Fruit-infused water contains all the hydration of a cool glass of water and the bright, sweet, and tangy flavors of your chosen ingredients. Lemon-infused water and lime-infused water are some of the most popular choices, but you can also infuse water with herbs like mint, sage, or basil.
Books from the renaissance era prove that the popularity of flavored and infused water dates back several centuries. During that era, flowers were the more popular choice for infusion, possibly because a wide variety of fresh fruit wasn’t as easy to come by as it is today.
In modern day, there are recommendations and recipes for infused waters from all kinds of sources. Influencers, lifestyle bloggers, medical professionals, and even several cancer research institutes endorse infused water as a healthy alternative to plain water.
Nutrition Information
Since infusing water with fruit is something that tends to be done at home, it’s difficult to find standard nutrition information. While flavor is imparted through the inclusion of fruit, the water itself does not typically take on high levels of nutrients, vitamins, or minerals through the infusion process. If you squeeze the fruit to release juice, more vitamins and minerals may be released, but further research is required.
A one-cup serving of fruit-infused water typically contains:
- Calories: 0
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Store-bought infused water generally contains some calories, sugars, and carbs because extra ingredients are often added during manufacturing:
- Calories: 52
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 13 grams
Potential Health Benefits of Infused Water
The main benefits of drinking infused water come from the simple fact that it’s water. Adequate hydration is absolutely key to being healthy. By infusing tasty flavors, many people tend to drink more water. Infusion can thus be a way to make water more appealing.
Some of the specific health benefits of infused water, and water in general, include:
Dehydration Prevention
Many people regularly experience mild dehydration because of their busy schedules. However, it’s important to remember that dehydration can become a serious health issue. Severe dehydration can lead to side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, heat injury, seizures, and more.
Weight Loss
If you’re turning to sugary drinks for your flavored beverages, consider replacing them with infused water to instantly reduce your sugar/carb intake and help you achieve sustainable weight loss. Water in general is also known to help with weight loss by contributing to feelings of fullness.
Cancer Treatment Support
Many people undergoing cancer treatment struggle to stay sufficiently hydrated. Several cancer centers recommend infused water as a way to stay hydrated during and after cancer treatment.
Potential Risks of Infused Water
Although infused water is generally safe to consume even in large quantities, there are a few health risks that should be considered.
Food Poisoning
Prepare your fruit prior to infusion to make sure your water is free of any contaminants that can cause food poisoning. Between 20 and 60 foodborne illness outbreaks are tied to fresh produce each year. Be sure to select fruit that has an intact rind or skin, wash your hands before preparing, and store infused water in a sealed container in your refrigerator.
Tooth Enamel Erosion
Many infused water recipes include citrus fruits, which are known to wear away tooth enamel due to their acidic content. Frequently drinking citrus-infused water could lead to tooth sensitivity or cavities, so be sure to infuse your water with other fruits from time to time.
