Infused water
Infused water is water that has fruit, vegetables and/or herbs added to it. This infusion gives the water a particular flavor and may result in the absorption of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants into the water.[1] Historically, tea, coffee and essential oils have been added to water as infusions. The flavor of the infused water depends on the pungency and potency of ingredients added, the duration of time they remain in it and the temperature in which the infusion happens.
Benefits[edit]
Medical research doesn't recognise any special benefits to infused water. However making water taste good tends to encourages people to drink more and therefore helps to keep the body hydrated. However as with ordinary water, drinking infused water helps to maintain hydration and regulate body temperature.[2] Infused water is often marketed as an alternative to sweets and sugary drinks by the health industry.[3]
Because the benefit to health of infused water are not widely accepted, some government entities have undertaken educational campaigns targeting the beverages, such as the 'Rethink Your Drink'[4] campaign from the California Department of Public Health.[5] This campaign states that a bottle of "vitamin-enhanced water" can contain the equivalent of 8 teaspoons of sugar, and recommends drinking plain water instead.
Alternative medicine sources, such as ayurvedic medicine, promote the health benefits of fruit and herb infused water without added sugar or preservatives. The preparation doesn't crush the fruit, so the infused water includes a minimal amount of fruit juice and no sugar is added. Therefore ayurvedic infused water is very low in calories, making it an alternative to stay hydrated for people who dislike the taste of water.
Ayurvedic medicine additionally quotes non-proven health benefits which include, but not limited to detoxification ,[6] weigh loss, regulation of blood sugar, improving immune system and cardiovascular health, fighting cancer and aging. The benefits claimed depend on the ingredients and the preparation method used.[7] Infused water can also be used to balance out doshas,[8][9] one of the basic concepts of ayurvedic medicine.[10][11]
Method[edit]
Infused water is prepared by washing and cutting the herbs, vegetable and/or fruit. The peel is normally kept for additional benefits, therefore most people use organic produce. The ingredients are then placed in infusion jars and filtered water, either hot or cold depending on the recipe, is poured over. The jar is left to infuse in room temperature for 12–16 hours, before refrigeration.
References[edit]
- ↑ Chudnicka, Alina; Matysik, Grazyna (2005-06-03). "Research of enzymatic activities of fresh juice and water infusions from dry herbs". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 99 (2): 281–286. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.02.016. ISSN 0378-8741. PMID 15894139.
- ↑ "6 Reasons to Drink Water". WebMD. Retrieved 2017-03-01.
- ↑ "8 Infused Water Recipes to Upgrade Your H2O". www.shape.com. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
- ↑ "Rethink Your Drink - Resources". www.cdph.ca.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
- ↑ "California Department of Public Health". www.cdph.ca.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
- ↑ "Can Lemon Water Detox Your Body?". Retrieved 2017-03-01.
- ↑ Chopra, A; Doiphode, VV. "Ayurveda and Panchakarma: measuring the effects of a holistic health intervention". Med Clin North Am. 86 (1): 75–89, vii. PMID 11795092.
- ↑ "Balance Doshas". 3 January 2017.
- ↑ "Healing Waters". 3 January 2017.
- ↑ "Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth". www.nccih.nih.gov. Retrieved 2017-03-01.
- ↑ "Ayurvedic Treatments". www.webmd.com. Retrieved 2017-03-01.
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