It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Water is the best beverage choice and there are ways we can enhance not only the flavor but add nutrition, too. Infusing water with fruit and spices serves that purpose. Here we offer an apple cinnamon infusion recipe that will not only encourage you to drink water but add detoxifiers and energy boosters in the mix.
Here’s how.
Fresh, organic apples can be found virtually all year ‘round at your supermarket so you can give this a try any time. Apples are a fruit staple—they’re very versatile with a mild flavor and packed with nutrition:
- Antioxidants quercetin, catechin, phloridzin, and chlorogenic acid – apples are the primary source of phytochemical phenolics (a type of flavonoid antioxidant) consumed in the U.S.A.
“Not only are apples commonly enjoyed by many cultures, but they are also a good source of antioxidants. When compared to many other commonly consumed fruits in the United States, apples had the second highest level of antioxidant activity…Apples also ranked the second for total concentration of phenolic compounds, and perhaps more importantly, apples had the highest portion of free phenolics when compared to other fruits. This means that these compounds are not bound to other compounds in the fruits, and the phenolics may be more available for eventual absorption into the bloodstream. Since fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, a diet high in these foods should help prevent oxidative stress, and may therefore help prevent chronic disease and slow aging.” (1)
- Nutritional fiber – pectin in apples have been found to lower cholesterol, moderate blood pressure, and promote healthy digestion. The soluble fiber in apples detoxifies by pushing waste through the colon, like digestive Drano. It also slows the metabolism of carbohydrates, regulating blood sugar.
“Along with antioxidant protection, apples contain pectin, a soluble fiber that helps lower blood cholesterol. Higher blood cholesterol is associated with a greater incidence of heart disease. In the Women’s Health Study of about 40,000 U.S. women, researchers analyzed apple consumption and heart health. After controlling for other fruits along with vegetables, fiber and other nutrients, the study found that women who ate at least one apple a day developed 22 percent less heart disease than women who ate no apples.” (2)
- Vitamin C – while the actual content in an apple is modest at about ten percent of the daily recommended amount, an apple a day will surely help keep the doctor away—even a dermatologist: vitamin C is an important catalyst in the production of collagen, key to wound healing and skin health.
- Low calorie content
- Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, E, and K and minerals calcium, iron, and potassium
Apples and cinnamon seem to have been made for each other, their flavors blend so well.
Cinnamon is a superspice. The highlights, in the context of infused water to support detoxification and weight loss:
- Speeds metabolism by moderating blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity through antioxidant phytonutrients and chromium content.
“Subjects with the metabolic syndrome who consume an aqueous extract of cinnamon have been shown to have improved fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, percentage body fat and increased lean body mass compared with the placebo group. Studies utilizing an aqueous extract of cinnamon, high in type A polyphenols, have also demonstrated improvements in fasting glucose, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in women with insulin resistance associated with the polycystic ovary syndrome.” (3)
- Reduces triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, reducing risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease (4)
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and antifungal
- Promotes mental acuity and reduces fatigue, improving focus and mood
- Rich in calcium, fiber, and manganese.
There are two ways to make this detoxifying water infusion—whichever you choose, you’ll get the formidable one-two of the apple-cinnamon punch. Any variety of apples will do but you might consider a green one—Granny Smiths contain more fiber than other kinds and it’s the fiber that is so key to detox and weight loss.
Apple Cinnamon Detox Water
Recipe #1
Ingredients:
- 1 organic apple, cored and thinly sliced (use more for a stronger flavor, if you like)
- 1 cinnamon stick (non-irradiated)
- Water (filtered by reverse osmosis is best)
- Ice
Directions:
- Place apple slices in a large glass (or ceramic) pitcher; reserve a few to add directly to your glass.
- Place cinnamon stick on the apple slices.
- Fill pitcher half-way with ice, then the rest of the way with water.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Recipe #2
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon filtered water
- 4-6 organic apples, cored and sliced
- 6 cinnamon sticks (non-irradiated)
Directions:
- Bring water to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
- Simmer 15 minutes, remove from heat, and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Pour into a glass (or ceramic) pitcher and refrigerate.
For both recipes, drink an eight-ounce glass of the infused water thirty minutes before each meal for at least three servings every day. You can re-use the apples and cinnamon sticks in the pitcher for three or four days before replenishing with new ones.