As we enter the warmer months it’s more important than ever to keep hydrated. Water makes up around two thirds of our bodies, so we need to ensure we are drinking enough fluids to maintain these levels. The NHS recommends drinking 6-8 glasses of water to avoid dehydration. Let’s take a look at some of the top health benefits of water.
So what are the health benefits of drinking more water? It’s been found to have significant effects on our physical and mental health. Research has shown that it improves energy levels and brain function like memory and mood. Plain water has zero calories and no sugar which is great for our teeth and diet.
If you don’t like the taste of water then we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up some of the best flavoured water for you to try, and the health benefits behind them.
There are some great health benefits of lemon water, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular flavours.
Lemons are high in vitamin c, making lemon water good for reducing the risk of diseases. They also aid in improving skin quality by reducing blemishes. They are also a good source of potassium which can help keep the heart healthy and reduce blood pressure.
If it’s a detox you’re after then lemon water can help cleanse your system as well as giving you a boost of energy that you need throughout the day.
Love lemon? Treat yourself to our delicious, vegan Nakd Lemon Drizzle bar.
Now for something else you might find in a spa, a delicious glass of cucumber water. It’s no coincidence that this beverage can be found in wellness retreats up and down the country as it helps to keep our bodies and skin feeling hydrated.
Cucumbers themselves are a superfood that contain a wide variety of vitamins like vitamin D which helps to keep bones and muscles healthy. They also contain vitamin b-6 which helps the body store protein and carbohydrates and vitamin k which helps wounds to heal quickly. Therefore, drinking cucumber water is a tasty way of getting essential vitamins into our bodies.
If you go nuts for that gorgeous coconut flavour, then you’ll be happy to know that coconut water is good for you. It contains vital nutrients that our bodies need like carbs, fibre and protein. These can also be found in our Nakd Cocoa Coconut Bar!
Coconut water also contains electrolytes which are important minerals like sodium and magnesium. When we exercise our bodies lose some of these vital electrolytes. Studies have found that fresh coconut water can be a great sports drink for rehydration and replenishing these mineral levels. However, as with most things moderation is key, so be sure not to have too much of a good thing.
So we’ve had the coconut now we need the lime to mix it all up. Lime water is a great drink to introduce into your diet as it is good for both health and beauty. It not only has good nutritional value and medical benefits but can leave your skin and hair glowing.
Lime has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, making lime flavoured water a good drink for those suffering with painful joints or arthritis. Furthermore, studies have shown that vitamin C and citric acid can help prevent kidney stones which can both be found – you guessed it – in the humble lime.
Okay, bear with us on this one. Garlic water may sound like something you drink to warn of vampires, but it actually has a wide variety of health benefits.
Unlike the other infused waters on our list, we don’t mix the water and garlic together, instead it’s recommended to eat a very small amount of raw garlic with a glass of water on the side. A systematic review study found that raw garlic contains certain gases that could help the brain and heart as well as reduce inflammation and cholesterol.
Fresh garlic is also considered as a natural antibiotic, so can be a good way to start the morning if you’re feeling a little under the weather.
We all like a peppermint tea, but how many of us put mint in cold water? This little herb is good for our health in so many ways, so why not drop a leaf or two into your next drink?!
If you have an upset stomach like nausea or IBS then mint water could be the drink for you. Studies have found that mint can help with digestive problems, which has led to it being used as a herbal remedy for centuries. It’s also great for general oral health and hygiene to add another layer of minty freshness on top of your normal teeth brushing routine.
There we have it, some great flavours of water for you to try this summer! For more tips on the latest food and drink health trends checkout our Immune Boosting Foods, Carbohydrates and Vegan Calcium blogs.
