While most dermatologists and doctors preach the benefits of drinking more water, water gets boring. Perhaps you\u2019ve done just about everything to make your plain glass of water more enjoyable. If you\u2019re running out of ideas and are tempted to reach for a caffeinated beverage, you\u2019re not alone. We talked to the experts who gave us six fresh infused water recipes that\u2019ll pack a punch of flavor and add health and beauty benefits to your H2O! If you\u2019re new to infused water, it\u2019s easy. Chop up the ingredients, let them sit overnight in your water pitcher and sip your way to healthy hydration inside and out.<\/p>\n
1. Mango Ginger<\/strong> 2. Grapefruit Rosemary<\/strong> 3. Melon Mix<\/strong> 4. Citrus Mint<\/strong> 5. Cucumber Lavender<\/strong> 6. Pineapple Coconut Water<\/strong> Clearly there are benefits to keeping hydrated. Water does not have to be boring, it can be delicious. Drink up!<\/p>\n
\nThis combo might seem weird, but adding the health benefits of ginger and the antioxidant power of mangoes is a surprisingly tasty mix! \u201cMangoes contain so many vitamins that help boost your immune system. It has antioxidants that maintain youthful glowing skin and aid in the production of blood cells,\u201d says Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O. a NYC anti-aging expert and long-time health advisor to the New York Rangers hockey team. \u201cGinger is also helpful in fighting infection, has been linked to lower cholesterol levels, may reduce muscle aches, and helps digestion,\u201d adds Dr. Calapai.<\/p>\n
\nRecently, rosemary was found to be the main ingredient eaten by residents of an Italian village with one of the highest populations of people who live past 100! \u201cRosemary improves circulation and sends more blood to the brain which is linked to greater concentration and potentially reduces risk of Alzheimer\u2019s,\u201d says Dr. Calapai. Grapefruit is not only delicious but it\u2019s a natural fat burner, boosts metabolism, and cleanses your liver.<\/p>\n
\nCut up watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe chunks and throw into your water overnight. \u201cThis melon variety tastes great and is amazing for your skin,\u201d says Dr. Kally Papantoniou board certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York. \u201cMelons are immensely hydrating, meaning more hydration per cup of water. They are also chock-full of antioxidants that keep skin clear plus they contain vitamins that promote collagen production which helps skin cell turnover.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nPick your favorite citrus fruits, cut up into slices, and add some crushed mint. \u201cAdding mint to your water is not only extra refreshing but also improves digestive health and can speed up your metabolism,\u201d says Dr. Calapai. \u201cMint actually contains salicylic acid, a potent acne fighter,\u201d says Dr. Papantoniou. \u201cIt\u2019s also well known for it\u2019s anti-inflammatory properties which work to calm irritation both on your skin or internally,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe reason so many spas use cucumber based treatments is because it contains many skin friendly minerals like magnesium, potassium, and silicon,\u201d says Dr. Papantoniou. \u201cThis mix is especially healthy,\u201d says Dr. Calapai.\u00a0\u201cCucumbers are powerful detoxifiers, flushing out any waste in your system. Adding crushed lavender to the mix not only adds a beautiful aroma but can also help digestion as lavender contains polyphenols that reduce bad bacteria in your gut, making your system run smoother,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n
\nThis one is almost cheating\u2026almost. Get your favorite store bought raw coconut water and refrigerate over night with large chunks of pineapple. The coconut-pineapple flavor combo is delicious and reminiscent of a pi\u00f1a colada without all the sugar and calories. Although this is not pure H2O, coconut water contains electrolytes, which plain water does not, which rehydrate you in record time. \u201cPineapple is yet another fruit that aids in collagen production,\u201d says Papantoniou \u201cThis is not just great for beautiful skin, collagen also has a major role in bone health and tissue repair.\u201d<\/p>\n