Infused water, also known as detox water, has been quite popular over the past several years, with claims of such health benefits as eliminating toxins, improving energy, & aiding in weight loss. But does it really do what they say it will do?
Infused water is made by simply by allowing fruits, vegetables, or herbs, to soak in water for at least thirty minutes before drinking. The result? A flavored water to substitute for sugary juice or soda. Below are a few of my favorites & the health benefits they claim to have:
- Green tee, mint, & lime- helps with fat burning, digestion, headaches, congestion, freshens breath
- Strawberry & kiwi- promotes cardio health, immune system protection, blood sugar regulation, digestion
- Cucumber, lime, & lemon- helps with water weight management, bloating, appetite control, hydration, digestion
- Lemon, lime, & orange- source of vitamin C & aids in digestion, immune defense, helps with heartburn (at room temp
You can buy an infuser water bottle, or head over to Target & buy any cute water bottle you like, then add whatever amount you desire of any combination of fruits, herbs, or veggies & fill with water.
Hydration is important for our health in many ways, but if you prefer something with flavor over plain water, infused water is the healthier option. However, research shows that it doesn’t exactly have the added health benefits many have claimed. In fact, the best way to get the nutrients & benefits of those fruits & veggies into your body, is to eat them. (no-brainer, right?) Yes, some of the nutrients will be absorbed into your water, but not enough to make much of a difference.
The truth is, our bodies are already designed to eliminate toxins, & there is no scientific evidence to show how any diet, drink, or product will speed up or make our body’s processes for that more efficient. In addition, drinking water does help with weight loss & digestive health, & can even help us be happier- dehydration is actually proven to be associated with decreased mood, reduced concentration, & increased headaches. The health benefits of detox water people are raving about, are actually the benefits of drinking the recommended daily liter of water! If you don’t like plain old water, go ahead & infuse it up with some flavor to help you ditch the soda, just don’t believe the hype about all the extra benefits- if you notice you dropped 20lbs, it’s not the added ingredients in your water, it’s because you replaced soda with water!
-Staying Hydrated & Reaping the Benefits, Gerri
*This post contains a couple of affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase by using one of them, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you*
Resources referred to in preparation for this post:
Seeking Him Ministries 