Aguas frescas come with a ton of health benefits, but before we get into that, let's be clear on one thing: These infused waters are not meant to be used as a cleanse. In other words, you can't go seven days drinking only this and consuming nothing else. But you can benefit a lot from incorporating these aguas into a healthy diet. Not only can they help increase your metabolism, resulting in weight loss, but they also function as natural energy boosters and can help your body release waste.
More from MamásLatinas: 20 Weight loss teas that will help you drop the pounds fast
Healthy infused waters are very similar to traditional aguas frescas, except without the added sugar, so the recipes are often interchangeable. You'd be surprised how many aguas frescas (also known as spa water) options exist. There's everything from citrus water, blueberry lime and mint water, and even delicious watermelon-infused water! With each comes a different health benefit.
Just make sure you either omit added sugar, cut back on the amount, or drink these flavored aguas to replace higher sugar sodas and juices. Doing so will help cut some sugar out of your diet which can help with bloating and weight loss and even speed up your metabolism. After all, there's no healthier drink out there than ol' H20!
We rounded up 30 delicious agua fresca ideas to help you get at your healthiest!
A strawberry and coconut water agua fresca will hydrate you like no other.
Keep in mind that coconut water contains 95% water and is also loaded with other vital minerals like potassium, magnesium and copper. While strawberries are also high in water content and contain loads of fiber and powerful antioxidants. Simply add chopped strawberries and mint leaves to a bottle of coconut water. Let it sit and cool overnight in the fridge before serving.
Lemon and cucumber agua fresca is more than just a classic.
Lemon water isn’t as a magical as some celebrity claims, but combined with cucumber it can help with digestion, de-bloating and just further hydrating your body.
Cucumber agua fresca is a great one.
Not only does cucumber agua fresca help keep you hydrated, but cucumbers are also high in antioxidants and rich in vitamin C, beta carotene, manganese, that can help with de-bloating, lowering your blood pressure, and supporting healthy skin. Perfect for the girl who isn’t a fan of lemons.
Blackberry and sage agua fresca is great for your intestines.
Sage has tons of medicinal properties (it's an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory), which helps with gastrointestinal problems and indigestion. Blackberries are loaded with fiber that helps promote regular bowel movement. We recommend adding a few mint leaves for additional soothing effects.
Watermelon and rosemary agua fresca is incredibly hydrating.
Don’t sleep on watermelon: Not only does it contain mostly water—close to 92%—but it’s also packed with vitamin A, B6, vitamin C, antioxidants and even potassium. Rosemary doesn’t just give off a delicious flavor and aromatic scent but it also contains iron, calcium, and vitamin B-6 .
We recommend trying a blueberry and rosemary agua fresca too.
Blueberries have even more nutrients than watermelon. They are high in fiber, vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K. Blueberries may also help lower blood pressure, maintain healthy bones, and protect against heart disease.
Try watermelon and cucumber agua fresca.
This amount of water content in both watermelon and cucumber results in a drink so hydrating, we recommending drinking before, after and even during workouts.
Pineapple and mint agua fresca can help curb your appetite.
Not only does it leave you more satisfied than most sugary or caffeinated beverages but pineapple is packed with vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system. It’s also filled with fiber, making it great for digestion.
Cinnamon and apple agua fresca is great for burning fat.
Research shows that cinnamon works to reduce blood glucose levels as well as curbing your appetite, making your feel fuller and preventing more calorie intake.
Ginger water is just as effective as ginger tea.
This root stem contains so many medicinal benefits from digestion, nausea, stomach pain, pain reduction, cold and flu relief, even reducing inflammation in the system. To reap the most benefits, we recommend heating a spoonful of ginger in a pot of water. Once it cool add the ginger infusion water, with the chopped ginger to 10 additional cups of water, Leave it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
This blood orange citrus agua fresca is beyond delicious.
Blood orange also contains a ton of nutritional value since it contains antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B9, and loads of fiber.
This blueberry and lavender agua fresca is heaven.
So we know that blueberries are high in fiber, vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K. Lavender also have a ton of medical benefits that can help with everything from constipation, to high blood pressure, depression—even menstrual pain. Here's how to make it.
Blueberries and orange agua fresca is a total health drink.
The two are both packed with antioxidants and vitamin C which helps with fighting off free radicals while supporting a strong immune system. It’s a great water to drink during cold season—that’s for sure!
Grapefruit and mint water is so refreshing.
It’s also just good for you, considering grapefruit is filled with vitamins A and C.
Try rosemary with grapefruit.
Not only is the fragrant herb delicious and soothing, but adding rosemary to your agua frescas also potentially helps to boost the immune system and and improve blood circulation.
Add some lemons to your rosemary and grapefruit water.
It's basically a drink packed with vitamin C, iron, calcium, and vitamin B-6.
If you're not into grapefruit, add rosemary to basic lime water.
Citrus water can help reduce your belly fat.
The anti-inflammatory properties in citrus fruits are great for de-bloating and burn belly fat. Try this delicious recipe.
Lime, mint, and blueberries agua fresca is just loaded with antioxidants.
It's great not just for your body but also for your skin!
Try adding basil to your strawberry, lime and lemon agua fresca.
This delicious herb is filled with anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce swelling and inflammation in your system and give you younger and glower looking skin. Sounds like a win to us!
Peach and basil agua fresca might sound strange.
According to studies, peaches are high in fiber and antioxidants. They may also help keep the fat off. We're already sold.
Try agua fresca with apples and oranges.
It helps to detoxify the body, burn calories, and reduce inflammation. Adding boldo helps with the digestive system as well and releasing the body of toxins and waste.
Have lemon agua fresca with piloncillo (or panela).
It’s delicious and great for digestion. Find the yummy recipe here.
Raspberry, lemon, and pomegranate agua fresca is good for you.
The pomegranate alone makes this water nutritional. It’s filled with antioxidants, vitamin C, and the anti-inflammatory properties are said to help with digestion, arthritis, heart disease—even Alzheimer’s. This low-calorie and vitamin-rich drink also helps in curbing your appetite and de-bloating.
If you're looking for a serious detox, try this water.
It's infused with cherries, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, which can aid in weight loss as well as helping release toxins from the body.
Kiwi, cherry, and mint water isn't just delicious.
Kiwifruit is filled with vitamin C, which is not only great for your immune system but also does wonders for your skin.
Tomato water is no joke.
Don't underestimate the health benefits that come from tomatoes. They are also an excellent source of vitamin C and contain loads of antioxidants, which fight against the free radicals that can cause a number of illnesses, including cancer.
Add celery to your tomato water.
Celery has a ton of health benefits from lowering inflammation, reducing blood pressure, and even contains a molecule called apigenin, that's known for its anti-cancer benefits.
Add fresh oregano to your water.
It's filled with natural antioxidants that are great for the immune system and your digestive tract.
Add mint and cucumber to your strawberry-infused water.
The combination of all these ingredients results in a serious antioxidant and anti-inflammatory boost. Did we mention it's also really delicious?
Pineapple and orange water is great for your immune system.
Blend a couple cups of fresh pineapple and orange into twice as much water, sweeten to taste and you've got yourself a powerful vitamin C packed, immune-boosting beverage.
Guava agua fresca is great for your skin.
A sweet tropical fruit, guava contains more vitamin C than an orange and is also full of lycopene and antioxidants, making it great for your skin, for your metabolism, and even for cell repair. If your fruit is very ripe, you may be able to simply blend it up with water and leave out any added sweeteners.
Cantaloupe and lime agua fresca is tasty and hydrating.
Cantaloupe is full of water and fiber, which can keep you hydrated and feeling satiated so you're less likely to give into less healthy cravings. Add it to some water with lime juice and mint for an incredibly yummy drink.
This pineapple and ginger agua fresca is great for digestion.
Pineapple and ginger are both excellent digestive aids, which means consuming them regularly can help with bloating and gas and result in a flatter tummy. Combining them in a tasty agua fresca is a great way to get your daily dose.
Add chia to a blackberry-lime agua fresca for an extra health boost.
A blackberry-lime agua fresca is full of antioxidants and vitamin C, but when you add a scoop of chia seeds the health factor gets a major boost. They have protein, Omega 3 fatty acids, calcium and many more nutrients that can help you reach your health goals.
You won't miss your juice or flavored tea if you drink this peach and vanilla infused water.
Add some fresh peaches and vanilla bean to a big pitcher of ice water and you won't even miss that sugary flavored juice, lemonade, or tea you used to drink. Plus, vanilla is known to be a mood booster!
Get your fall flavor fix with a pear, ginger, and cinnamon agua.
Instead of a calorie-rich latte or smoothie, get your fall flavor fix with a pear and spice infused water. The cinnamon and ginger are great for digestion and metabolism.
This rose and strawberry infused water is so pretty you might not want to drink it.
You totally should though. The flavors are sure to keep you from reaching for a soda and it's refreshing, ultra-hydrating, and full of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Turmeric is a great addition to this healthy flavored water.
Pineapple, lemon, and turmeric infused water isn't just delicious, but because turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, it can help reduce swelling and bloating and improve your bodily functions.
Add cherry and mint to your water for lots of flavor.
In addition to replacing other sugary beverages, this cherry and mint infused water may help lower your blood sugar and reduce inflammation thanks to the many nutrients found in fresh cherries.
*Descargo de responsabilidad: Los consejos sobre MamásLatinas.com no sustituyen la consulta con un profesional médico o el tratamiento para una condición específica. No debes usar esta información para diagnosticar o tratar un problema de salud sin consultar a un profesional calificado. Por favor contacta a tu médico si tienes preguntas o alguna preocupación.