There is a reason the blueberry has been deemed a "superfruit" and the "King of Antioxidant Foods." While small in size, these berries are jammed packed with antioxidants. Backed by research that points to increased brain functionality, reduced heart disease, improved memory and lower blood sugar, it's clear that this round, blue fruit is very beneficial. 

What are the benefits of antioxidants?

Before we explain how you might infuse blueberries in water, let's talk about the benefits of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that can slow down or even prevent the damage to cells caused by free radicals. Simply put, they protect your cells and help prevent disease. Diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes in particular. 

In fact, (and we would say this!) antioxidants act in a similar way to the water filtration system in your home!

Water filters fight against contaminants and help to maintain levels of dissolved solids in your water supply. Your blood, like water, needs to maintain a certain balance for optimal health. Blood contains free radicals, which, when the levels are balanced with antioxidants, are healthy for you.

If the level of free radicals is higher than your level of antioxidants, the cells in your body can go into oxidative stress. Simply put, antioxidants protect your body from damage. You need them.

Which foods contain antioxidants?

Medical News Today list these as the top 12 foods high in antioxidants:

1. Blueberries
2. Dark chocolate
3. Artichokes
4. Pecan nuts
5. Strawberries
6. Red cabbage
7. Raspberries
8. Beans
9. Purple/ red grapes
10. Spinach
11. Beets
12. Kale

What’s so good about blueberries?

Blueberries have garnered a reputation as the go-to antioxidant-rich food. They’re nutrient-dense, low calorie, sweet and juicy and play a role in reducing cholesterol and therefore preventing heart disease.

The versatile blueberry can be added to fruit salads, baked goods, smoothies, coulis or eaten as a fresh snack. Plus, they taste great...especially in water. 

How to make blueberry infused water

Ready to infuse your purified water with blueberry goodness? Follow the steps below!

1. Wash your blueberries (if fresh).
2. Place blueberries (fresh or frozen) into a mason jar or pitcher. You should add enough to fill 20 - 40% of the container.
3. Fill the container with clean, filtered water.
4. Place the container in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 4 hours. For maximum flavor, leave it overnight.

Tip: Lime, lemon and/or mint are delicious additions for an extra refreshing drink!

Why is filtered water better than tap water to drink?

Of course we have to mention the benefits of filtered water - especially in comparison to tap water, which you may be tempted to use in your fruit-infused beverages. But if you’re health conscious and seriously thinking about taking control of what goes into your body, then filtered water is definitely for you. 

Brio water filters are innovatively designed to effectively filter out harmful substances and impurities that so many of us hear about contaminating our water supplies. To name a few, we’re talking about contaminants such as chlorine, mercury, lead and arsenic.

You can read more about the benefits of filtered water and how our filtration systems work - particularly reverse osmosis. 

But for more fruit infusion inspiration, head to our blog to discover our top 10 water infusion recipes - we think you’ll like them! 

Read next: Water for Wellness: Support Your Immune System With This Infused Water Recipe