Drink Up

NUTRITION & HEALTH

"As nutrition myths go, the one about needing to drink eight glasses of water a day just might be the biggest. Nobody knows where that number came from or how it caught on, but it’s told as if it were a basic fact, like gravity. In truth, the amount of water we require varies widely, depending on the climate, whether you’re a man or a woman, and how active you are." (Krieger, April 29, 2011) 

Yet, drinking water is extremely important to one's functioning, especially during the summer months. Zongker and Todt of the Huffington Post reported today that the heat was to blame for several deaths throughout the United States - "A 4-month-old girl died and a 16-month-old girl was hospitalized in suburban Indianapolis after both were found trapped in cars during 105 degree heat" - they added that "the heat caused highways to buckle in Illinois and Wisconsin...In Maryland, investigators said heat likely caused rails to kink and led a commuter train to partially derail Friday." (July 8, 2012)
  
Although, the heat can be blamed for a number of accidents during the summer, only you can be blamed for your lack of hydration. We all know we need water to stay hydrated and to remain healthy, but in case you did not know water helps: prevent heat exhaustion, promote healthy skin, cleanse, boost energy levels, and it keeps the heart as well as the digestive system healthy. So, myth or not, drinking eight glasses of water a day does not seem to be a bad idea.

Despite, the apparent health benefits a lot of people neglect to drink enough water. A plausible reason why individuals do not drink enough water could be due to water's tendency to be boring.However, this summer water is becoming more attractive; the latest beverage trend of 2012 is fruit flavored water. Fruit flavored water is turning a plain glass of water into something tasteful and fun. Below are a few fruit flavored water combinations that are far from boring.

Oranges & Rosemary 

Strawberry & Basil  

Blueberry, Raspberry, & Rosemary


Other Recommendations:

Lemon & Thyme (or Rosemary)

Pineapple & Mint

Blackberry & Sage

Watermelon & Rosemary

Raspberry & Lime 

Oranges, Lemon, & Lime




Image Sources: The Yummy Life/ She Knows/ Dash of East/ A Cup of Jo