How to Make B Vitamin Water for Natural Energy
Similar to electrolyte drinks, vitamin water plays into a public that is trying to become more and more aware of their health. Its sleek packaging and appealing names make it sound like the perfect combination-you get vitamins while drinking a healthy dose of water. Again, like electrolyte drinks, there’s not really a whole lot to it. Vitamin water actually contains 13 grams of refined sugar in each serving, which equates to 32.5 grams of sugar in a bottle. Regular Coke, which has 39 grams of sugar, isn’t a far cry from that. A regular can of Coke also has 140 calories, while a bottle of vitamin water has anywhere from 100-125 calories. Starting to sound suspicious? One ingredient, the second or third actually, is something called crystalline fructose. It is even more processed than its cousin, high-fructose corn syrup. In all reality you are really not doing your body a favor when you drink commercial vitamin water-the company is just really convincing. Luckily, it’s not too hard to make your own (actually healthy) and much cheaper version.
Vitamin B complex
This water focuses on the vitamin B complex, which is comprised of 8 different B vitamins needed to carry out vital functions in the body. I could list each one and what they do but that would get quite dull, so I will just list the specific B vitamins in this drink (each of which helps with energy.) B vitamins are water soluble, and unlike fat soluble vitamins, need to be replenished more often since they are lost in the process of urination and not stored in the body.
B1 (Thiamine)-Thiamine helps generate energy from carbohydrates, is involved with DNA and RNA production, and nerve function.
B2 (Riboflavin)-B2 plays large part in growth, red blood cell production, as well as releasing energy from carbohydrates.
B3 (Niacin)-Niacin keeps the digestive system on track, as well as improving the health of skin and nerves. Like B1 and B2, vitamin B3 helps converts food to energy.
B6 (Pyridoxine)-B6 helps produce antibodies to keep your immune system running strong, and aid in the formation of red blood cells. It is also needed to break down protein, so the more protein you eat the more B6 you will need.
B5 (Pantothenic acid)-B5 helps maintain the digestive system, and helps the body use other vitamins, especially B2. It helps convert food to energy, and plays an important role in metabolism.
You will need…
-Sprig of rosemary (B1)
-1 sliced lemon (B2)
-1 Peach (B3)
-5 or 6 chunks of Watermelon or Pineapple (B6)
-Handful of raspberries (B5)
Directions
Slice up your fruit into roughly equal sized pieces and place in a pitcher. Fill the pitcher with cold water, and then let the mixture infuse in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. Pour a glass and enjoy daily, changing the fruit after 5 days or so.
The best way to get your vitamins is through a balanced diet of good foods, rather than eating less-than-good stuff and trying to make up for it with a vitamin drink (although it is tasty and refreshing.) You also get the benefits of a healthy diet. In reality that is much easier said than done, but it should be your ultimate goal. When you do find yourself needing to supplement, try getting the bonus of hydration and natural vitamins before heading for the pills and capsules.
P.S. Make sure to take a look at the Everyday Roots Book with 350+ pages of the best home remedies, natural beauty recipes, homemade cleaners and diy household products. View Remedies
By Claire Goodall
Claire is a lover of life, the natural world, and wild blueberries. On the weekend you can find her fiddling in the garden, playing with her dogs, and enjoying the great outdoors with her horse. Claire is very open-minded, ask her anything 🙂 Meet ClaireWe Want to Hear from You! Let us know which remedies work and do not work for you, ask a question or leave a comment:
I love all of your posts. Especially the relieving remedies. I am troubled with terrible foot pain from plantar fasciaitis (heal spurs). I am barely able to walk some days. I do not like the common treatment alternatives of cortisone shots and ibeuprofins. Are there any natural antiimflammatories and pain relievers?
Mickie, I have it too. Use ice packs several times a day for 20-30 minutes, make sure you do stretch it out before you get out of bed, and throughout the day as needed. There are some great web site that show different stretches, and exercises with nothing more than a towel. Heel cups for your shoes can also help. Hope this helps you.
Hey! I’m a med student and turmeric (1000mg/day) is one of the best natural anti-inflammatory supplements you can try. Also garlic and ginger can help too 🙂 My dad has been taking turmeric (1000mg/day) for 5 weeks and has seen a serious reduction in his trigger finger (basically an inflamed tendon in his hand). Hope this helps! I agree with the icing and stretching too.
would the fruit freeze well? Could I make up a bunch of these with fresh fruit and freeze it to use as needed or would freezing compromise the fruit?
You should be fine freezing the fruit (although I can’t say it will for sure taste the same since I haven’t done it myself.) It’s mostly a visual thing, but the fruit might break down easier and make the water kind of ‘cloudy’ because its texture changes when frozen. Let me know how it works out! It’s a good idea.
I was thinking the same thing 🙂
That looks so scrumpdiddlyumptious. I usually just do cucumber/lemon sometimes adding ginger. I’m going to have to try this for sure. Thank you for sharing. 😀
very good…thanks for sharing…
This sounds really good way to get B complex vitamins I am allergic to strawberries and apples as many other people are too even though I love them. Thanks for sharing such great information anyways. I am sure it can help many people.
Sorry I put the wrong fruits down it peaches and red raspberries that I meant to say. Not sure what I was thinking when writing it.
You posted another type fruit drink that used tangerines (or oranges) with cukes, I think. What exactly was that drink and specifically for what? Thank you!
If you run out of the water in the pitcher before 5 days, is there enough left in the fruit to partially refill and re-infuse or just dump it and start over? And what are some possible uses for the discarded fruit? Sorry for the dumb questions but I am new to the natural foods stuff.
Does the pitcher has to be air tight sealed or sealed with a cap when putting it on the fridge?