Cucumber mint drinks have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with many touting their health benefits. But are these drinks actually good for you? Here we’ll take a look at the ingredients, nutrition, and potential benefits and downsides of cucumber mint drinks.
What is Cucumber Mint Drink?
Cucumber mint drink is typically made by muddling or mashing cucumber and mint leaves together in water, sometimes along with lemon juice or other flavorings. The cucumber provides a refreshing, crisp flavor, while the mint adds a cooling, aromatic element. The drink is sometimes referred to as cucumber mint water or cucumber mint detox water.
There are many variations on the basic cucumber mint recipe:
- Some versions include lemon, lime, apple cider vinegar or other acidic components to help draw out flavors
- Sweeteners like honey or agave may be added
- Fruit like lemon, lime or berries can provide additional flavors
- Herbs like basil, rosemary or thyme can complement the mint
- Sparkling water or club soda can make a refreshing, fizzy drink
- Ice is commonly added to serve it chilled
The ingredients can be combined in a pitcher or bottle and allowed to infuse in the refrigerator overnight to maximize the flavors. Overall, it’s a simple, refreshing drink that can be customized in many ways.
Nutrition Profile
The main ingredients in cucumber mint drinks – cucumber, mint, and water – are very low in calories and rich in certain micronutrients:
- Cucumber is high in vitamin K and also provides small amounts of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, manganese and other trace minerals.
- Mint is an excellent source of vitamin A and also contains folate, vitamin C, iron and magnesium.
- Water hydrates the body and has no calories, sugar, fat or carbs.
Any additions like lemon juice or sweeteners will change the nutrition profile. Overall though, these drinks are very low calorie and provide important vitamins and minerals.
Benefits for Health and Weight Loss
There are several potential benefits that make cucumber mint water a healthy beverage choice:
- Hydration – The high water content keeps the body hydrated without adding sugars found in sports drinks or juice.
- Low calorie – With just around 5-10 calories per 8 ounce serving, this can aid weight loss and maintenance.
- Nutrient profile – Cucumbers and mint provide beneficial vitamins, minerals and antioxidants like vitamin K, vitamin C and manganese.
- Anti-inflammatory – Cucumber and mint contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Aid digestion – The high water content combined with prebiotics in cucumber may promote regularity and improve gut health.
- Detoxification – Cucumber is a natural diuretic which may help flush toxins from the body and reduce bloating.
- Appetite suppression – High water foods like cucumber can help control appetite and reduce calorie intake.
- Freshens breath – Mint’s aromatic qualities can help freshen breath.
Overall, cucumber mint water is a smart, nutritious beverage choice any time of day, providing hydration, important nutrients, and potential health benefits with minimal calories and no artificial ingredients.
Potential Downsides
There are a few potential downsides to consider with cucumber mint drinks:
- May be bland or boring for some people without added sweeteners or flavorings.
- Not a significant source of protein, fiber, heart-healthy fats or complex carbs.
- Could lead to blood sugar spikes if sweeteners like honey or sugar are added.
- May cause allergic reactions in those with sensitivities to mint or cucumber.
- Not recommended in excess for those with kidney disease due to cucumber’s diuretic effect.
- Mint may exacerbate heartburn or reflux symptoms in some people.
Overall these downsides are minor, and this drink remains a healthy choice for most people when consumed in moderation.
How Does It Compare to Plain Water?
Cucumber mint water has some advantages and disadvantages compared to plain water:
Potential Benefits vs. Plain Water
- More flavor and visual appeal which may help increase consumption.
- Provides additional vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
- Anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties from cucumber.
- May aid digestion and detoxification.
- Mint freshens breath.
Downsides vs. Plain Water
- Takes more time to prepare.
- May get diluted and lose flavor over time.
- Could add calories from sugar or sweeteners.
- Higher cost of ingredients.
- Allergies or intolerance to cucumber or mint.
Overall, cucumber mint water is a tastier way to hydrate that provides additional health perks. But plain water is cheaper, simpler, and just as hydrating for those who prefer it.
How to Make Cucumber Mint Water
It’s easy to make refreshing cucumber mint water at home with just a few basic ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- 5-10 mint leaves
- Lemon or lime slices (optional)
- Water
- Ice
Instructions
- Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Slice into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds.
- Wash the mint leaves thoroughly.
- In a large pitcher, add the sliced cucumber and mint leaves. Muddle them together using a wooden spoon to release the flavors.
- Add any additional ingredients like lemon or lime slices.
- Fill the pitcher with cold water and ice.
- Allow to infuse in the fridge for 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Prior to serving, gently stir or mix the ingredients together.
- Serve chilled over ice. Can garnish with additional mint or cucumber slices.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Feel free to customize with different flavor additions like fruit, herbs, vinegar, sweeteners, or sparkling water to taste.
How to Buy Cucumber Mint Water
If you don’t have time to make your own or want to try some pre-made options, there are a growing number of brands producing bottled cucumber mint drinks:
Bottled Cucumber Mint Drinks
| Brand | Where to Buy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hint | Amazon, Target, Whole Foods | No artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives |
| Brooklyn Organics | Online, specialty markets | USDA Organic |
| True Lemon | Online, Walmart | Powdered water enhancer |
| Real Water | Online, CVS, Walmart | Alkaline water with flavorings |
| AQUAhydrate | Online, grocery stores | Electrolyte-enhanced alkalized water |
Check ingredients lists and aim for unsweetened varieties without artificial additives. Making your own is still the healthiest and most cost effective option.
Cucumber Mint Drink Recipes
There are endless ways to customize cucumber mint water. Try these tasty combinations:
Strawberry Cucumber Mint
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 5-10 mint leaves
- 2 cups water
- Ice
Blueberry Lime Cucumber Mint
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1 lime, sliced
- Small handful mint leaves
- 3 cups cold water
- Ice
Orange Cucumber Mint
- 1 large cucumber, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1/2 cup mint leaves, packed
- 3-4 cups cold water
- Ice
Pineapple Cucumber Mint
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 3 cups cold water
- Ice
Mix and match your favorite fruit combinations for a refreshing, flavorful infusion!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cucumber mint water good for weight loss?
Yes, cucumber mint water can support weight loss in a few ways. It has minimal calories and sugars, provides hydration to reduce hunger and bloating, and contains nutrients that support metabolism and fat burning. Drinking it before meals can also help reduce calorie intake.
When should you drink cucumber mint water?
Cucumber mint water makes a great anytime drink. Enjoy it first thing in the morning to hydrate and start your day. Have some between meals to tide you over. Drink it with meals to aid digestion. Sip on it in the afternoon for a refresh. Cucumber mint water works well hot or cold!
How much cucumber mint water should you drink per day?
There’s no strict rule, but 1-2 liters or 4-8 cups per day is a healthy amount for most people. It’s best sipped throughout the day rather than drank all at once. Be sure to drink to your thirst and urine color. Dramatic increases may cause GI upset or urination.
Does cucumber mint water need to be refrigerated?
It’s best to keep cucumber mint water refrigerated to preserve freshness and prevent mold growth. The chilled temperature also makes it extra refreshing. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and try to drink within 2-3 days.
Can you add ginger to cucumber mint water?
Yes, ginger makes an excellent addition. Its spicy flavor complements the cooling mint and cucumber. For a 16 ounce serving, add 1-2 thinly sliced rounds of fresh ginger root along with cucumber and mint.
Conclusion
Cucumber mint water is a nutritious, low-calorie drink option that provides important vitamins, minerals, anti-inflammatory benefits and hydration. With just a few basic ingredients, it’s easy to make your own delicious infused water at home.
Drinking cucumber mint water may support weight loss, detoxification, digestion and metabolism. While not a replacement for plain water, adding cucumber and mint can encourage greater consumption and provide additional perks.
Feel free to get creative with fruit, herb and vegetable add-ins to create your own refreshing cucumber mint water recipes. Sip it chilled throughout the day to stay nourished and hydrated.
