Do You Know the Best One for You?
Here in the South summer comes and stays for a long time and that means HEAT!
But no matter where you life, as temperatures rise staying hydrated becomes even more critical.
The best way for all of us to hydrate is with water. Water, it is the most important thing we need to survive and thrive.
But there is so much more to water than you might guess!
Do you know 6 healthy types of water you can enjoy and which one is the best choice for you?
Tap water:
Readily available and inexpensive, water out of your tap can be a great option.
But there is a possibility of things lurking in your water that you don’t expect. Pesticides, chemicals, medications and more have been found in tap water.
To know more about your water be sure to look over the water reports available in your city or check the EPA website for more info.
Filtered Water:
Filtered water comes in many forms; bottled, reverse osmosis, distilled and more.
Some of it may be better than tap water and some may be more contaminated from the plastic bottles or containers it sits in.
You can buy water filters to use in your home from a few dollars to thousands.
If you are concerned about water safety, consider using a water filter on your sink like Brita®, a full water filter system like Berkey® or many others to fit your budget or level of need.
Mineral Water:
Mineral water is water that has more than the average minerals in it.
In order for water to be qualified as “mineral”, it has to come out of the ground in that form and is regulated by the FDA to have at least 250 ppm dissolved solids in it.
The minerals are commonly calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc and more. These waters can be another source of minerals that our bodies need to stay healthy.
They have lots of different tastes and even come carbonated for a little fizzy fun.
NOTE: If you are watching your sodium, make sure to check the label on mineral waters as some of them can be high.
Alkalized Water:
This is water that has been treated to change the pH.
It is suggested that drinking water with a higher pH may change your internal pH and help your body be healthier
There is still a lot of research being done in this area so scientists have not come to a consensus on whether you benefit from alkalized water or not.
The taste is slightly different for alkalized water and you may find it smoother. Try some and see what you think.
Electrolyte Water:
This is water that has electrolytes added to it outside of what naturally occurs.
Think of sports waters like Propel or SmartWater as an example
NOTE: Some of these waters can be flavored and have added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Some can be healthy and some not.
Read labels, be smart and know what you get when you pick them out.
Research suggests that most healthy people only need extra electrolytes when they are doing intense exercise for 90 or more minutes or doing intense physical activity with lots of sweating in high heat and humidity.
Infused Water:
Like lemon in your water? If so, you are enjoying infused water!
Many people struggle with the flavor (or lack thereof) of water and need something to help them drink enough.
Infused waters are made when fruit, herbs or vegetables have been added to and soaked to transfer the flavors into the water.
There are so many fun options that you can be creative and make your own favorite combination.
They usually have very few added calories or sugar but can help you enjoy water even more.
NOTE: If you are buying infused water, make sure to read the label because sometimes it contains more calories that you bargained for!
When selecting the right water for you, here are 4 important questions to ask:
- What is the most important reason your drink water?
- Do you have any special health concerns affected by what you drink?
- Are hidden contaminants a concern in your water?
- Is your body in need of extra minerals or electrolytes?
With so many different water options out there, everyone can find a type of water perfect for them to enjoy.
Have fun experimenting and you may be surprised at which type of water you really enjoy!
And just for fun, try this infused water recipe.
Summer Squeeze Recipe:
Cucumber, Lime, Strawberry & Mint Infused Water
Ingredients:
- 4 cups clean mineral water
- 8 slices organic cucumber, washed
- 5 organic strawberries, washed and halved
- 1 organic lime, washed and sliced
- 8 mint leaves, washed and crushed or chopped
Directions:
- Prepare fruit, mint and cucumbers
- Submerge in pitcher with water, soak for 1-4 hours in refrigerator
- Serve chilled for best taste
- Can last for up 24 hours if refrigerated
Makes 4 servings: 1 serving = 8 calories, .1 g fat, 1.6g carbs, .1 g protein
Do you see water types on this list that you haven’t tried before? Leave me a comment to tell me what you are going to try first.
Let’s Stay Healthy & Hydrated!
