to forget though is that hydration
is far more important in the summer months when outdoors for long periods since we are apt to sweat a little more! Which is a good thing! Sweating helps to regulate our body temperature and maintains homeostasis. (1)
What better way to stay hydrated, than drinking water! Better yet, why not add flavour and variety to that water! There are so many fresh vegetables and fruits available, that flavouring your water can be as simple as slicing an orange and adding it to your glass or jug. Not only does it take the boring out of plain water, but it adds some micronutrients into it, like Vitamin C.
Fresh and in Season!
Summer comes with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables! There are many benefits to adding colourful fruits and vegetables to water; experiment with various fruits and vegetables to get a mix you will enjoy, but don't forget the herbs and spices! There are many side benefits to adding those to your drinking water as well!! (3)
This recipe combines herbs, spices and vegetables to help hydrate you while providing your body with mineral and vitamins, like Vitamin C, along with anti-viral, anti-bacterial and immune boosting properties! The optional addition of cayenne gives your metabolism an extra boost and enhances circulation. (2)
If this is the first time you are flavouring water, you may wish to try adding only one ingredient at a time.
Try these fruits or veggies alone or in combinations or the recipe below for an advanced drink:
raspberry and pineapple🍍
watermelon 🍉 and cucumber 🥒
orange and strawberry 🍓
strawberry 🍓 and raspberry
lemon 🍋 and lime
cucumber 🥒 , ginger and lemon 🍋
(You can use fresh or frozen fruits)
Summer Veg with Lemon and Ginger Spiced Water
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Serving Size: Makes about 4 - 6cups
In order to benefit and savour all the refreshing flavours of this drink, it is best to prepare this water at least 3-4 hours in advance of drinking.
Ingredients
1 inch ginger, peeled and sliced
1/2 a cucumber or one mini cucumber, diced
1 lemon, organic, washed and sliced
sprigs of mint
1/4 tsp of cayenne pepper ( optional, a dried cayenne is also nice for color!)
4-6 cups of water
reserve a few slices of each item to garnish the drinks
drizzle of maple syrup, optional
ice
Preparation
prepare the ingredients above, except the powdered cayenne
place in a water container that can hold 4 cups of water
use room temperature filtered or Spring water
allow to sit 3-4 hours, before adding ice or allow to steep in the fridge overnight. You can speed the flavouring by adding warm water or setting the water in the sunlight (that's another discussion on the benefits of sunbathing your water!)
for a festive and decorative look, serve with additional lemon, mint, cucumber, ginger to individual glasses, stir and
sprinkle with cayenne pepper (optional) and drizzle maple syrup for a touch of sweet!
add ice if desired
Viola! A fresh, revitalizing summer drink!
Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
References
1. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/water-a-vital-nutrient
3. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/water-a-vital-nutrient
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