Consuming beverages daily is a common habit, but it’s important to know which drinks are good for our heart and overall health. Let’s explore 10 simple beverages to find out what to drink for a healthy heart.
Coffee
Coffee is a familiar beverage that contains a higher amount of antioxidants compared to cocoa or tea. Consuming coffee in moderation may have a protective effect on the heart due to its antioxidants that help to inhibit inflammation and reduce the risk of heart disease.
In a recent study involving over 83,000 women, the risk of stroke decreased by 20% in those who consumed at least two cups of coffee per day compared to those who didn’t drink coffee or consumed less.
Coffee is an antioxidant drink that helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
To make coffee a good choice for heart health, you should drink it in moderation. Start with a moderate amount in the morning, typically 2 to 4 cups per day. Avoid drinking late at night or too much, which can lead to insomnia, nervousness, and headaches.
Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice is a recent addition to the list of heart-healthy drinks. According to studies from the University of California, pomegranate has up to three times the antioxidant capacity of red wine or green tea.
In addition, drinking pomegranate juice regularly can help reduce cholesterol, prevent arterial plaque buildup, and lower the risk of heart disease, while increasing blood flow to the heart.
Normally, we can consume pomegranate juice at different times during the day. However, it should not be used as a replacement for a main meal and avoid adding sugar when drinking.
Pomegranate juice is good for the heart
Red Wine
Red wine is a well-known drink containing many beneficial compounds that can protect the cardiovascular system. It contains resveratrol and polyveratrol, which are compounds found in grapes. Therefore, using red wine can be superior to drinking grape juice alone.
Resveratrol is a compound with superior antioxidant properties. Moreover, it is also considered a protective compound for the blood vessels in the heart and prevents the formation of blood clots. In addition, some studies have shown that consuming red wine can increase HDL cholesterol levels in the body.
However, when using red wine, one should not abuse it or use it in large amounts. For women, it is recommended to consume only one glass per day, and for men, two glasses per day are appropriate.
Black Tea
Black tea, also known as red tea, is often used after fresh tea leaves have been harvested, then processed and dried. Some processing methods can change some of the chemical components in the tea leaves. As a result, black tea produces some powerful antioxidants that can help support better cardiovascular health.
Drinking black tea prevents cardiovascular diseases better
For hot black tea, it should be brewed lightly, but avoid drinking bottled tea as the antioxidants in tea can be lost over time. Do not add milk or sugar to your tea when drinking it. It is recommended to consume 1-3 cups of tea per day to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Green tea
Similar to black tea, green tea contains many antioxidants that are good for cardiovascular health. One difference between green tea and black tea is that green tea is not fermented.
A study in 2004 showed that a high consumption of green tea can help reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Consuming green tea can also help lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of blood clots, stroke, and inflammation.
The method of using green tea is similar to black tea, avoiding pre-packaged bottled teas and consuming 1-3 cups per day.
Alkaline water
Dehydration can also contribute to risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including blood viscosity. When the body is dehydrated, the blood becomes thicker, requiring more energy from the heart to pump blood throughout the body.
Alkaline ionized water is good for the cardiovascular system
Chronic dehydration can often lead to high blood pressure, and the best remedy is to drink more water. Numerous studies have concluded that individuals who consume a sufficient amount of water on a daily basis are at a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease than those who drink less water.
In addition to filtered water, you may also want to try alkaline ionized water such. It provides essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, among others. Potassium, as we know, helps regulate the heartbeat and stabilize it. Therefore, drinking water can also reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Adults should typically drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, with alkaline ionized water being especially beneficial for the cardiovascular system.
Blueberry water
Blueberries belong to the Ericaceae family, and they are a small plant with impressive vitality. They grow in areas with cold climates and moist mossy areas. Like oatmeal, blueberries can treat many serious illnesses because they contain high levels of antioxidants compared to other substances.
Drinking cranberries is good for the hear
Each jackfruit contains a high level of flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that also protect against harmful free radicals. In fact, some studies have shown that jackfruit has even higher levels of flavonoids than grapes, apples, or strawberries.
Therefore, consuming jackfruit can help protect cholesterol in the blood and improve cardiovascular health. A serving that contains 27% jackfruit juice has health benefits comparable to a non-alcoholic glass of red wine.
Hot cocoa
Hot cocoa is always a favorite for many people, especially during the winter months because of its delicious aroma and creamy texture. However, some people avoid adding milk to hot cocoa because they are afraid it may have negative effects, such as being high in fat or raising blood sugar levels. In this case, you can use plant-based milk, such as soy milk or especially almond milk, which is good for heart health. These plant-based milks are completely healthy for your cardiovascular system.
A cup of hot cocoa made with dark chocolate, which is rich in phenols, helps protect the heart, and the creamy texture of plant-based milk is good for the heart, allowing you to enjoy it without any worries.
Hot cocoa is good for heart health
Non-alcoholic apple wine
Non-alcoholic apple wine is a type of wine that is not fermented from fruit, and may have very low or no alcohol content. It is typically thick and slightly syrupy, and often heated before consumption. Apple wine is a popular and flavorful alternative to traditional alcoholic wine.
To enhance its flavor, non-alcoholic apple wine is often heated with cinnamon, cloves, and pepper. It is also rich in vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system and provides powerful antioxidant properties.
The potassium in apple wine can help reduce joint inflammation and lower the risk of arthritis. The wine also contains a high amount of phenols, which can help prevent aging and reduce the risk of cancer. The combination of phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties found in apple wine can also reduce the impact of LDL (harmful cholesterol) on the body. Additionally, it can help reduce plaque build-up in the arteries, protecting the heart from various diseases. Adding cinnamon to the wine can further enhance its ability to protect cardiovascular health. Cinnamon can help support the health of our cardiovascular system and is beneficial for those with high blood pressure.
Therefore, if you are looking for a healthy alternative to traditional alcoholic wine, non-alcoholic apple wine is definitely worth trying.
Hot ginger water
Ginger juice often has the effect of lowering blood cholesterol
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to fuss with preparation and brewing, then hot ginger water is a time-saving drink with many benefits. When it comes to choosing a heart-healthy drink, ginger water is still a worthwhile option. Health experts highly regard the effects of ginger on both overall health and the cardiovascular system.
Ginger is known to reduce blood cholesterol levels, help reduce the risk of blocked arteries, and decrease the incidence of stroke. Additionally, ginger is a highly useful herbal remedy in treating cancer through chemotherapy. Boil fresh ginger slices in water for about 5 minutes, then add a bit of honey or lime juice depending on your preference.
Cinnamon Ginger Tea
Ginger Cinnamon Aroma Tea
Ginger is often combined with cinnamon to create a medicinal drink that is both flavorful and good for your health. Cinnamon is used in many herbal remedies for diabetes and heart disease. In numerous studies, health experts have pointed out that just using 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in each meal can help reduce the amount of cholesterol, as well as LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride fatty acids in the blood.
Similarly, using just a half teaspoon of cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity and regulate glucose levels in the blood. When insulin levels are improved, weight and heart disease are also controlled. While preparing food, you can add a small amount of cinnamon to it for those suffering from coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.
Boil ginger and cinnamon, which have been minced, in water for about 45-60 minutes, then add a few slices of lime or a few cinnamon sticks for decoration and extra flavor. This type of tea is best enjoyed with a few pieces of cookies.
Green Juice
Drinking green vegetable juice is good for the heart
Smoothies made from green vegetables are often rich in fiber, iron, and calcium. These minerals help the body reduce inflammation and have a healthier heart. You can be flexible in choosing the type of vegetable and combining it with some fruits. This way, you already know what to drink to benefit your cardiovascular health.
Mixed juice of apple, beetroot with carrot
A recommended mixed juice by Easyhealthlive.com includes apples, beets, and a little bit of carrots. In addition to antioxidant properties, the juice from apples, beets, and carrots can meet the daily requirements for iron, folate, and potassium that the heart needs. Therefore, you can choose it to drink.
Mixed juice of apple, beetroot with carrot
Matcha Tea
In addition, Matcha tea is also a great beverage for weight loss, as it helps to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the body. When bad cholesterol decreases, it automatically has a positive impact on your heart. Recent studies have shown that Matcha tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is what you need for a healthy and stable cardiovascular system.
EGCG-rich matcha tea is good for the heart
Papaya juice
Papaya is a fruit that contains a lot of lycopene, which is known to be a compound that helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, cancer, brain aging, and cognitive disorders related to aging. Lycopene also has the property of improving blood flow. Research has found that drinking papaya juice regularly can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related deaths.
Above are 15 types of drinks that can help you improve your cardiovascular health in a simple way. Hopefully, it will help you consider choosing what to drink for a healthy heart.
John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.
