We've all heard how great water is for your body and your skin, but right now it's too cold to guzzle down gallons of chilled water. Find out how to spice up your H20, and warm up your body at the same time says editor Trudi Brewer.
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How to spice up that cup of hot water
Add the juice of 1/2 a freshly squeezed lemon or lime, and 1/4 of a teaspoon of freshly sliced turmeric. Add a pinch red chili powder or cayenne (this boosts metabolism), and three thinly-sliced pieces of fresh ginger root. Place ingredients into a teapot of boiling water, let it steep for a few minutes, pour in a cup, and add honey to taste.
For quenching your thirst, relieving cramps, and constipation, and to stop you visiting that snack machine after 3 pm, try and keep a warm cup ofH2O on the go all day. Spice it up with turmeric, ginger and a slice of lime, and you have the best nourishing, and cleansing herbal infusion.
Warm water gets your body working better
Sipping water all day does improve your digestion, but it's hard work. Keeping your body hydrated ensures nutrients are delivered to the body, and the food you eat is digested well. If your body lacks this hydration, it will slow down the digestion process, which in turn may cause constipation and also confuse the kidneys, which cleanse the body and are the reason you feel thirsty. Hot water works just as quickly as cold, and it's easier to drink during winter.
The home remedy for a stuffy nose
Winter brings colds and flu, including, including respiratory infections. According to US-based doctor Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD. Drinking hot water benefits nasal congestion quicker than drinking cold water, speeding up the rate at which mucus travels. "The temperature of fluids we drink may make a difference in the way we manage and deal with certain upper respiratory infection symptoms," says Dr Okeke-Igbokwe.
Your kidneys will thank you
Water helps transport waste in and out of the cells in your body. The main toxins pass through the kidneys, so If you're not drinking lots of water, these toxins stay in the kidneys and can cause kidney stones, which are extremely painful and often needs medical attention to remove.
Water is excellent for weight loss
Water hot or cold is great for keeping your body weight balanced. When you think you're hungry, during the day, you may be thirsty. The brain signals for both are very similar. Satisfy those cravings, with water - instead of drinking calories in juice or energy drinks (save your calories for healthy food, and a glass of wine).
Remember to eat water-rich foods
Soups, are ideal during winter for lunch and try a chopped salad of cucumber and lettuce with your healthy soup instead of bread. This fills you up faster while also hydrating your body at the same time.
Water is excellent for your skin
Staying hydrated works from the inside out and has the power to cleanse your skin. Well-hydrated skin will have less visible fine lines, fewer breakouts, and won't appear dull and sallow.
Our favourite hot water winter recipe
Add the juice of 1/2 a freshly squeezed lemon or lime, and 1/4 of a teaspoon of freshly sliced turmeric. Add a pinch red chilli powder or cayenne (this boosts metabolism), and three thinly-sliced pieces of fresh ginger root. Place ingredients into a teapot of boiling water, let it steep for a few minutes, pour in a cup, and add honey to taste.