Apple Cinnamon Water, Energy Booster or Waste of Time?

What are the basics of apple cinnamon water?

The recipe for apple cinnamon water is not rocket science: you combine sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and water in a (preferably) glass pitcher or large jar, let the combination steep or diffuse in the refrigerator overnight or at least for several hours, and serve. A standard recipe calls for 2 sliced apples (no seeds), 1 to 2 cinnamon sticks (depends on how much you like the taste of cinnamon), and 64 ounces of pure water.

Like many of the other kinds of infused water recipes, you can make some variations, such as using half water and half crushed ice, adding a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup to sweeten the water (which adds calories), or serving the water with or without the fruit. Another variation you can try when making apple cinnamon water is to boil the apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a few minutes, then add the mixture to the remaining amount of water in your pitcher and refrigerate.

Some people prefer to use a pitcher specially designed to make infused water (an infuser), but you can save yourself that expense by simply using a regular glass pitcher or sun tea jar. Infused apple cinnamon water is inexpensive, too: you can refill your water pitcher two to four times before you need to toss out the apple slices and cinnamon sticks. (Don’t forget to compost the apples!)

However you slice it (pun intended), you have created a refreshing beverage for yourself and your family that avoids the pitfalls of sugar-based sodas. But what about the energy-booster, no-calorie, and detox claims?

• No scientific studies have shown that drinking infused apple cinnamon water will specificaly boost your energy levels or help with detoxification efforts by your body. That does not mean drinking infused water is not an excellent, healthful habit: it is, and it is highly encouraged, especially for anyone who is used to downing lots of sugary or artificially-flavored drinks.
• As for the no-calorie claims, water alone is calorie-free, but when you add ingredients that do have calories and some of the particles of those substances remain in the water, then the resulting flavored water may have a few calories. However, the infused water is still virtually a zero beverage, free of the empty calories provided by sugar and the potential health hazards associated with artificial sugars and flavorings.
• Drinking infused apple cinnamon water may boost your energy and help keep your energy levels balanced simply because you are providing your body with life-sustaining water instead of soda pop and resulting sugar rushes and lows. In addition, infused water helps prevent dehydration, which can result if you down soda (especially caffeinated drinks) and other sugary beverages after exercise or when you are thirsty.
• Lastly, water is a natural detoxifier. That’s why you are encouraged to drink about eight 8-ounces of pure water daily to flush toxins and other wastes from your body via urine, sweat, and breath. Why not make that effort delicious by making and drinking apple cinnamon water—never a waste of time!

Read all about a variety of plant waters

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