We all know that plain old water is one of the best ways to ramp up the metabolism and encourage toxins out of the system. But by adding some clever ingredients to your drink, you can create detox water that makes your taste-buds zing and your insides applaud you for being so kind.
Remember, detoxing isn't necessarily about losing weight - people detox for many reasons - it's all in the name, it simply refers to getting rid of toxins in the body.
A toxic overload can show itself in a few different nasty ways, including bloating, fatigue, lethargy, constipation, mood swings, headaches and bad breath. So, as we go into the season of plenty, here are 25 our top detox water infusions to help turn that last mince pie into a distant memory.
1. Melony Lemon Water
Drinking soft drinks & eating processed foods can leave skin looking grey & dull. Watermelon is high in vitamins A and B, which help hydration & skin renewal . The potassium and magnesium, can help with bloody flow whilst the ever amazing lemon is rich in ascorbic acid, another powerful antioxidant.
2. Ginger, Mint and Cucumber Water
Ginger is a great aid to stimulate digestion and mint is perfect for reducing bloating and helping to ease trapped wind gently... peppermint tea anyone?
3. Orange and Chilli Water
This is brilliant if you’ve indulged in one too many beverages at the office party, because the spice and heat delivered from the chilli will actually help to cleanse your poor stomach. The vitamin C in the orange will promote white blood cell production and boost the immune system - but it's great for calming down the 'kick' in this drink.
4. Green Tea, Apple & Cucumber water Infusion
Green tea is the first thing you might turn too to complement your detox plans. It can help reduce inflammations, keep cholesterol levels in check, reduce blood pressure, and help you feel calm. Cucumber is a natural diuretic, which will reduce water retention and help to flush out toxins.
5. Lemon and Lime Morning Water
Sometimes the simple ones are the best, aren’t they? This is a great detox water to drink first thing in the morning. Add some warm water to help kick start your metabolism, the citrus fruits will release pectin, which is a fibre - and we all know why fibre is good for us.
6. Grapefruit and Rosemary Water
Rosemary is a brilliant detoxifier – we shouldn’t underestimate the power of some herbs when embarking on a cleanse. It enhances the bile flow in the body, which sounds grim, but is essential for fat metabolism. Grapefruit contains an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps your body to regulate glucose stores.
7. Berry Blitz Water
Berries are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, and they also contain anti-aging flavonoids that can help to prevent some types of cancer and slow down the aging process.
Cinammon is a natural detoxifier for the kidneys, liver and colon, making this a popular ingredient for many detox water recipes. It adds a natural sweetness too, and combined with the apple, almost tastes like a pudding (almost!). Apples are high in dietary fibre which leads to a feeling of fullness, meaning you’ll steer clear of snacks for longer.
9. Blueberry, Orange and Mint Water
Blueberries are navy in colour due to their detoxifying pigment compounds. These are known as anthocyanins, which can reduce free radicals and help to prevent stomach ulcers. They also contain high levels of vitamin C, which, in addition to the oranges, will work hard to form collagen in the body. Collagen helps to build body muscle and retain the condition of blood vessels.
10. Vanilla and Lavender Water
Sometimes there are some detox waters that can do more than just that. This one aids sleep. After all, sleep and restfulness go hand in hand with restoring the body back to greatness. The delicate sweetness of the vanilla will cut through the floral tone of the lavender, making this water the perfect candidate for promoting calm and tranquillity before bedtime.
11. Pineapple, Blueberry & Basil Water
Pineapple helps to flush free radicals from your body, while blueberries (as detailed in the the recipe above) delivers a huge antioxidant punch as well as a burst of vitamin C. Basil adds a herby twist and is an excellent source of magnesium, great for heart health.
12. Rose Water
Cleansing the inside can result in some short term outbreaks in skin as your body pushes out toxins. Rose water is a natural toner for the skin - so, drinking a water infusion with this can only be good on the inside for skin. Don't let this infuse for too long as the flavour can get quite strong!
13. Grapefruit & Mint Detox Water
Grapefruit contains many nutrients (fibre, potassium, lycopene, vit c and choline) all combing to support a healthy heart. It has quite a strong flavour so adding mint calms it down a little and helps with digestion.
Ginger is a natural pain reliever and healing agent and also good for digestion. Cranberry's add a vibrant twist and turns the water a pretty pink, as well as being renowned as a natural cleanser of the urinary tract.
15. Coconut, Lime & Mint Water
Coconut is known to help accelerate hydration over just plain water making it a popular drink for hot yoga fanatics. By now, you'll know that the subtle acidity
16. Grapefruit Water
Grapefruit is re-known for helping with weightloss - but it's crazy that some people try the 'eat only grapefruit diets' - that's too extreme. This subtle way to enjoy it still means you can stimulate your metabolism & lower cholestoral.
17. Cranberry Water
Cranberries are known as a natural support to help relieve symptoms of UTIs. They are often referred to as a super food antioxidant, so, it's no surprise it features in this list.
18. Jalapeño & Watermelon Detox Water
Any type of chilli can be said to boost metabolism by 'activitating' receptors in the body that help boost energy & digestion. Adding watermelon will soften the taste slightly and make this infusion more drinkable.
Much like chillies and ginger, cayenne pepper is a spicy powder that helps boost metabolism whilst peaches are a good source of dietary fibre which helps keep things 'moving; if you get our drift.
This amazing fruit infusing mix boasts of multiple weight loss benefits as well as health ones. Not only does it boost your metabolism but ginger is deemed a natural pain reliever, helping from migraines to period cramps(!!!). It can also help with reducing morning or travel sickness and soothes heart burn! It works perfectly with Mango, which dulls the fiery kick of ginger whilst being packed full of nutrients, including helping to clear skin. LOVE!
21. Pineapple, Cucumber & Mint infused Water
Pineapples have a whole suite of benefits including helping to maintain a strong immune system (so those colds can just stay away!).
Sage has a peppery taste making it popular in cooking dishes. Even smelling it can have an impact on memory recall & being able to concentrate better. It has a strong flavour - which is balanced out with the blackberries in this concoction. Blackberries dark blue colour ensure that this is high in antioxidants.
Not only do the colours of mint green and pomegranate red look beautiful together, but the nutrients from pomengranates are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, not to mention fiber and anti-inflammatory properties. Mint is well known for keeping our breath fresh - and really compliments the flavour of pomegranates. YUM.
If you fancy something a little different to spruce up your water - adding herbs is a great idea. Coriander not only tastes great - it is a wonderful source of dietary fiber, manganese, iron and magnesium too. Fibre helps keeps us 'regular', just what you need when you detox.
25. Peach & Mint
Peaches are a good source of dietary fibre - and have a really subtle soft flavour, pepped up by the freshness of mint. Mint is know for helping with upset tummies - making these flavours a powerful combination.
What water infusions would you recommend?
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