Time to Hydrate!

 

This week in nutrition the focus has been WATER! Time to hydrate! Most of don't know exactly why water is so important for our bodies. Water is known as the universal solvent--it is able to dissolve all the different nutrients you eat everyday. The human body is 50-70% water, wow!, now you can see why water is important. 

Within the body, water serves many critical functions (from Contemporary Nutrition A Functional Approach): 

• It is the medium in which bodily chemical reactions take place 
• Distributes nutrients to the cells in the body
• Removes waste products from cells 
• Lubricates joints
• Moistens many body system tracts, as well as the eyes and skin
• Maintains body temperature
• Maintains blood volume since it is a major component of blood 

Keep in mind that the daily adequate intake of water for women in 2.7 liters, and 3.7 liters for men. Besides drinking tap or bottled water, water can be easily consumed by drinking other liquids, such as coffee, and eating numerous fruits and vegetables. 

Try these naturally flavored waters to increase your water consumption--who knew water could be so delicious! 

Fab Flavored Water

Recipe by: The Cheerful Cook

Total time: 5 minutes

Serves: Many

Citrus Water

Ingredients

Oranges 

Limes

Lemons

Directions

1. Fill pitcher or glass with ice water. Thinly slice oranges, limes, and lemons. 

2. Drop into water and serve. 

Strawberry-Lime Mint Water

Ingredients

Strawberries, sliced in half

Limes

Fresh mint, without stems

Directions

1. Fill pitcher or glass with ice water. Cut strawberries in half, and limes into slices. Remove mint leaves from stems. 

2. Drop ingredients into water and serve. 

*Tip: For stronger fruit flavor, allow the water to infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. 

*Sources: Contemporary Nutrition, A Functional Approach by Wardlaw, Smith, and Collene