According to a study published in the Journal of Ayurvedic and Integrated Medicine, (JAIM), fasting is a fundamental principle of naturopathy.
The same study suggests that fasting provides rest to the digestive system and diverts energy to the healing of the body and mind. One way to do that is with a water diet.
If you’re not game for a full water fast, you can start by simply mixing up some detox water and sipping away throughout the day.
Here are some delicious recipes to keep you feeling cleansed and refreshed all Summer.
#8 Lemon and Honey Detox Water
Adding lemon and honey to water is one of the best ways to drink detox water.
Full of vitamin C, it’s not only very tasty but the honey can help curb cravings.
Over a 4-day period, 50 yogic studies students were put on a lemon and honey water fast. The conclusion “showed significant reduction in weight, BMI, fat mass and total body water compared to baseline.
#7 Grapefruit and Basil detox water
An article published in Food and Nutrition Research reported that “consumption of grapefruit was associated with higher intakes of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, dietary fibre, and improved diet quality.”
Squeeze the juice of a grapefruit into a jug of filtered water and add a sprig of basil for a deeper flavour.
#6 Cucumber, Mint and Lime Detox Water
Cucumbers are apparently one of the most alkaline and therefore hydrating foods on the planet.
A study published in the Journal of Ageing Research and Clinical Practice reports, “The most hydrating foods are those packed with the highest levels of nutrients and are beneficial to cell health. In general, this includes foods that are anti-inflammatory and as low acid to alkaline-forming as possible.”
“Cucumber is one of the most alkaline foods and because of its triterpenes, it may work well to regulate diseases that involve the immune system.”
Cut some strips of cucumber, add a few slices of lime and a sprig of mint for extra freshness.
#5 Cucumber and Watermelon Detox Water
Watermelon contains vitamin C and lycopene, two powerful antioxidants. Mixed with the hydrating and immune-boosting benefits of cucumber, this is one of the most refreshing and healthy detox water recipes you can make.
Just make sure you use filtered or mineral water as the base.
#4 Peppermint detox water
Ok, effectively it’s homemade peppermint tea, but herbal infusions are really warmed up detox drinks.
A study by Tufts University found that peppermint has “significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities, strong antioxidant and antitumor actions, and some antiallergenic potential.”
Drinking peppermint detox water as a way to lose weight is far more palatable with a minty taste and the ingredients can be found in your garden.
If you prefer your cleansing water to be cold, just brew the tea by letting it steep for 5 minutes, remove the mint and add ice.
#3 Berry Detox Water
Berries contain polyphenols which are said to help prevent cardiovascular disease.
A study published in the Oxford Academic Nutrition Review says, “Human studies using chokeberries, cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries (either fresh, or as juice, or freeze-dried), or purified anthocyanin extracts have demonstrated significant improvements in LDL oxidation, lipid peroxidation, total plasma antioxidant capacity, dyslipidemia, and glucose metabolism.”
Pop a few berries in your water and create a fruit infusion with extra health benefits.
#2 Mint and Raspberry detox water
You already know the benefits of mint and berries for good health so why not make yourself a green and red combo?
You could create a metabolism blasting concoction by adding 5ml of apple cider vinegar.
Tangy!
#1 Lime detox water
Limes (like lemons) are full of vitamin C, flavonoids, antioxidants, and both contain calcium and potassium which makes lime infused water a health-boosting drink that you can sip throughout the day.
And if gets to Friday and you want to spice things up, you could add a dash of tequila.
Just saying.