If you want to add some flavor to your water, countless water flavorings are available on the market. But with so many choices, it can be hard to know where to begin. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to some of the most popular water flavorings and provide tips on creating perfect-flavored beverages.
What Are Water Flavorings?
Water flavorings offer many benefits that you can add to your drinking experience, such as:
- Boosting Antioxidants: Many water flavorings contain vitamins and minerals that can increase your water's antioxidant content, protecting cells from damage and keeping you healthy.
- Making it more palatable: If you find plain water unpleasant, adding a flavor can make it more enjoyable to drink. In addition, it is beneficial if you're trying to increase your water intake for health benefits.
- Improved Hydration: Studies have suggested that flavored waters can help you stay hydrated over plain water due to their electrolyte content, which helps the body absorb water more effectively.
How Can Water Flavorings Be Utilized?
Water flavorings come in many different ways to enjoy them. Of course, the most popular method is adding a few drops (or as directed on the packaging) to glasses or bottles of water and enjoying.
But you don't have to stop there - get creative and use them in other ways too, such as:
- Add them to sparkling water for a refreshing beverage.
- Incorporate them into smoothies or juices to add an extra layer of flavor.
- Mix them with yogurt or oatmeal for a flavorful breakfast treat.
- Make homemade popsicles or ice cubes for flavor-infused drinks or snacks.
Popular Water Flavoring Options
An array of fruit-based water flavorings is available on the market, many of which offer health benefits.
Popular choices include:
- Cranberry juice: This can aid in improving urinary tract health and has antioxidant properties.
- Lemon Juice: Packed with Vitamin C, lemon juice can aid weight loss efforts.
- Lime juice: Like lemon juice, lime juice contains Vitamin C, which may aid with weight loss. Furthermore, it helps boost immunity and combat inflammation.
- Orange Juice: Orange juice is an excellent source of Vitamin C that may also help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health.
- Strawberry Juice: Not only does strawberry juice taste delicious, but it is packed with antioxidants that may protect against cancer and other illnesses.
Herb-Based Flavorings
Herbs can add various flavors to water without counting calories or sugar, making them the perfect healthy beverage choice.
Popular herb-based water flavorings include:
- Basil: This herb has a sweet, slightly peppery flavor that pairs well with many fruits and vegetables. Additionally, basil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Mint: Mint has a refreshing and cooling effect on the body, making it ideal for hot summer days. Additionally, mint helps with digestion and can soothe stomach discomfort.
- Rosemary: Rosemary has a woodsy, earthy flavor that pairs nicely with meats or savory dishes. Plus, it's packed full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds!
- Sage: This herb is known for its slightly bitter, astringent taste, which some people find refreshing. Plus, sage has antibacterial properties, which may help treat colds and respiratory infections.
Vegetable-Based Flavorings
Vegetables can also be used to flavor water, and they offer many health advantages as well.
Popular vegetable-based water flavorings include:
- Cucumber: Cucumbers are renowned for their refreshing and hydrating qualities, making them the ideal snack on hot summer days. Plus, cucumbers contain antioxidants which may aid in detoxifying the body.
- Ginger: Ginger's spicy, slightly sweet flavor makes it ideal for wintertime or when you're feeling under the weather. Additionally, ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and can help alleviate pain.
- Lemon: Not only does lemon add flavor to water, but it also provides an impressive dose of Vitamin C. Furthermore, studies have suggested that lemon may aid weight loss and improve heart health.
- Turmeric: This spice has an earthy flavor that some people may find acquired, but once you get used to it, the spice is delicious! In addition, Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and scientifically proven effective at relieving arthritis pain.
Spice-Based Flavorings
Spices are an excellent way to add flavor without adding calories or sugar to water.
Popular spice-based water flavorings include:
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon has a warm, sweet flavor that pairs well with many fruits and vegetables. Additionally, cinnamon is packed full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cloves: Cloves have a strong, pungent flavor that pairs perfectly with savory dishes or fruits like apples and oranges. Furthermore, cloves contain antioxidants which may help boost immunity levels.
Why Consider Natural Flavorings?
Natural flavorings are an excellent way to give the water some added flair without adding calories or sugar. Plus, they have numerous health benefits as well.
Some of the reasons why using natural flavorings is recommended include:
- Natural flavorings are healthy: Natural flavors contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may provide numerous health advantages.
- Naturally flavored waters are low in calories: Unlike many sugary drinks, naturally flavored waters contain few calories and won't lead to weight gain.
- They're hydrating: Naturally flavored waters help you stay hydrated, making them more enjoyable to drink than plain water.
- They're versatile: You can use natural flavorings to craft various tastes and experiment until you find a combination you enjoy.
How to Add Flavorings to Water
There are several ways that you can add flavorings to your water. For example, add them directly to a bottle or glass or create an infusing water pitcher by mixing ingredients with large water containers and letting them steep for several hours.
How to Store Water Flavoring
If you plan on not using your water flavoring immediately, it must be stored correctly to avoid spoilage. Please put it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For fresh fruits or vegetables used as flavoring ingredients, keep them refrigerated until use.
Conclusion
If you're searching for a way to add flavor to your water, there are plenty of options. Fruit, herb, vegetable and spice-based flavorings can all be used. For the healthiest option, opt for natural spices.
