Whether you’re just trying to steer clear of the sugary drinks, or aim to really help your body flush out any toxins lurking in your system, this refreshing blend of foods and flavors will satisfy your tastebuds needs.
Included: Watermelon/cucumber, lemon/lime, mint leaves, and water.
Why Watermelon (or cucumber): Watermelon helps the body
flush out toxins because it contains the organic compound citrulline,
which is an amino acid that has been shown to help the liver and kidneys
filter and get rid of ammonia. Ammonia comes in external forms, but is
also a by-product of the proteins our bodies are burning up constantly
for energy, and it’s quite damaging to our cells. Cucumber also contains
citrulline, but not as much as watermelon. Watermelon may also just
give the liver an overall boost.
Why water: H20 is just plain good for us, but it’s
thought that it helps flush nasty toxins and waste through our system,
giving organs like the liver and kidney an easier time doing their job.
Why lemon (or lime): Lemon or lime juice helps
stimulate and regulate the digestive track (which is why it’s so helpful
with constipation, heartburn and gas), stimulates bile production, and
thins out bile, which allows it to flow more freely. Bile is produced by
the liver and ends up in the small intestine to break down lipids
(fats) that we’ve consumed.
Why mint leaves: Mint leaves are a nice refreshing
flavor to add to your drink. On top of that, it can help you digest more
effectively, improving the flow of bile from the liver, to the
gallbladder, to the small intestine, where it breaks down dietary fats.
Mint also helps relax cramped up stomach muscles.
You will need…
-1-2 liters’ of water, depending on how strong you want it to taste-Part of 1 watermelon or 1 cucumber
-1 lemon or lime
-A handful of fresh mint leaves (approximately 10-13)
-Ice cubes
Directions
Slice up a good amount of watermelon into cubes, rind and all, and
put them into a jug or pitcher. Cut 1 juicy lime into wedges and toss in
with the watermelon. Add a handful of fresh, fragrant, mint leaves and
pour in 2 liters of cool water, filling the jug all the way to the top.
Let this sit overnight in the fridge and let all the yummy flavors steep
and infuse the water. When you want to drink it, put in a generous
helping of ice cubes, pour, and enjoy daily.
Watermelon & mint
Cucumber & lemon.
Flavor Tips
• Try substituting a lemon for the lime, cucumber for the watermelon, or a combination of all of them.• Pour water in first and then add the ingredients. I feel like there’s more of a burst of flavor when the water gets poured in and everything swirls around, but there’s something to be said for letting it gently infuse itself as well (the water tends to stay a bit clearer as well.)
• Don’t add ice to the entire jug, and leave it on a cup-by-cup basis. If you plan on drinking it over time, this can help prevent it from getting diluted as the ice melts.
• Start with 2 liters’ of water steeping overnight, and then experiment with longer/shorter times and more or less water.
• Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime and/or lemon and then slice up another and add that to give it a little extra citrus kick.
• This isn’t for flavor, but this drink looks mighty appealing in a glass pitcher on a hot summer day.
Source: http://everydayroots.com
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