There’s a simple and affordable solution to the problem of harmful contaminants in drinking water. That solution is to filter your water using a high-quality water filter like the Big Berkey Water filters. The key is to choose a reliable filtration system that has been tested and proven to remove a high percentage of pollutants that are commonly found in drinking water. A few examples of the most common contaminants are as follows:

Pesticides and Herbicides

Farmers and home gardeners routinely use toxic pesticides and herbicides in hopes that it will help them to maximize their crop harvests. Landscapers and homeowners use herbicides to help keep weeds at bay so their lawns look more appealing. However, these chemical herbicides and pesticides can’t be counted on to stay where they’re initially sprayed. Scientists have discovered that these chemicals quickly flow into groundwater at higher concentrations than experts consider to be safe. This is particularly problematic during rainstorms.

Water filtration can empower you to avoid ingesting the vast majority of these toxic chemical herbicides and pesticides. A top-quality water filter will reliably remove most herbicides and pesticides from your drinking water.

Fluoride

According to research published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, fluoride can increase the risk of a variety of debilitating health problems including arthritis, osteoporosis and damage to muscles and bones. Yet fluoride is routinely added to drinking water in many locations throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and some other countries. Although the concentration of fluoride in drinking water is typically low, it is easy to accidentally ingest more fluoride than the levels that are considered safe. This is because drinking water is not the only possible source of fluoride; it is also present in toothpastes, black tea, some foods and some dental products.

Chlorine

Chlorine is another common additive that is present in most drinking water in the United States and the United Kingdom. Chlorine is added to the water in these locations in hopes of preventing sickness caused by waterborne pathogens; the chlorine disinfects the water by killing harmful organisms that would otherwise make people sick. However, chlorine is a poison that can cause harm. Some possible problems associated with chlorine exposure include irritation of the airways, eyes and skin, coughing and wheezing and breathing difficulties. Chlorine can safely and easily be removed from drinking water via the filtration process, preventing problems like these that result from chlorine overexposure.

Microplastics

An abundance of consumer goods, packaging and even wearable garments are made from plastic material. Small bits of these plastic items find their way into various ecosystems including oceans and lakes. They are now ubiquitous in the world’s groundwater supplies, posing health threats to all living beings on earth. Microplastics can wreak havoc on the human body’s systems, adversely interfering with digestion, respiration, reproduction, hormones and immune response.

According to research published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, bottled water isn’t an effective solution for avoiding microplastic pollution. The researchers determined that microplastics are present in greater abundance in bottled water than they are in tap water. This makes sense because bottled water is packaged in plastic, and the bottles are likely shedding plastic bits directly into the water they hold. Although filtration isn’t guaranteed to reliably remove 100% of all microplastic particles from water, it does remove a high percentage of these harmful contaminants. Therefore the obvious conclusion is that filtered water is a much safer choice than bottled water if you don’t want to ingest bits of plastic as you attempt to hydrate yourself.

Conclusion

This brief list of possible drinking water contaminants is far from being complete; these are just a few examples of the worrisome pollutants that might be lurking in your water, ruining the way it tastes and also slowly wreaking havoc on your health. Systematic water filtration is your best defense against these contaminants. If you consistently filter your water, the filter will remove a high percentage of these harmful substances, leaving you to enjoy purer, healthier, cleaner tasting water.

Disclosure: This is a guest blog post contributed by Big Berkey Water filters. 

If you’re looking for learning videos for kids that are quality, wholesome and fun I recommend watching our new show, Fun With Food! Fun With Food is an Educational Cooking Show for Kids. In each episode, we make a recipe or go on a food adventure while learning about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, nutrition, feelings and more. Fun with Food is created and hosted by Megan Roosevelt, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and mom of 2.

In our smoothie today we’re adding a handful of nourishing and delicious ingredients such as banana, spinach, mango, almond butter and almond milk! Let’s learn about the health benefits of two of these foods below!

Health Benefits of Bananas

Bananas contain potassium which supports heart health and muscle function. Bananas are also rich in fiber which is important for digestive health.

Health Benefits of Spinach

Iron carries oxygen in the blood within our body which is really important to support our brain and muscle function and to give us energy!
⁠

A smoothie is made in a blender! Blenders have a sharp blade that turns solid foods into smaller pieces. Pieces so small that it can even become a smooth creamy smoothie! Because blenders have a sharp blade they can be dangerous, so it’s always best to ask a grown up to use a blender to help you make a recipe!

Print

Super Smoothie

Servings 1

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 1 cup frozen mango
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp almond butter

Instructions

• Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

Green Smoothies!

This smoothie turned the color green because of the spinach! Spinach contains an important nutrient called Iron. Iron carries oxygen in the blood within our body which is really important to support our brain and muscle function and to give us energy! Isn’t it amazing that different foods help our body be so healthy and do all the things we need to do in a day like run, jump, play, sing and dance! Here are some other foods that contain Iron!

Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tools

We love and use these knives!

Fun With Food colorful plates, see here!

Where To Watch Fun With Food

Watch more episodes of Fun With Food here!

You can can also follow along for more food fun on Instagram here @funwithfoodkids.

What Is Fun With Food?

Fun With Food is an Educational Cooking Show for Kids. In each episode, we make a recipe or go on a food adventure while learning about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, nutrition, feelings and more. Fun with Food is created and hosted by Megan Roosevelt, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and mom of 2.

What More Episodes of Fun With Food

WEllNESS TONIC 

Makes 4 servings

To make you’ll need:

4 cloves of garlic

2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

2 lemons, juiced

24-ounces of filtered water

1 tablespoon raw honey (or to desired taste)

Chop garlic and let garlic rest for 10 minutes (increases allicin benefits). Then in a stovetop pot add chopped garlic, peeled and sliced ginger, and juice from 2 lemons along with 24 ounces of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes. Strain liquid into a jar and let cool to room temperature. Stir in honey to desired taste, I usually do 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of honey per serving. Store in the fridge.

This wellness tonic has antiviral and antibacterial properties thanks to the garlic, ginger and honey. It is also packed with immune supporting vitamin C from fresh lemon juice! Enjoy!  

Print

Wellness Tonic

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 inches fresh ginger peeled & sliced
• 2 lemons
• 24 ounces filtered water
• 1 tbsp raw honey

Instructions

• Chop garlic and let rest for 10 minutes (increases allicin benefits).
• In a stovetop pot add chopped garlic, peeled and sliced ginger, and juice from 2 lemons along with 24 ounces of water.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, for 30 minutes.
• Strain liquid into a jar and let cool to room temperature.
• Stir in honey to desired taste, I usually do 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of honey per serving. Store in the fridge.

Garlic Health Benefits

Garlic has many medicinal benefits ranging from supporting heart health to being effective at fighting off commons colds. Garlic has antibacterial properties do the natural compound in garlic called allicin and is a source of vitamin B6, manganese, selenium and vitamin C. Garlic also contains these minerals, phosphorous, calcium potassium, iron and copper.

Ginger Health Benefits

Gingerol is the main compound in ginger responsible for it’s medicinal properties. Gingerol has powerful anti-inflamatory properties and ginger can also help to soothe nausea.

Lemon Health Benefits

Lemons are rich in immune supporting vitamin C and they also contain vitamin B6, potassium, folic acids, flavonoids and important phytochemical known as limonene.

Honey Health Benefits

Honey has anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial properties and is rich in antioxidants. I buy raw honey, which is much better for you than processed and pasteurized honey. This is because raw honey contains antioxidants that can support immune health and provide other health benefits. Another type of honey known as Manuka honey, has strong antibacterial properties that are beneficial for immune health. Please note, do not give honey to a child 12 months and younger.

More Immune Supporting Recipes From The Blog

10 Best Foods To Eat To Boost Your Immune Health

3 Immune Boosting Juices

Do I Need A Multivitamin If I Eat Healthy?

Lemon Immune Boosting Muesli

10 Ways To Support Immune Health

One of my favorite parts about making this punch is the orange juice pumpkins! These pumpkins keep your drink cold like ice cubes and also add a refreshing twist to a simple drink. Our whole family had a blast making this recipe and we know it will be a crowd favorite!

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Oranges

Oranges are a great source of prebiotic fiber! This is the type of fiber that feeds your good gut microbes and helps them thrive! When those microbes are well nourish, your gut is able to heal itself from damage and even aids in digestion.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon may contain anti-inflammatory properties which could lower your risk of certain diseases. It also may lower blood sugar levels and even delay gastric emptying. Cinnamon has even been used to fight certain bacterial and fungal infections. 

See below to view or print this recipe! If you make this punch, please share a photo on Instagram and tag me @HealthyGroceryGirl so I can easily find and like your creations! It’s so fun to connect with you and see what recipes you’re enjoying.

For more HGG recipe ideas you can also visit the HGG YouTube channel here! 

Print

Citrus Cider Fizzy Punch

Servings 0

Author Healthy Grocery Girl

Ingredients

• 8 Limoneira navel oranges
• 3 cups apple cider
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 3 cans sparkling water
• 1 pint dairy-free vanilla ice cream
• Silicone pumpkin mold

Instructions

• Juice all the oranges. Fill mold with some of the orange juice. Freeze for 2+ hours.
• Add remaining orange juice to a punch bowl with apple cider and sparkling water.
• Add frozen pumpkin molds, ice cream scoops and sprinkle of cinnamon to punch bowl.
• Stir everything together, pour into glasses and enjoy!

If you love this recipe, see below for more quick & healthy drink recipes! As always all Healthy Grocery Girl recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and predominantly plant-based.

Citrus Holiday Punch

Spooky Orange Sparkling Sippers

Orange Spiced Hot Coco

This video was created for the Limoneira YouTube Channel! Megan Roosevelt, RDN is the Spokesperson for Limoneira. To see all our tips & videos makes sure to visit & subscribe to the Limoneira YouTube Channel! 

This drink can be made quick and with simple ingredients you probably already have at home! All it takes is one small pot to heat everything up and you’re ready to go! Cozy up with this drink and enjoy the fall weather!

Health Benefits of Ingredients

Orange

Did you know that one orange contains roughly 80% of your daily vitamin C? This is great for supporting your immune system, especially during the winter months! Oranges are also super hydrating and even contain 3 grams of fiber! Fiber is wonderful for digestive health and regulating blood sugar. 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon may contain anti-inflammatory properties which could lower your risk of certain diseases. It also may lower blood sugar levels and even delay gastric emptying. Cinnamon has even been used to fight certain bacterial and fungal infections. 

Pumpkin Spice

This spice blend is usually a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and clove all of each contain antimicrobial properties as well as antioxidants. These are important for keeping cells healthy by fighting off free radicals, which can cause cell damage over time.

See below to view or print this recipe! If you make this latte, please share a photo on Instagram and tag me @HealthyGroceryGirl so I can easily find and like your creations! It’s so fun to connect with you and see what recipes you’re enjoying.

For more HGG recipe ideas you can also visit the HGG YouTube channel here! 

Print

Cinnamon Orange Pumpkin Spice Latte

Servings 0

Author Healthy Grocery Girl

Ingredients

• 1 Limoneira navel orange, juiced – about 1/3 cup
• 4 oz strong brew coffee or 2 espresso shots
• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• 2 tbsp real maple syrup
• 1/8 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/8 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

• In a small saucepan, add all the ingredients and whisk to combine. I used an electric milk frother for this.
• Warm over medium/low heat until desired temperature is reached.

  Enjoy!

If you love this recipe, see below for more delicious fall drink recipes! As always all Healthy Grocery Girl recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and predominantly plant-based.

Orange Spiced Hot Coco

Homemade Apple Cider

Healthy Hot Toddy Recipe

This video was created for the Limoneira YouTube Channel! Megan Roosevelt, RDN is the Spokesperson for Limoneira. To see all our tips & videos makes sure to visit & subscribe to the Limoneira YouTube Channel! 

Health Benefits of Sangria Ingredients

Apples

Apples contain prebiotic fiber, which is beneficial for feeding your “good” gut bacteria and helping your microbiome thrive! While apple juice has fiber removed, it still contains antioxidants! These plant compounds are incredible at protecting cells from harmful free radicals, which may lead to chronic diseases over time.

Cinnamon Sticks

Cinnamon may contain anti-inflammatory properties which could lower your risk of certain diseases. It also may lower blood sugar levels and even delay gastric emptying. Cinnamon has even been used to fight certain bacterial and fungal infections. 

Cloves

Cloves are a rich source of manganese! This is important for forming connective tissue in the body, blood clotting and plays a role in blood sugar regulation. Cloves may also help with stopping the growth of bacteria, which may be beneficial for oral health.

See below to view or print this recipe! If you make this sangria, please share a photo on Instagram and tag me @HealthyGroceryGirl so I can easily find and like your creations! It’s so fun to connect with you and see what recipes you’re enjoying.

For more HGG recipe ideas you can also visit the HGG YouTube channel here! 

Print

Orange Apple Cider Sangria

Servings 0

Author Healthy Grocery Girl

Ingredients

• 2 Limoneira navel oranges
• 32 oz. apple juice
• 1 bottle cabernet
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tbsp whole cloves
• 5 whole star anise

Instructions

• Start by slicing oranges (save a couple for the end).
• Add orange slices into a saucepan with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and apple juice.
• Bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes.
• Strain mixture and then chill.
• In a large pitcher, add the rest of the saved sliced oranges, pour in chilled mixture and entire bottle of cabernet.
• Stir to combine and enjoy! 

If you love this recipe, see below for more refreshing drink recipes! As always all Healthy Grocery Girl recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and predominantly plant-based.

Spooky Orange Sparkling Sippers

Orange Spiced Hot Coco

CranApple Sparkling Cider

This video was created for the Limoneira YouTube Channel! Megan Roosevelt, RDN is the Spokesperson for Limoneira. To see all our tips & videos makes sure to visit & subscribe to the Limoneira YouTube Channel! 

Health Benefits of Oranges

Oranges are a great source of prebiotic fiber! This is the type of fiber that feeds your good gut microbes and helps them thrive! When those microbes are well nourish, your gut is able to heal itself and digestion runs smoother. Oranges are also a good source of potassium, which is essential for heart function, nerve function and muscle contraction.

See below to view or print this recipe! If you end up freezing oranges, please share a photo on Instagram and tag me @HealthyGroceryGirl so I can easily find and like your creations! It’s so fun to connect with you and see what recipes you’re enjoying.

For more HGG recipe ideas you can also visit the HGG YouTube channel here! 

Print

How To Freeze Oranges For Smoothies

Servings 0

Author Healthy Grocery Girl

Ingredients

• Limoneira navel oranges

Instructions

• Use an orange peeled to peel orange completely.
• Take apart orange into segments.
• Add orange slices into reusable and sealable freezer safe storage bags or containers.
• Freeze overnight and enjoy in smoothies!

If you love this recipe, see below for more DIY recipes! As always all Healthy Grocery Girl recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and predominantly plant-based.

Lemon Detox Smoothie Cubes

DIY Citrus Rosemary Disposal Cleaner

DIY Lemon Toner & Lemon Sugar Scrub

This video was created for the Limoneira YouTube Channel! Megan Roosevelt, RDN is the Spokesperson for Limoneira. To see all our tips & videos makes sure to visit & subscribe to the Limoneira YouTube Channel! 

This electrolyte drink is made with just a few simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry! It’s such a quick way to replenish your body with what it needs instead of paying for a store-bought electrolyte mix.

Why Electrolytes Are Important

Electrolytes are minerals in your body including sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, calcium and phosphate. These minerals work to provide many functions in the body including pH balance, water balance, moving nutrients into your cells and waste out of cells and even keeping organs such as your brain and heart working properly! (1) The balance of electrolytes can become too high or too low depending on things like over-hydration, dehydration, extensive exercise, sickness, labor, nursing, medication, etc.

See below to view or print this recipe! If you make this electrolyte drink, please share a photo on Instagram and tag me @HealthyGroceryGirl so I can easily find and like your creations! It’s so fun to connect with you and see what recipes you’re enjoying.

For more HGG recipe ideas you can also visit the HGG YouTube channel here! 

Print

Lemon Coconut Electrolyte Drink

Servings 0

Author Healthy Grocery Girl

Ingredients

• 1 Limoneira classic lemon
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 tbsp real maple syrup
• 1/8 tsp pink Himalayan salt

Instructions

• In a large glass, juice the lemon, then add the rest of the ingredients.
• Whisk to combine, add ice and enjoy!

If you love this recipe, see below for more quick & healthy drink recipes! As always all Healthy Grocery Girl recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and predominantly plant-based.

3 Must Try Refreshing Summer Drinks

Lemon Ginger Honey Iced Tea

3 Easy Green Smoothie Recipes

This video was created for the Limoneira YouTube Channel! Megan Roosevelt, RDN is the Spokesperson for Limoneira. To see all our tips & videos makes sure to visit & subscribe to the Limoneira YouTube Channel! 

Works Cited:

1. https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html

This recipe is quick, easy and made with only a few simple ingredients. Many store bought lemonade mixes are filled with artificial flavors and colors. This recipe is fresh, delicious and sure to be a hit at any party or gathering!

Reasons To Love Lemons

The antioxidants found in lemons have properties that can protect cells against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to inflammation, which is a precursor to cardiovascular disease.

Lemons also contain vitamin C, which has been shown to aid in decreasing the severity and duration of sickness with having adequate levels in the body.

See below to view or print this recipe! If you make this lemonade, please share a photo on Instagram and tag me @HealthyGroceryGirl so I can easily find and like your creations! It’s so fun to connect with you and see what recipes you’re enjoying.

For more HGG recipe ideas you can also visit the HGG YouTube channel here! 

Print

Fizzy Basil Lemonade

Servings 0

Author Healthy Grocery Girl

Ingredients

• 1 cup Limoneira lemon juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 oz fresh basil
• 1 can soda water

Instructions

• In a medium saucepan add lemon juice and sugar and whisk to combine. Let mixture simmer until sugar melts – then chill.
• In a large pitcher, add mixture, basil, soda water and sliced lemons. Stir to combine.
• Add ice to 2 glasses and pour in lemonade. 

If you love this recipe, see below for more refreshing drink recipes! As always all Healthy Grocery Girl recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and predominantly plant-based.

Sparkling Peach Lemonade Float

Apple Ginger Lemonade

Creamy Kiwi Frozen Lemonade

This video was created for the Limoneira YouTube Channel! Megan Roosevelt, RDN is the Spokesperson for Limoneira. To see all our tips & videos makes sure to visit & subscribe to the Limoneira YouTube Channel! 

This iced tea is packed with flavor and sweetened with honey instead of traditional sugar. It contains only a few simple ingredients, which are most likely already in your pantry! Keep this tea in your fridge to be enjoyed throughout the week or make a big batch and bring to your next summer gathering!

Benefits of Ginger

Ginger may contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for reducing pain for people with arthritis or other inflammatory issues. Ginger is also loaded with antioxidants, which may help repair damaged cells and fight free radicals. This aids in lowering disease risk for things like high blood pressure and heart disease.

See below to view or print this recipe! If you make this iced tea, please share a photo on Instagram and tag me @HealthyGroceryGirl so I can easily find and like your creations! It’s so fun to connect with you and see what recipes you’re enjoying.

For more HGG recipe ideas you can also visit the HGG YouTube channel here! 

Print

Lemon Ginger Honey Iced Tea

Servings 0

Author Healthy Grocery Girl

Ingredients

• 5 Limoneira classic lemons
• 4 cups filtered water
• ¼ cup honey
• 5 tea bags: a mix of ginger and chamomile

Instructions

• Juice your lemons.
• Meanwhile, boil 4 cups of water, add the tea bags and steep for 10 minutes.
• Whisk in the lemon juice and honey.
• Let cool / chill.
• Pour into a pitcher with ice and enjoy!

If you love this recipe, see below for more refreshing drink recipes! As always all Healthy Grocery Girl recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and predominantly plant-based.

3 Must Try Refreshing Summer Drinks

Sparkling Peach Lemonade Float

Simply The Best Watermelon Lemonade

This video was created for the Limoneira YouTube Channel! Megan Roosevelt, RDN is the Spokesperson for Limoneira. To see all our tips & videos makes sure to visit & subscribe to the Limoneira YouTube Channel!