Why forest water is a summer staple

Forest water is made when a handful of fruits and/or vegetables are added to a pitcher of water and allowed to infuse for a few hours. This not only makes plain water taste flavourful but also enriches it with nutrients. Generally, forest water comes with its own set of health benefits. For example, it detoxifies the body by flushing out toxins. It's great for warding off common cold and flu and is known to aid digestion and build immunity by whisking off impurities and breaking down fats. It also helps ease stress, heal minor ailments and curb sweet cravings. If you are planning to lose weight, you could aim to drink a glass of high fibre forest water just 30 minutes before a meal so that you feel full and do not over-indulge. However, if you are looking to mainly cleanse your system, drink a litre first thing in the morning and then last thing at night (preferably an hour before bedtime).
To make an effective concoction, you can infuse the forest water for up to 12 hours but then throw away the residual fruits and herbs. Alternatively, you can infuse for up to four hours and then eat the fruits and vegetables. Then start a new batch with new fruits and veggies and fresh water. Do ensure that you are always using fresh, filtered water rather than bottled water. Also, use glass pitchers instead of plastic bottles. There is no right or wrong way to make forest water. Here are a few recipes that could just be the answer to all your lifestyle problems.
Tangy Tangerine and Strawberry Metabolism Booster
Fruits that are high in Vitamin C really help boost your metabolism. Strawberry and tangerine-infused water (either hot or cold) with a touch of cinnamon is a delicious drink.
Slice fresh strawberries and peel off the skin of the tangerines and place them in a glass pitcher. Throw in half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Let it all infuse for a couple of hours and start drinking. Try to drink at least three to four litres of this forest water throughout the day as it will considerably boost your metabolism.
Mango and Ginger Inflammation Reliever
Try this delicious recipe that boosts your metabolism, acts as a natural pain reliever for migraines and helps heal inflammation. It also helps reduce morning or motion sickness and banishes heartburn. Mangoes not only boost metabolism, they also aid digestion and, of course, tickle the taste buds.
Chop a mango and keep the slices in a pitcher. Peel, slice and mash the ginger and add it to the pitcher. Pour in fresh filtered water and let it all infuse for a couple of hours. Make four litres and drink the mango and ginger concoction at least two to four times a day.
Grapefruit and Apple Metabolism Activator
Did you know both grapefruit and apple boost metabolism and curb your appetite? I love foods that help me with my weight loss journey and these two are certainly big ones. Top that with water - that also curbs your appetite - and you have a great refreshing metabolism-boosting drink.
Peel a grapefruit and grate an apple. Put the slices of both fruits in a large pitcher. Pour water (room temperature) and let it infuse for a couple of hours. Add a pinch of cinnamon.
When it comes to forest water, feel free to experiment with as many options as you like. But keep in mind the properties of the fruits and vegetables you are infusing the water with as that will decide the benefits you will ultimately have. Here's to a cool and healthy summer ahead with all these beautiful infusions.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com