HEALTH SPECIAL............. WANT TO DETOX? TRY INFUSED WATERS

WANT TO DETOX? TRY INFUSED WATERS





It's almost the year end and if you're looking to embark on a diet and exercise regimen to get ship shape, here's something that might prove as effective. Say hello to infused waters or detox waters. This works on the gastrointestinal system to rid it of toxins and other unsavoury build-up substances, which slows down the metabolic system, increases fatigue and weight gain and leads to various illnesses. The fad is extremely popular in the West -singer Beyoncé Knowles, said she lost weight after a `master cleanse' comprising lemon juice, cayenne pepper, maple syrup and water and actress Megan Fox drinks apple cider vinegar and water. Though this is not a new mantra, people are increasingly taking to it, serving it at social gatherings and weddings. And it can be the best pick-me-up at your office, too. Here's what you can start sipping on...

DIFFERENT KINDS AND BENEFITS

ORANGE-MINT

Oranges, a powerful source of vitamins, protects the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. It promotes healing and makes the skin glow. Mint, on the other hand, is said to be an appetite suppressant and adds fresh taste.

APPLE

Apple-cinnamon infused water is a superb metabolism booster.Apples have B-Complex and vitamin C as well as flavanoids and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Cinnamon lessens cholesterol and alleviates relieve arthritic pain.

STRAWBERRY

Strawberries are packed with vitamin C. This is a perfect time to try it as the fruit is in season. Choose plump, unbruised berries for your infusion. Muddle the strawberries a little before you add it to the jar.Add fresh mint leaves on the top for a refreshing flavour.

GINGER-LEMON

This works to bust that belly flab. Nutrition studies show that when participants drank a beverage with ginger, they felt fuller and did not overeat.Lemon aids in weight loss as it helps eliminate waste products and is a natural diuretic.

WATERMELON

The fruit is one of the best hydrating agents and helps to flush out toxins from the body as it contains citrulline, an amino acid that helps the kidneys and liver filter out ammonia. It is also antiinflammatory and can help reduce muscle soreness.

IT'S HEALTHY, WITH ZERO CALORIES

Not only do these waters taste pleasant, but they contain no artificial ingredients and have zero calories. They are able to boost the metabolism, flush out toxins, helps your body release fat cells and keep the mood elevated. The digestive system and liver are crucial to a detox and these infused waters help them both. Being hydrated also reduces constipation. The ingredi ents are available in your kitchen and are very effective. For instance, cucum ber has minerals like manganese, which aids the working of the body cells, boosts the energy levels and leads to smooth functioning of the organs.

WILL IT REPLACE COCKTAILS AT PARTIES SOON?

Those who have been shying away from social gatherings and parties just to be able to stick to their diets, have reason to smile now. As these detox waters have real fruit and no artificial ingredients, they're a reason to sip on something without feeling `sugar guilt'. So this time around, leave out the mocktails, sodas and juices and serve these nutrient-dense waters at your party.

THEY SHOULD BE PLACED IN YOUR WORKSPACE TOO

Why not replace tea and coffee machines with dispensers that contain these fruit-infused waters. The vitamins and nutrients in them will help ward off that 3 pm slump and reduce fatigue levels as well as increase work productivity and performance. Alternatively, you can keep a pitcher of this water at your desk and sip on the water throughout the day.Another handy idea is the special infused water bottle, available in stores.

WHAT TO USE

CITRUS: Lemon, oranges, tangerines, kiwi

BERRIES: Strawberries, blueberries, cherries

MELONS: Watermelon, muskmelon, cantaloupe

ON THEIR OWN: Apples, pears, peaches, grapes and plums

HERBS: Mint, basil, rosemary, cilantro, thyme, lavender SPICES: Ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper (pods) Infused water with apple and mint HOW TO MAKE There's no rocket science to this. You simply have to add or infuse water with fresh fruit, herbs and maybe a few spices as well.Choose and pair the ingredients you enjoy. For instance, try lime with ginger or cucumber with apple. Fruits like watermelon taste best on their own. To make it, add the fruitvegetables to the glass.Using a wooden spoon, mash these a little, to slightly make them pulpy. (For citrus fruits like oranges, peel the skin off). If you are using herbs gently rub the herbs and then add them so they release the natural extracts into the water. Now, add cool water and it's ready! The drinks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.

TRY THESE COMBINATIONS

Lime+mint Orange+ginger+basil Carrots+lemon+ginger Apple+mint Cucumber+watermelon+mint Strawberries+cucumber+cardamom

                                                                               

Ismat Tahseen

BT20NOV15