Jan 17, 2023
Water is essential for a healthy diet, and drinking at least two litres a day can keep you hydrated, help with weight loss and stave off infection.
As people turn away from sugar-laden sodas, the drinks market has seen a huge growth in seltzers, sparkling and flavoured bottled waters over the past few years. Brands like LaCroix which are free from sugars, calories, sodium and artificial ingredients, have become increasingly popular.
The curious sober, mindful drinking movement has also created a demand for more exciting sparkling non-alcoholic long drinks like flavoured waters and seltzers, that can be enjoyed in social events in place of cocktails and alcohol.
But you don’t need to buy name brands when you can make delicious flavoured water at home. Here are some ideas to help you clock in your two litres a day by adding some sparkle into your diet the healthy way.
Water that is naturally carbonated by geological processes at the source; think Perrier or San Pellegrino.
Water with artificially-injected gas.
A new trend hitting the U.S, water with artificially-injected gas and added alcohol; this one is fun but not as healthy! Also known as adult seltzer, mature seltzer, spiked seltzer or hard sparkling alcohol water.
It’s obvious that replacing a sugary soda with water means less sugar and chemicals in your drink. But what is seltzer water good for? Are there other health benefits that come from drinking seltzers...
- Helps you to consume more water
- Less harmful to teeth
- Can aid with digestion, indigestion and constipation
- Can help weight loss; the bubbles make you feel fuller and reduce overeating
- Good for settling a hangover
- Helps improve bone and heart health
- Good way to get your vitamin C when you add orange, lemon or another vitamin C rich fruit
But does seltzer water hydrate you? Yes!
"Nutritionists agree that carbonated water (a category that includes seltzer water, which is artificially carbonated, and naturally sparkling water) is just as hydrating as regular water, however, tap water has the added benefit of fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay." New York Times
Plain seltzer is super easy to make yourself. You can either choose shop-bought carbonated water or add the fizz yourself with a Soda Stream. At Bawah we use a filtration filter which provides us with water that is filtered and carbonated.
This is where the fun starts! Add flavour and vitamins to your water by infusing it with fresh fruit. Whether you juice, blend or finely chop it, the whole family can enjoy it.
Here are a few of our favourite fruit combinations from our gardens:
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Blend one medium-sized papaya (seeds removed) to a pulp, strain it through a sieve and add some lime juice. Add the mixture to one litre of seltzer. You can add honey or simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter elixir, but this does take away some of the health benefits. Serve chilled with a slice of lime for a healthy dose of vitamin C and a mint leaf.
This one smells amazing! Blend a peeled cucumber with a handful of fresh mint leaves. Strain through a sieve and add to one litre of plain seltzer. You can even pour the seltzer through the sieve to further enhance the flavours. Serve chilled with a cucumber stick and a sprig of fresh mint. This one tastes delicious with a splash of gin as a hard seltzer.
Blend or juice one 3-centimetre piece of ginger root with the juice of two lemons. Strain through a sieve and add to one litre of seltzer. Chill and serve with a slice of lemon. This water has excellent antioxidant properties and can help with digestion.
Cheers to your good health!
We are always inspired by the creative culinary skills of our readers, so please share your seltzer recipes with us HERE
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