WHAT’S IN IT

4 cups watermelon, cut into pieces
½ cup water
1 T organic 100% pure maple syrup
Juice of ½ fresh lime
1 dozen mint leaves
Sparkling water

HOW TO MAKE IT

1. Blend watermelon, water, syrup, lime juice and mint leaves in a blender.

2. Pour in a glass over ice, and top off with a shot of sparkling water just prior to serving.

3. Garnish with lime slices and mint leaves if desired.

WHY IT’S HEALTHY

Watermelon is a super hydrating, high antioxidant food that is a good source of vitamins C and A - both play an important role in maintaining healthy skin. The high water content in watermelon (91%) helps the body to detox and get rid of excess water and fluids. Mint is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, B-complex, beta carotene, iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and potassium. It can also help soothe digestive ailments like nausea and indigestion. Limes are hydrating, electrolyte producing, and a great source of highly absorbable vitamin C. They help to remove toxins from the body. Pure maple syrup contains up to 24 different antioxidants capable of reducing free radical damage that can cause inflammation and contribute to the formation of various chronic diseases. It also contains zinc and manganese in fairly high amounts. Zinc can help fight illness and improve immunity since it keeps your level of white blood cells up, while manganese plays a role a crucial role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation.