Do you drink enough water? For most people, it can be a struggle to meet your daily allowance of water intake. If this sounds familiar, then this post is for you!
Try making your own Cucumber Water to reach your daily water intake goals and to stay hydrated. Read on to learn how to make your own Cucumber Water!
The Science Behind Cucumber Water
Because cucumbers are approximately 96% water, adding them to a pitcher of water won’t make them soggy or turn mushy, like other vegetables.
When cucumbers are added to water, their juices naturally release. This allows the flavor to be absorbed into the pitcher of water, adding a wonderful flavor that will turn your water from ordinary to extraordinary!
Health Benefits of Drinking Cucumber Water
For many people, there are an overwhelming number of drink options available to us on a daily basis. Water can often be overlooked or forgotten. However, poor water consumption can lead to a variety of health problems. Drinking the proper amount of water will help improve both your physical and mental health!
Statistically, people are more likely to drink water if it’s flavored. But with many brands of flavored water on the market that have added sugar and additives, this can present a challenge of its own.
An added benefit of Cucumber Water are the health benefits! Each person will experience their own health benefits that affect their body. But the following are just a few that many agree they’ve experienced.
Consuming water on a regular basis has been shown to aid in digestion and improved kidney health. This is good news for those who suffer from frequent UTI’s or digestion problems.
Water consumption has also been proven to help control high blood pressure.
Another benefit of drinking water is that it provides anti-inflammatory properties. It also carries antioxidants that will help fight free radicals, which are the nasty unstable atoms that cause illness and can speed up the aging process.
Drinking water can also regulate body temperature, improve the immune system, and it actively aids in carrying oxygen to all parts of the body.
Further benefits include clearer, healthier skin, and helping with weight loss. Aim to drink the suggested amount of water every single day to see an improvement in your weight loss journey.
And increased water intake is good for the brain! This is especially good news for those that suffer from brain fog or have a poor memory.
Best of all? Cucumber Water is refreshing and will leave you guilt free, with no added sugar or high calorie content!
Choosing the Right Cucumber
The great news is that any variety of cucumber will work for this recipe!
Choose the most common garden variety, the longer “seedless” English cucumbers, or mini cucumbers. Each of these varieties will work equally well for your Cucumber Water.
Challenge yourself by making a few pitchers of Cucumber Water using each of the varieties separately to see which one you like the best! See below for some fun variations to try for another challenge.
How to Make Cucumber Water
This yummy drink is so easy to make! It will leave you meeting your daily allowance of water intake and plus some. Take into consideration the health benefits, and this drink will quickly become a favorite for your whole family.
Begin by washing your cucumber thoroughly. Then slice your cucumber to about 1/8″ or desired thickness.
Next, fill your pitcher with 8 cups of cold water. The colder the water, the better this will taste!
Add the cucumbers and desired amount of ice to the pitcher. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. That’s it!
The longer the pitcher of water marinates in the refrigerator, the stronger the flavor the water will have. However, this water will never be overbearing with a cucumber flavor, so don’t worry about it becoming too much.
Shelf Life and Other Tips
The great news about this healthy treat is that it’s water, so the shelf-life isn’t a huge issue. The only consideration to take would be the freshness of the cucumbers.
After a few days, the cucumber may weaken in taste. Change out the water and cucumbers approximately every 2-3 days for the best tasting water!
Add Some Variation
The best part of this water is that you can be as creative as you’d like! Try a few of these variations or get innovative and create your own recipe.
All the Fruit
Although not all vegetables will make for yummy tasting water, you can rarely go wrong with adding some fruit!
Try adding strawberries to your water for a burst of fruity flavor! Add the strawberries alone or include other kinds of berries, as well. This will make the perfect summer refreshment for you and your guests.
Looking for a kick of citrus flavoring? Add an equal amount of lemon or lime slices alongside your cucumbers!
Try the Bubbly
Changing up the type of water will give an entirely different experience for your Cucumber Water! Unflavored Sparkling Water, Seltzer Water, or Club Soda will add a punch to keep you refreshed all day long.
If you own a SodaStream then creating your own bubbly flavored water will be fast and easy!
Add More Flavor
Infuse your Cucumber Water with some added flavor by plucking a handful of mint leaves from your garden and add them to the water prior to refrigerating. Not sure where to find fresh mint leaves? Here’s a resource with information on Growing Mint Leaves.
FAQs
Can I eat the cucumber after consuming the water?
Yes! The cucumber simply adds flavor to the water. Since this vegetable is water-based, it won’t go bad. Pour yourself a glass of Cucumber Water and snag a few slices to chew on while you hydrate!
How much water is recommended to drink daily?
The amount of required daily water intake can vary from person to person. Depending on what kinds of foods you eat and how active you are, you may not need to drink as much water as the next person.
The general rule is for women to drink 72 oz (9 cups) of water and for men to drink 104 oz (13 cups) of water on a daily basis. (Note: Information based on 8 ounce cups of water.)
Is this the same thing as Detox Water?
It is! Because of its health benefits, this is also referred to as Detox Water, Infused Water, Weight Loss Water, and Spa Water.
Go Healthy with Cucumber Water!
Now that you’ve got the tools to make your own Cucumber Water, you’re ready to step into a healthier hydrated lifestyle.
Are you up for the challenge of making the freshest Cucumber Water possible? Try growing your own cucumbers right in your backyard!
Find all the necessary information on growing your own cukes by visiting our Cucumbers page to begin your own cucumber gardening journey.
Cucumber Water
An easy and refreshing cucumber water that will have you hitting your daily water intake in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- 8 cups cold water
- Ice
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumber into 1/8" thickness.
- Fill pitcher with cold water.
- Add cucumber slices and ice.
- Chill for at least 2 hours. Enjoy!