Top 10 Homemade Detox Water

What is Detox Water?

Detox water refers to fruit, vegetable, flower, spice or herb infused water that helps in losing weight and in cutting down extra calories. Weight loss is associated with metonyms like exercise, diet, fasting, junk food, salt, oil. However, losing a few pounds by just drinking water is no less than a wonder.

Benefits of Detox Water

Popular weight loss methods tend to make you dehydrated, exhausted, and devoid of nutrients. But infused water not only hydrates you, it provides nutrients and prevents exhaustion. Some of the benefits of infused detox water are

• Helps burn more calories
• Makes you eat fewer calories
• Boosts your metabolism
• Reduces general and muscle fatigue
• Releases free radicals, fat cells and other toxins
• Provides nutrients
• Keeps you happy

Detox Water and Weight Loss

In a study by Dubnov-Raz G, published in Int J Obes (Lond) in 2011, water drinking had an influence on the Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) in overweight children. REE, is the amount of energy required for a 24-hour period by the body during resting conditions. The recommended daily amount of water for children could aid in higher resting energy expenditure equivalent to weight loss of about 1.2 kg per year.

Vinu A. Vij and team studied the ‘Effect Of Water Induced Thermogenesis On Body Weight, Body Mass Index And Body Composition Of Overweight Subjects’ in 2013. It was seen that drinking excess water, over and above the daily water intake, half an hour before meals resulted in decrease in body weight, body mass index (BMI) and body composition scores of overweight girls.

Infusion Method

• Put the ingredients in a fruit infuser bottle or pitcher or glass jar.
• Fill the vessel with ice half way through.
• Pour water to the remaining space in the vessel
• Place in the fridge for about an hour (or till the flavors get infused) and then serve.
• Thin slices or small cubes accelerate the fusion.
• Fruits, vegetables should not be over-ripe, bruised or rotten.
• Apples, fresh ginger root, cinnamon, rosemary may need longer infusion time of about 8 hours
• Citrus and mint can release flavor in the water immediately.
• All ingredients should be well washed. Organic is preferred.

10 Homemade Detox Water Recipes

Any combination and ratio of fruits, herbs, spices and flowers can be chosen according to preference, taste and availability. Mint and flowers like lavender, marigold, and hibiscus can be added to any concoction.

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Apple Cinnamon

Apples should be thinly sliced and deseeded. About half or one stem of cinnamon is added. Do not use cinnamon powder. This classic combo helps to shed pounds and burn calories.

Apples have high amount of pectin, which binds with water and limits the amount of fat that your cells can absorb. Apples have 197% satiety level. White bread has 100% satiety and is the base of satiety index. Cinnamon is known to boost metabolism.

Cucumber Lemon

Cucumber can be included in cube or slice form with thin wedges of lemon added to it. It is a refreshing combo that helps to detox. While lemons are considered age old home remedy for weight loss, cucumbers have high satiety value, which makes you eat less and consume fewer calories.

Blueberry Orange

The ratio of orange wedge will be greater than berries. Oranges are packed with Vitamin C. Berries are powerhouse of antioxidants. It is a mellow combination of antioxidants. Both orange and berries are nutrient-dense, low-calorie food that helps you to remain full for longer time. They are considered fat-burning foods. You can choose blue or black berries as per availability. You can replace orange with tangerine.

Pomegranate Cumin

Cumin releases its flavor rapidly. Do not infuse for a long time. Add more pomegranate arils. Pomegranate contains a powerful antioxidant punicalagin and it is known to be effective in reducing oxidative stress from free radicals compared to grapes, green tea or wine. It promotes healthy lipid profile.

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In a study by Zare R published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in 2014, it was observed that after 3 months trial, the cumin group of obese women decreased their body fat percentage by 14.64% almost three times more than the non-cumin group.

Watermelon Rosemary

The fiber present in watermelon slows digestion and promotes satiety. It is a great summer food that hydrates as well as satiates.

Study by María Romo Vaquero and team, conducted on murine model and published in 2012 showed that rosemary extracts (REs) exhibit hepatoprotective, anti-obesity properties. Rosemary extract is rich in carnosic acid which inhibits the lipase activity in the gut. Thereby it moderates weight gain and improves the plasma lipids profile.

Mango Ginger

Traditionally ginger is known to boost metabolism. Mango provides a sense of satiety and fullness. Mango is a source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, B-6 and C. Mango is a low-energy-dense food, which means it makes you feel satiated.

Pineapple Grapefruit

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps your body digest protein and makes you feel satiated. Pineapple is calorie deficit food which requires more calories to get digested than what it provides.

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Grapefruit adds sweetness to the detox water. It is a low-calorie food. Alternatively when grapefruits are not available, short stems of sugarcane can be infused.

Strawberry Kiwi

Strawberries contain vitamin C and antioxidants which helps to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. It contains anthocyanins which increases the body's production of a hormone called adiponectin. Adiponectin stimulates the metabolism and suppresses the appetite.

Kiwifruit is known to improve bowel function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Kiwi is a low-calorie and nutrient-dense fruit.

Aloe Litchi

Scoop out the aloe pulp by cutting the leaf. Use litchi pulp to infuse. Litchi will balance the taste of aloe. Traditionally, aloe vera is known to flush out toxins from the body.

Litchi is full of water, fiber and roughage and gives a sense of fullness, thereby deterring over eating.

Hibiscus Fennel

Fennel infused water aids in weight loss and the removal of toxins. It is appetite suppressant, and blood purifier.

Hibiscus is a great restorer of hormone balance. Hibiscus extract lowers the absorption of glucose and starch by inhibiting the production of amylase. Thereby it helps in weight loss. Hibiscus improves digestion,  treats constipation, and is a anti-depressant.

Drink enough water so that you do not feel thirsty and your urine color remains transparent. Never drink water immediately after meals. You can drink water throughout the day, after waking up, and half an hour before meals.

Infused detox water will help you to maintain proper fat metabolism, burn more calories and prevent over eating.