6 ways to enhance your water
This article was originally published by The Daily Campus
Unless you just finished a run or got home from a bar, water is kinda sorta really boring. I understand the necessity, obviously, it’s just that finding reasons to go out of your way to drink plain water seems like something you’d do only if the coffee machine was broken or you had a really slow day at work.

Yesterday I spent two and a half hours editing video and when I was done I thought to myself, “I could really go for a room-temperature glass of water with lemon.” Sidenote, I have never, ever had that thought cross my mind. Low and behold I walked back to my apartment and squeezed half a lemon into my water and it was exactly how I had imagined: better than regular water.

That led me to wonder; there must be other ways to get those 8 glasses a day, make them healthier and actually enjoy it. Here are six different ways to make your water healthier, tastier and craveable.

1. Lemon/lime: Lemons and limes have similar health properties. Both are great sources of vitamin C and possess the phytochemical, limonene which has anti-cancer effects. The citrus flavor gives your water a little bite and keeps you refreshed and hydrated.
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(Pixabay/Creative Commons)
2. Basil/mint: Basil has anti-inflammatory properties and serves as a pain and fever-reducer. It also boosts your immune system and is a liver and blood vessel-protector. On the other hand, mint aids in digestion, reduces nausea and acts as a stimulant which helps with depression and fatigue. Also, both taste really good.

3. Cucumber: Have you seen the video of the man singing about all the benefits of the cucumber? He’s not wrong; cucumbers flush out toxins, aids in weight loss and makes your skin nice and glowy. The vegetable also helps keep you hydrated, just in case the whole “water” situation wasn’t doing enough of that by itself.

4. Cayenne and agave: Cayenne is known for being a part of the very popular juice cleanse with lemon and honey. But on its own, it still adds great health benefits to your hydration routine including preventing blood clots, working as an anti-irritant and boosting your metabolism. Add some agave though; cayenne is uncomfortably spicy without a little sweetener.
5. Cinnamon: Another great addition to lemon and honey, cinnamon fights infections and viruses, lowers cancer risks and protects dental health. Make sure you really give your water a good shake before drinking this blend, otherwise you will get a mouthful of the spice and wind up feeling like you’re choking on apple pie.  

6. Crushed berries: This is a fun drink and snack. Once you’re done with your water, grab a fork and go to town on what remains. Blueberries are extremely high in antioxidants, strawberries are high in potassium, fiber and B vitamins and blackberries are high in vitamins E, C and ellagic acid. Give you berry-water a good shake before starting to drink, this way you have all the added benefits of the berries beginning with your first sip.