Infused Water Recipes and Benefits Free Recipes To Get You Started
When I first saw pictures of “A” list celebrities carrying bottles of water I thought it was a joke! (I also thought tea bags would never catch on) Being retired and living on the Gold Coast (Australia) staying hydrated is a necessity rather than an optional extra. With temperatures regularly above 33 C/91 F . if you are not hydrated your will health will be seriously impaired. Making my own infused water supplies fitted into my home cooking, budget friendly, lifestyle and added to my fitness on a budget plan.
Infused Water Recipes and Benefits
(The information on this site is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice)
At a conference of the British Psychological Society (2012) Research presented found that college students who brought water with them into an exam scored higher marks than students who didn’t have water. Considering other research that staying hydrated keeps your memory sharp, your emotions and your motivation stable, it would seem they were on to something!
Infused Water Benefits for Non Students!
1. Water cleans inside and out:
Without food we can survive days. Without water we can survive days! Our kidneys are our blood filters and they can not do this without an adequate intake of water.The next step is to get rid of these wastes in the urine. Dehydration severely reduces the effectiveness of this cycle. A bit like not taking the rubbish out!
2. Water improves your cardiovascular health:
Cardio vascular health is all about the heart. Dehydration means less blood volume and the thicker the blood the harder your heart has to pump to push the reduced amount of blood around your body. The oxygen in our blood cells allows us to stay active.
3. Water helps prevent dry mouth and throat:
Apart from the obvious fact that a moist mouth feels better than a dry one is also reduces the risks of bad breath, dental cavities and ulcers.
4. Water keeps your body cool:
The reason our faces turn red when we exercise is due to expanding blood vessels under the skin which allows more blood to cool down. When you’re dehydrated it takes longer for the body to trigger this cooling effect.
5. Water helps muscles and joints work better.
Good hydration keeps the cells surrounded by nutrients as well as getting rid of waste products. Think of it like oil in your car enginge!
6. Water keeps skin supple.
As we age the elasticity of our skin reduces due to lower collagen. Water will not replace this elasticity but it does make the skin look healthier and more supple.
Basic Water Infused Recipes
Try these then invent your own and share!
Raspberry and Lime Rush
The advantage of homemade drinks is that they are personalized to your taste buds. All quantities in my recipes can (and should) be altered to suit you!
Ingredients
- 1 cup limes Sliced
- 2 cups raspberries Washed
- 3 tbsp fruit infused honey syrup Optional extra to taste
Instructions
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After slicing limes cut in half to provide more surface for the juices to release
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Add fruit to jar and press firmly with wooden spoon enough to release juices
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Fill the jar with ice cubes 2 inches/5 cm from top
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Pour in water to top of jar
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Screw on lid and store in fridge (Up to 3 days)
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Before using the infused water can be strained to remove pieces of fruit with fresh fruit added just prior to serving.
Recipe Notes
Other Combinations
Pineapple and Mint
Blackberry and Sage
Watermelon and Rosenmary
Kiwi Fruit and Lemon
Strawberry and Mint
Drinks may be served with the addition of fresh fruit for decorative purposes.
Lip Smacking Lime & Lemon
The advantage of homemade drinks is that they are personalized to your taste buds. All quantities in my recipes can (and should) be altered to suit you!
Ingredients
- 1 cup lemon sliced
- 1 cup lime sliced
- 2 sprigs mint Use whole or just leaves
- 3 tbsp fruit infused honey syrup Optional extra to taste!
Instructions
-
Slice fruit and cut in half to increase area for juices to escape
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Add fruit to jar and press firmly with wooden spoon enough to release juices
-
Fill the jar with ice cubes 2 inches/5 cm from top
-
Pour in water to top of jar
-
Screw on lid and store in fridge (Up to 3 days)
Recipe Notes
Other Fruit Combinations
Pineapple and Mint
Blackberry and Sage
Watermelon and Rosemary
Kiwi Fruit and Lemon
Strawberry and Mint
One of the best things about using your own infused water recipe is that you know what you like and what your family likes so you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste buds! The ratio of lime + lemon+ herbs is entirely in your hands.
My advice to adding fruit infused honey syrup to your flavoured water drinks is don't be too generous. It is possible to re-train your taste buds away from the sugar kick!
Fruit Infused Honey Syrup
Fruit infused honey syrup is the ideal sweetener for fruit flavored water drinks. This recipe is a non cook one which keeps all the vitamins intact that are lost in recipes that require the ingredients to be boiled. Store in fridge for 24-48 hours before use.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raspberries Leave whole
- 2 whole limes Use zest and juice
- 1 cup honey Pure
Instructions
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Chop larger fruits but leave berries whole
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Add chopped herbs and fruit to a quart jar. Press firmly with wooden spoon to release juices and fragrances
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Add honey and mix gently
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Seal and leave in fridge for 24-48 hours
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Then strain contents through muslin or a fine sieve
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Store in a glass bottle/jar in fridge. (Will last a month)
The syrup can be frozen into ice cubes for longer storage
Recipe Notes
Other Combinations
Use 2 cups of chopped fruit to 1 cup of honey plus zest and juice from lemon, lime or orange. Herbs are according to taste but generally 1-2 sprigs is enough.
Ginger and Lemon
Pineapple and Mint
Strawberry and Basil
Strawberry and Lemon
Blackberry ans Sage
Blueberry and Sage