Today in the office we had special treat. Now usually when we say treat that means something sweet and sugary but this time was different. Instead we stirred up some delicious cucumber, mint, and lime infused water. This concoction was not only yummy and nice to look at, but it is also fantastic for our health! So what can a little cucumber mint lime water do for us?
At the most basic level, it is water and water can do amazing things. To stay properly hydrated, you need to drink several glasses of water a day. A popular idea is that every person should drink 40 ounces of water (8 cups) per day, but this is not true. The amount of water you need depends greatly on your size and activity level. There are several calculators online that can give you a more exact number of ounces to drink but an easy way to estimate is to divide your weight in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water that you should try to drink each day. If you are exercising heavily, are sick or are pregnant you will want to drink more water. It is important to stay hydrated because water is essential to the human body. Drinking the proper amount of water can help regulate your metabolism, keep your energy up, help you keep from getting sick, improve your complexion, relieve joint pain and much more.
Water is not the only ingredient that is giving our health a boost. Mint , cucumber and lime each have their own benefits as well! Let’s start with mint. Mint has long been known to soothe the stomach and aid in digestion. Mint can act as a decongestant and recent research shows that it may even help prevent some kinds of cancer. Cucumbers in themselves are great for hydration since they are 96% water and they have much more to offer as well. The potassium, magnesium and fiber in cucumbers regulate blood pressure, making cucumbers good for both low and high blood pressure. Cucumbers also contain three lignans that have been connected to reduced risk of several types of cancer. In addition, cucumbers contain silicon and sulfur, which lead to healthier hair and nails. Last but not least, there is lime. The high vitamin C content in lime rejuvenates skin, protects eyes and prevents illnesses from the common cold to scurvy. The citric acid in lime aids digestion, helps with constipation, and aids in fat loss. The acid also has anti-inflammatory properties and can provide relief for arthritis patients. This powerful assortment of health benefits is made even better by this beverage’s great taste.
To make your own cucumber, mint, and lime infused water, just slice up some cucumber and lime and that along with some mint leaves in a pitcher filled with water. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes and enjoy! You can even take some to go by putting a cucumber slice, a lime wedge and a few mint leaves into a water bottle to enjoy throughout the day. This has quickly become a staff favorite and we will surely be stirring it up many more times!