Cool...as a Cucumber!

Yesterday I talked about what to do when life hands you lemons...add them to your water.  Lemon and lime juice is not the only thing you can add to water to make it nutritious and delicious!  Here are some other suggestions:

Sliced Cucumbers. (If you've already figured me out, then you will know I recommend organics, but you have to decide for yourself if organics are important - I won't preach!).  You can leave the skin on the cucumber or you can remove it - I've done both. Cucumbers have not received as much press as other vegetables in terms of health benefits, but this widely-cultivated food provides us with a unique combination of nutrients. At the top of the phytonutrient list for cucumbers are its cucurbitacins, lignans, and flavonoids. These three types of phytonutrients found in cucumbers provide us with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits.  They are a very good source of vitamin C, and a good source of vitamin A, potassium and magnesium.  Who knew?

Frest Mint Leaves.  I like to crush them between my fingers a bit to expel the scent of mint before tossing them into the water (I don't like them chopped because then they make the water look dirty and are harder to filter out when drinking).   Mint is rich in Vitamins A and C and also contains smaller amounts of Vitamin B2. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and may help to decrease the risk of certain cancers such as colon and rectal cancer. Although mint may be consumed in small quantities, the vital nutrients obtained are still beneficial to one's health.  Mint also contains a wide range of essential minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, potassium and calcium.  Who knew?

Apple Cider Vinegar.  Add 1-2 tablespoons to a glass of water or cup of warm water. I prefer Bragg's brand of Apple Cider Vinegar, available at health food stores.  Certified Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is unfiltered, unheated, unpasteurized and 5% acidity. Contains the amazing Mother of Vinegar which occurs naturally as strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules.  I like to refrigerate my Apple Cider Vinegar because I like it cold (it tastes better to me), but you don't have to.  Here are the health benefits:
External Benefits:

Helps maintain healthy skin

Helps promote youthful, healthy bodies

Soothes irritated skin

Relieves muscle pain from exercise

Internal Benefits

Rich in enzymes & potassium

Support a healthy immune system

Helps control weight

Promotes digestion & ph Balance

Helps soothe dry throats

Helps remove body sludge toxins

If you don't like the taste, try adding 1-2 tsps of honey, 100% maple syrup, or blackstrap molasses (I need to do an entire blog on blackstrap molasses - my latest discovery).  This afternoon, instead of a cup of coffee, I had a cup of warm water with Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar and blackstrap molasses...yummy!  And a cold glass of water with cold Bragg's is, to me, very refreshing!

To Your Health!