Tired of plain ol’ water?

During the heat of the summer we need to hydrate more than ever. And I understand that many people don’t like water but I do know that drinking water has incredible benefits. Here are my top 14 reasons:

1. Increases Brain Power and Provides Energy

Need a mental boost? One of water’s many benefits is an increase in brain power. Since your brain is made of 73% water, drinking it helps you think, focus, concentrate, and stay alert. As a result, your energy levels also improve.

2. Promotes Healthy Weight Management and Weight Loss

Water aids in the removal of fat by-products and also helps you feel more full. Not only does this act as a natural appetite suppressant, but it also improves your metabolism.

3.  Flush Out Toxins

You’ve probably heard the expression, “sweat it out.” Water consumption helps your body flush out waste through sweat and urination. This also prevents kidney stones and protects you from urinary tract infections.

4. Improves Your Complexion

Drinking water is great for your skin. It helps moisturize it, keep it soft, and removes wrinkles.

5. Maintains Regularity

When it comes to your digestive habits, being “regular” is always a good thing. And drinking water helps your body digest everything you eat as water is vital to a healthy digestive system.

6. Boosts Immune System

Want to know the easiest way to stay healthy during the cold and flu season? Drink more water! Drinking water has been directly related to a stronger immune system. Water also has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers.

7. Reduces Headaches

In addition to increasing brain power, drinking water also helps prevent and relieve headaches often caused by dehydration.

8. Reduces Cramps and Sprains

It’s no secret that dehydration leads to cramping. But did you know that hydrated muscles are also less prone to sprains? Water acts as a natural lubricant for your muscles and joints. Develop healthy hydration and you’ll be more flexible, less likely to experience sprained ankles, and less likely to be sore after that next killer workout.

9. Helps Regulate Your Body Temperature

Sweat is the natural cooling system of your body. And since water is a key ingredient of your sweat,  your body needs enough water to properly regulate your body’s temperature through perspiration.

10. Prevents Backaches

Dehydration is often an overlooked cause of back pain. The discs of your spinal cord are made primarily of water. A lack of hydration can compromise these discs, leading to back pain.

11. Improves Your Heart Health

Research has shown a link between coronary heart disease and water consumption. Water maintains the proper viscosity of blood and plasma and fibrinogen distribution.

12. Reduces Bad Breath

Bad breath is often a clear sign of dehydration. Drinking a sufficient amount of water washes away leftover food particles and oral bacteria that lead to bad breath.

13. Takes the Edge off of Hangovers

Instead of being reactive the next morning, take a proactive approach next time you drink alcohol. Alcohol consumption causes dehydration which can lead to a hangover. However, you can offset these unforgiving consequences by drinking a glass of water with each alcoholic beverage.

14. Puts You in a Better Mood

Just as a well-oiled engine runs at top performance, so your body will also work better when properly hydrated. And when your internal systems and organs are running better, you’re more likely to feel better about yourself. In turn, you’re more likely to be in a good mood!

So, now that you know – how about some fancy water? I LOVE infused waters since they are easy to make, taste great and there are so many possibilities.

Infused water is a type of water that includes fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are infused in the water for added flavor. The following infused water recipes are my favorites:

Apple and Cinnamon

Both apples and cinnamon are good ingredients to use when you want to burn more fat. Cold water also happens to be good for burning fat and calories and increasing your energy levels throughout the day. So make this infused water the night before, keep the pitcher in the fridge, and you will be ready to turn yourself into a fat-burning machine with delicious water. All you need to do is add some sliced apples to the bottom of the pitcher, being sure no seeds are present, then one cinnamon stick. Let it sit overnight and that’s it!

Berry and Lemon

For this infused water, you can use any berries you want. Most berries contain a lot of antioxidants. Both blueberries and strawberries also happen to be superfoods, which is even better. You can also try other types of berries, like raspberries and blackberries. To the berries at the bottom of the pitcher, add some lemon slices as well, for more detox potential. Fill it with water and leave in the fridge overnight. You can also add some ice on top of the fruit to release the flavors and keep the water nice and cold.

Watermelon and Mint

Using herbs will provide more flavor and nutrients at the same time. This infused water tastes mostly like the watermelon slices but the mint will give it an extra kick. Try to use a seedless watermelon and remove the rind. Add some muddled mint at the bottom, cover with ice, then fill with water.

Stay hydrated this summer!