Hydration is key to healthy living - anywhere from 45-75% of our body weight comes from water depending on our stage of life and obesity levels. On average, it accounts for 57% of our overall weight and makes up 83% of our blood and 70% of our brain. It has many benefits: healthier skin, increased energy, decreased headaches, lower risk of certain types of cancer, improved digestion, better heart health (remember that bit about 83% of our blood being made up of water?), and it helps cleanse toxins from our bodies. It will also help your workouts by transporting oxygen and glucose throughout your body, lubricating your muscles, joints and organs, and regulating your body temperature.
Drinking water plain can be a bit boring at times, so here are some fun natural flavor boosters you can add to your water:
For all of the following, take the ingredients listed and put into a 2 gallon container, top with ice, then fill with water. Let it infuse for 1 hour before you drink it. When the container is halfway empty, you can refill it with water. Ingredients are good for 3 or 4 fill ups if used within a few days.
Peach Water with Basil |
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2 Peaches, sliced
1/2 cup Basil leaves, washed |
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Basil is thought to promote heart health, improve your skin, aid digestive health and is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. |
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Nectarine Water with Mint |
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2 nectarines, sliced |
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Mint is thought to reduce headaches and nausea, improve digestion, aid in reducing congestion and coughing, and reduce certain types of allergy symptoms. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. |
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Apple Water with Cinnamon |
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2 Gala Apples, sliced and cored |
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This blend can also be boiled as a tea rather than served iced for a fall or winter version! |
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White Nectarine Water with Hibiscus |
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2 White nectarines, sliced |
| Hibiscus is thought to be high in antioxidants, lower and maintain blood pressure, help protect against stomach cancer, maintain healthy skin, maintain your body temperature, and support upper respiratory health. | |
Interesting Water Facts
Around 70-75% of the earth’s surface is covered in water.
By the time you feel thirsty, your body has lost over 1% of its total water amount.
Water dissolves more substances than any other liquid.
Water is the only substance that is found naturally on earth in three forms: liquid, gas, and solid.
Over 90% of the world’s fresh water is located in Antarctica.
A tree can release approximate 70 gallons of water each day through evaporation.
Water leaves the stomach five minutes after consumption.
Over 400 million people live in regions with severe water shortages.
