Summer Ice Cubes to Make You Healthy!

Summer is finally here, so what better way to bring in the season than by making ice cubes to cool you down?! In addition to trying to make ice that looks pretty in a cup, I tried to make ice that also has health and beauty benefits!

The directions for all of these ice cube concoctions are the same.

First, I sliced the fruit/plant into small pieces to fit into the ice tray.

Then I filled the tray with water and let it freeze overnight. (I read that if you boil filtered water before you pour it in the tray the ice will freeze clear but that didn’t work for me.)

Lemon, Ginger and Lemongrass Ice Cubes

You’ll need:

• 1 Lemon
• Ginger
• Lemongrass
• Ice cube tray, duh

Health benefits of ginger: Ginger has been recommended in ancient medicine to help cure and prevent several health problems. It is known to promote energy circulation in the body while increasing the body’s metabolic rate.

Health benefits of lemons: Lemons supposedly have strong antibacterial, antiviral and immune-boosting powers.

The ginger gives a real kick so these ice cubes may not be for every palette.

Strawberry and Basil Ice Cubes 

You’ll need:

• Strawberries
• Basil

Health benefits of strawberries: Boosts immunity, promotes eye health, vitamin C helps fight cancer, helps production of collage which means less wrinkles.

Health benefits of basil: Basil is an anti-inflammatory food that can give relief for people with rheumatoid arthritis plus basil is also effective in treating acne and psoriasis.

Spearmint and Lime Ice Cubes

You’ll need:

• Spearmint
• 1 lime

Health benefits of spearmint: There are compounds in mint help relieve fatigue and stress, plus it’s rich in antioxidants.

Health benefits of lime: The limonoid compounds in limes have been shown to prevent cancers of the colon, stomach and blood; plus, it’s been known to lower cholesterol and prevent kidney stones.

Wildflower Ice Cubes

You’ll need:

• Edible flowers (I used pansies)
• You can find out more about edible flowers here.

Coffee and Cream Ice Cubes

You’ll need:

• Coffee
• Cream or milk

I made some coffee ice cubes for iced coffee. No more watered down coffee!I froze coffee, cream and a mix of the two.

Health benefits of coffee: coffee drinkers, compared to nondrinkers, are less likely to have type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.

Mixed Berry Ice Cubes

You’ll need:

• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Raspberries
• All kinds of berries!

WedMD says, “On the color wheel, the purple-blue-red-orange spectrum is home to the most antioxidant-rich fruits.” which is why I used the remaining ice cube tray spots for mixed berry ice.”

You can also freeze fresh fruit with out water and throw it in any kind of drink. For example red wine is supposedly best enjoyed at a cooler temperature. Freeze some grapes and throw ‘em in there!

Share your summer ice cube recipes or cool down tricks in the comments below! ?