Water is a chemical compound with
chemical formula H2O, water in nature existed in difference forms
such as liquid, solid, and gas. Water is the source of life for all living
things, most the parts of our body consists of water. We can learn many
interesting things about water from the hexagonal molecular structure of water
that has been studied by several scientist, its function for the health of our
body, the anomaly of water while the solid phase, and other properties of water
that quite difficult to be understood not only for some people in general, but
also for scientists. Water is one of the most studied materials on this earth.
As we know most of our body is composed of water. Even at the molecular level nearly 99% constituent of our body is water. But why do we still need water? Because much of fluid are lost and out of the body through urine, feces, sweat, and breathe. So that we need to replace fluid lost by maintaining fluid balance in our body so that it can perform its functions optimally, where the water hold a vital role in the metabolism of our body and plays a role in keeping our body temperature. In normal conditions, our body needs about 2-3 liters of water a day (+/- 8 glasses a day). This is actually not supported by scientific research. Because the actual needs of fluid supply for each person are vary, depending on activity, temperature, humidity, environmental conditions and other factors such as gender and age.
Currently there is an interesting and popular method to replace fluids in the body when we are tired of water we used to drink (plain water). We can replace it by drinking fruit-infused water. Fruit-infused water is one of the smart ways to replace fluids without excess sugar and calories. This method is able increase our daily needs of fluids and may hinder us from dehydration. How to make fruit-infused water is very easy, we just need to infuse some pieces of fruit to taste into the usual beverages we drink. After that all the flavor and nutrient of the fruit will we get. When a piece of fruit is added to water, the water will dissolve nutrients (Vitamin C), sweetness and antioxidants in the fruit. Attractive appearance, good and refreshing taste can be used as a substituent for soft drinks on the market that are generally less healthy for our body, because they contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
Many recipes are available on several websites. It is quite interesting to note, they offer vary of taste and benefits. One of the highlights is the recipes of fruit-infused water with extra lemon wedges. As we know lemon not only provides good taste but also a range of benefits. It can lower the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, slow weight gain, prevent colds, and various other disease. Intake of food such as red meat, dairy products, and sugar tend to make the body more acidic. Citric acid contained in the lemon is also able to maintain the pH of our body system in order to remain the ideal pH range. The ideal pH is base on the range 7.35 to 7.45. In this pH range, our body system will run normally.
Vitamin C contained in lemon can improve the immune system, the absorption of iron, the complexion; helps detoxify and produce collagen; reduce skin blemishes; and prevent the formation of kidney stones. A study in the journal of clinical Biochemistry and nutrition which states that a diet rich in lemon can prevent and reduce weight gain and body fat. Consumption can also help to control blood sugar and insulin function. Other research in the journal of research in medical science discovered that orange peel extract can help prevent and reduce the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol). When oxidized, cholesterol is the free radical that can increase the risk of inflammation and cancer.
