I’LL HAVE WATER

WRITTEN BY CANDACE COLLENS

I'm sure we're all aware of the nutritional benefits of consuming water long and short-term. Modern advancements have given us many new and creative ways of drinking water that are much less boring than traditional, but are they just as healthy? Flavored water might taste better, but are we considering its impact on our teeth? Think about it; artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors? The citric acid in flavored water eats away at your tooth's enamel, causing decay, sensitivity, cavities, and stains. So, let's consider this, "what ingredients are actually in my water?" The correct answer should be 'water, plain ol' water!'

"But I like flavored water!" Here's how you should be doing it.

Lemon Water

If we must add flavor to our water, adding lemon to a cup of water is a healthy option. Plus, adding an ounce of lemon juice to our water can provide 13-15% of our daily vitamin C requirement. Also, lemon juice has potassium, thiamine, vitamin B6, and folate. Lemon water even stabilizes our appetite by preventing hunger spikes while keeping us hydrated. How do we do it? Mix a cup of warm water with the juice from half a lemon at the beginning of your day. This simple mix also doubles as a way to reduce bloating due to the antioxidants that help aid digestion.

Mint Water

It's a beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold at any time. For starters, yes, it is flavored, and yes, it is low in calories and sugars. Two tablespoons of fresh mint leaves contain only five calories, while some peppermint leaves contain only two and a half calories. Mint water is a flavourful way to fight constipation and support digestive health. Studies also find that mint water aids digestion and relieves stomach pain. Remember, making mint water yourself is a healthy alternative, as packaged mint water or mint-flavored water can contain other ingredients that your body may not respond well to.

Like lemon water, mint water is safe for just about anybody to make and drink anywhere! There are no side effects to these naturally flavored forms of hydration! Still, if these forms of hydration are too dull, feel free to add fruits or vegetables of your choice, such as cucumber, melon, raspberries, strawberries, pineapple, etc. The same flavors we see on the shelf but without the unnecessary additives. Each fruit or vegetable has its own health and nutritional benefits, but adding these household items to our water does not only add flavor, but adds years to our lives, protects our teeth, helps our bowels move, and keeps us slim and hydrated!