Lemons, cucumber, mint, and more are making a splash into water glasses everywhere and amping up the taste and health benefits of your daily dose of H20. Read on to find out why you might want to drink in this healthy trend.

The elixir of life is getting a makeover with the infused water craze.

Most folks today know the importance of proper hydration. The Mayo Clinic’s website offers this quick summary of why water is vital to our vitality, “Every system in your body depends on water…Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.”
It used to be a simple 8 glasses a day, but now doctors realize the exact amount of water your body needs varies from person to person and depends on size, climate, and level of activity. According to a recent WEB MD article, How Much Water Do You Need?, you should “drink between half an ounce and an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day.” They add that if you live in a hot climate or exercise a lot, you should aim for the high end of the range. Fever, kidney stones, constipation and many other situations, such as breastfeeding, also call for added hydration.
But whatever the amount that’s right for you, it can be challenging to consume enough water every day. While water is calorie-free, water is also flavor-free, but it doesn’t have to be. It turns out adding a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs can increase the flavor and the likelihood that you can meet your personal aqua quota. We asked celebrity nutritionist and Withings enthusiast Keri Glassman about the trend and she was all for it, saying, “Infusing your water is a great way to add new flavor without adding excess calories!”
And you don’t have to be a top chef of buy special equipment to whip up these concoctions. All you have to do is take your favorite fruits, veggies, or herbs, wash them and cut or slice them into small pieces. Herbs can remain whole. Place them in a container of water for a few hours and consume. If you’re not going to drink right away, pop into the fridge to maintain freshness. The longer the water is infused, the more flavorful it will be. And you can refill with the same produce several times. You can also purchase water bottles and pitchers specifically designed for making infused elixirs.
Adding your own produce to water can be cheaper than buying many of the vitamin water products available for purchase, and you can custom design the water for your taste buds and health needs. An added bonus is that it just looks cool and is sure to impress guests at any gathering.
Here then are four easy and popular picks for infused water:
 

LEMON WATER

Lemons contain vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. They contain more potassium than apples or grapes. Lemons are also said to assist with digestion, fighting viral infections, and reducing inflammation.
 

CUCUMBER WATER

Cucumbers aren’t just refreshing, they contain silica that helps the skin and your muscle tissues stay healthy and they also have antioxidants that will help battle free radicals. And although cucumbers might not be dense in nutrition, they do have an impressive range of vitamins and minerals hanging out there.
 

MINT WATER

Mint isn’t just for toothpaste — in its greeny leafy form it can actually improve health of a person’s mouth. It has germicidal qualities that quickly freshens breath and adds to oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside the mouth and by cleaning the tongue and teeth. Also helps ward off allergies and hay fever. Properties of mint leaves have been shown to inhibit the release of histamines, which often exacerbate the nasal symptoms that are associated with hay fever and seasonal allergies.
 

INFUSED ICE CUBES

Basically anything that you can think of for infused water can be made ahead as ice cubes. Got some berries looking a little too squishy? Got basil? Got mint sprigs? Whatever you have, chop it up, add water and freeze in ice trays — or even silicone muffin trays as we did, above — to make water and look, and taste, way cooler. So, ready to add some garden to your glass? Join the infused water party and create a signature beverage that will satisfy your need for taste, health, and hydration.
 
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 Want more healthy content? Check out 5 Vegan Myths Debunked