Adding certain natural ingredients to drinking water helps enhance flavor, support hydration, and increase health benefits.
1. Add turmeric to your drinking water.
Turmeric is a familiar spice with a distinctive yellow color, containing curcumin, a plant compound with strong antioxidant properties. Turmeric drinks can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and support the stabilization of blood sugar and insulin levels.
You can stir turmeric powder into warm water and drink it in the morning, or use turmeric tea bags steeped in hot water.
Adding turmeric to your drinks can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
2. Sliced cucumbers
Cucumber juice is refreshing and easy to drink. With its high water content, cucumber helps hydrate the body while providing fiber for better digestion and weight management.
Adding cucumber to your daily water intake can also help maintain stable blood pressure. You can prepare a pitcher of cucumber water in advance and store it in the refrigerator to use throughout the day.
3. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Regular consumption of chia seeds has been linked to improved bone density and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Additionally, chia seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which helps promote digestion, lower cholesterol, and support gut health. To make chia seed water, simply stir one tablespoon of chia seeds into a glass of water for at least 10-15 minutes until the seeds swell before consuming.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a fermented product made from apple juice, with acetic acid being the main component that gives it its characteristic sour taste. When diluted with water, apple cider vinegar not only enhances flavor but also offers several benefits, such as supporting blood sugar regulation and healthy weight management.
Because of its high acidity, apple cider vinegar needs to be diluted before drinking, using about one tablespoon for every 240 ml of water.
5. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. Compounds like gingerols and shogaols in ginger can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain from arthritis, and support gut health while soothing stomach discomfort.
You can soak fresh ginger in cold water or stir ginger powder into hot water for use.
6. Black pepper
Black pepper is a familiar spice, made from dried peppercorns, which, when added to water, creates a characteristic pungent flavor. This spice contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, supports brain function, improves gut health, and has antibacterial effects. Some studies suggest that black pepper also helps control blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
You can soak whole peppercorns in hot water, let it cool overnight, and use it as a mildly spicy morning drink.
7. Honey
Honey can help relieve coughs and soothe sore throats thanks to its high antioxidant content and its ability to support immune system function. In addition, honey has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. However, due to its high sugar content, honey should be consumed in moderation.
Adding honey to your drinks helps boost immunity.
8. Fruit
Besides lemons, many other fruits can also be used to naturally flavor everyday drinks. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and have a high water content, which helps support immunity and boost resistance.
You can put sliced fruit in a large water bottle, refrigerate it for a few hours to let the flavors infuse, and then drink it throughout the day to quench your thirst and replenish your body's fluids.