Nutrition is the cornerstone of good health. We are what we eat. Food has a direct impact on our overall well-being, energy levels, and ability to thrive. While we often focus on the ingredients that go into our meals, one vital component is frequently overlooked: humble H2O. Here, we’ll explore the importance of cooking with filtered water to create delicious, nutrient-rich dishes that promote optimal health.
Why is eating nutrient-dense foods so important?
Nutrient-dense foods provide a high concentration of essential nutrients relative to their caloric content. They are essential for fueling our bodies with the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed for overall health and happiness. A diet rich in nutrients supports immune health, boosts energy levels, and promotes longevity.
Super-foods that pack a nutritional punch include leafy greens, berries, salmon, eggs, nuts and seeds, quinoa, sweet potatoes, legumes, Greek yogurt, broccoli, avocado and oats.
It comes as no surprise that highly processed foods, such as frozen meals, are less nutritionally dense, while ultra-processed foods (UPFs) such as fast food, fried food, excess fatty foods, refined sugar and sodas are downright harmful. They slow us down, making us feel sluggish and tired, while at the same time deeply increasing our risk of dementia, diabetes, weight gain and heart problems.
By prioritizing nutrient-rich meals, we can nourish our bodies from the inside out, supporting overall well-being and vitality.
Why is water essential to our diet?
Water may not be considered a food, but it is a major source of nutrition for our thirsty bodies and brains. On average, water makes up about 60% of an adult’s body weight and is involved in virtually every process that occurs in the human body. It serves as a vital medium for various biochemical reactions, nutrient transport, waste removal, and temperature regulation.
We’re so sensitive to dehydration that even a minimal loss of water can cause symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, dizziness and confusion. Discover five health benefits of drinking filtered, contaminant-free water.
What are the benefits of cooking with filtered water?
It goes without saying that water is a fundamental ingredient in cooking, used for everything, including:
- boiling grains and vegetables
- rinsing and refreshing foods
- pickling foods
- making doughs
- tenderizing meat
- making soups and sauces
- cleaning utensils and surfaces
However, the quality of the water we use can significantly impact the nutritional value and taste of our dishes. Tap water often contains impurities such as chlorine, lead, and other contaminants that can alter the flavor and composition of food while potentially posing health risks.
Filtered water offers a solution to the challenges posed by impurities in tap water. When you cook with filtered water, you’ll notice a difference in the taste and quality of your meals.
Filtered water in cooking:
- Eliminates harmful contaminants, safeguarding the nutritional integrity of your dishes.
- Provides a clean, odor-free base for cooking nutrient-rich meals, ensuring you reap the full benefits of your efforts in the kitchen.
- Enhances the natural flavors of ingredients, allowing their true essence to shine through.
How to cook with filtered water
By incorporating filtered water into your culinary repertoire, you can enhance the flavor, quality, and nutritional value of your meals. And at the same time, you ensure that you and your family are consuming clean, pure water with every bite. Here’s how to do it:
Prepare ingredients
Start by using filtered water to rinse fruits and vegetables before cooking. This helps remove any residual dirt, pesticides, or contaminants, ensuring your ingredients are clean and safe to eat.
Boil pasta and grains
When cooking pasta, rice, quinoa, or other grains, use filtered water to boil them. This not only enhances the flavor of the grains but also ensures they absorb pure, clean water during the cooking process.
Steam vegetables
Instead of using tap water to steam vegetables, fill your steamer with filtered water. Steaming preserves the natural flavors and nutrients of vegetables while ensuring they’re cooked in clean, contaminant-free water.
Make soups, stocks, pickles and broths
Whether you’re preparing a hearty soup, a savory stock, the perfect pickles or a flavorful broth, use filtered water as the base. This helps enhance the taste and aroma of your homemade dishes while minimizing the presence of contaminants.
Brew coffee and tea with filtered water
For a better-tasting cup of coffee or tea, brew them with filtered water. Using clean, filtered water allows the true flavors and aromas of the coffee beans or tea leaves to shine through, resulting in a more satisfying drink.
Fill ice trays with filtered water
If you use ice cubes in your recipes and drinks, fill your ice trays with filtered water. This ensures your ice cubes are free from any off-flavors or odors that may be present in tap water.
Prepare homemade beverages
Use filtered water as the base for homemade lemonade, iced tea, or fruit-infused water. Clean, pure water enhances the taste and clarity of your drinks.
Cleanse cooking utensils and equipment
Use filtered water to clean your cooking utensils, pots, pans, and other kitchen equipment. This helps prevent the buildup of mineral deposits and residues that can affect the taste and quality of your food.
Stay hydrated while cooking
As you cook, remember to stay hydrated by drinking filtered water yourself. Keeping a glass or bottle of filtered water nearby allows you to stay refreshed and focused while preparing meals.
Best Brio water filtration systems for cooking
Choosing the right water filtration system for your kitchen is the first step in incorporating filtered water into your cooking routine.
Brio countertop water dispensers provide revitalizing water without cramping space or style in your kitchen, while tri-temperature water dispensers are convenient for cooking, as you can quickly access the hot water you need for various recipes without waiting for it to boil.
The Brio Moderna Touchless 3-Stage Bottleless Countertop Water Cooler has a customizable temperature feature, so you get to preset the temperature of your hot and cold water when you install your new cooler. Oh, and did we mention the cold water dispensing is touchless? Wave your hand, and voila!
The Brio Amphora Reverse Osmosis Undersink Filtration System saves space and is just so easy and efficient to use when you’ve got all burners on the cooktop going. It’s equipped with an advanced magnetic system that activates automatic water dispensing when the pitcher is placed on the base, saving you time and effort. No more turning on the faucet – just pour and go!
Three nutrient-rich recipes to try with filtered water
To inspire your culinary endeavors, here are a few nutrient-rich recipes that showcase the benefits of cooking with filtered water:
- Quinoa salad with fresh vegetables: Cook quinoa in filtered water for a light and refreshing salad packed with protein and fiber.
- Homemade vegetable soup: Use filtered water as the base for a hearty vegetable soup brimming with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Lemon herb roasted chicken: Soak your chicken with filtered water before roasting for tender, flavorful meat that’s sure to impress.
Incorporating filtered water into your cooking routine is a simple yet impactful way to elevate the nutritional value and taste of your meals. By prioritizing nutrient-rich ingredients and cooking with clean, pure water, you can nourish your body and support optimal health from the inside out.
Next time you step into the kitchen, reach for filtered water – it’s the secret ingredient to healthier, more delicious meals and elevated overall well-being. Bon appetit!
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