Water! The elixir of life... a crystal clear natural purifier, replenisher and hydrator! With summer around the corner it is very important to stay well hydrated. Drinking water raises the Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) for 40-60 minutes which helps weight loss. Just drinking water burns a little calories! High calorie carbonated beverages and packaged fruit juice may taste good but these come loaded with sugar (or artificial sweeteners), colour and preservatives and so, should be avoided.

But how do I drink water when I don't like the taste of it? It is so plain and boring! - Try infused water!

Add a few slices of fruits, herbs or vegetables. They boost the minerals and vitamins that our bodies can easily and quickly consume. Drinking infused water for weight loss and health is one of the easiest things you can do. And it has zero calories! Fruit infused water in a clear jug looks colourful, fresh and healthy. You will be surprised to find yourself attracted to this new concept and who knows, you may also start drinking more water once you get hooked on!

Infused water benefits:
• Boosts metabolism.
• Keeps you full so you don't snack on anything unhealthy
• Flushes toxins from your body.
• Improves your mood.
• Increases blood flow to the brain helping you focus and concentrate better
• Reduces muscle fatigue while working out and helps in faster recuperation after a workout.
• Contains vitamins and minerals that can be easily absorbed from the water.
• Keeps skin, hair and nails healthy.

Instructions to make Infused Water:

1. Slice fruits or vegetables of your choice into bite-sized pieces. Lightly squeeze or gently crush them so the nutrients get released into the water. Do not mash them or the water will turn cloudy.
2. Place sliced fruits at the bottom of a 1 litre jar. Cover to the rim with ice cubes.
3. Pour water until full (approximately 1 cup) and seal with a lid. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes so flavours infuse into the water.

You can eat the fruit after you've emptied the jug as long as it's still fresh or turn it into a smoothie with a bit of milk.

1. Orange, Lemon and Ginger: Oranges aid with healthy blood circulation, lemons help in detoxification, digestion and cleansing. Lemon and Ginger both are immune system boosters.

2. Strawberry and lime: Strawberries are packed with Vitamin C (antioxidant) which fights free radical damage. Limes too contain Vitamin C and Pectin. These citrus gems contain calcium and folate, which are important for post-menopausal women and women of child-bearing age. Vitamin C boosts collagen production and is an excellent anti-aging weapon due to its restorative properties for hair, skin, and nails.

3. Pineapple and mint: Pineapple is anti-inflammatory in nature and helps relieve joint pain and arthritis. Mint supports good digestion by activating salivary glands and digestive enzymes.

4. Mango and Tulsi: Lightly crushed Tulsi adds great flavour to water. Tulsi supports oral health and relief from respiratory disorders. It boosts immunity and is used in the treatment of fever, asthma, lung disorders, heart diseases and stress. Fresh mango adds a hint of sweetness. Mango is rich in Vitamin A and protects against cancer.

5. Watermelon and mint: This fusion is like adding water to water! Watermelons are 92% water. But that's not all; this juicy fruit contains good amounts of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There's even a modest amount of potassium. Mints boosts the freshness of the water. A combination of the two is unique.

6. Cucumber and lemon: Want strong nails? Try this summer refresher. Cucumbers are loaded with silica which strengthens nails. Cucumbers are also rich in Vitamin K, B vitamins and molybdenum.

7. Cucumber- muskmelon and mint: Muskmelon is rich in potassium which controls blood pressure. Vitamin A and Beta carotene keeps eyesight sharp and prevents cataract.

8. Apple and cinnamon: Apples contain pectin which bonds to the heavy metals in your system so they are flushed from the body easily. This places less stress on your liver. Apples also contain antioxidants and flavonoids like Vitamins C and B Vitamins. Cinnamon is super healthy and helps to keep blood sugars stable.

9. Strawberry mint tea: Steep a tea bag in cold water for 2-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the beverage to be. Then add fresh mint and sliced strawberries together for this lovely tea infusion. Black tea boosts alertness and energy due to its caffeine content. It also contains a stimulating substance called theophylline. These substances increase alertness. Black tea is rich in polyphenols which are antioxidants that protect cells from DNA damage. On-going research says that specific antioxidants in tea, including polyphenols and catechins, may help prevent some types of cancer. However, any infusion with tea should not be taken with meals or snacks. The caffeine will interfere with nutrient absorption.

10. Mint Lime Tea Cooler: Steep a bag of Green tea or White tea in cold water, along with fresh mint for this light and delicious drink.