8 drinks that are good for the heart

Green tea, coconut water, carrot juice, and nut milks help reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, regulate cholesterol, and prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Tran Quoc Hoai, Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Cardiovascular Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, suggests some of the following drinks that bring many benefits to the heart.

Coconut water

Coconut water provides abundant potassium, magnesium and vitamin C, improves systolic blood pressure (blood pressure when the heart contracts, different from diastolic blood pressure which is blood pressure when the heart is relaxed), contributing to lowering blood pressure for people with average and high blood pressure.

Coconut water helps prevent blood clots, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Green tea

Green tea offers many heart health benefits due to its high content of EGCG and antioxidants.

EGCG helps improve blood vessel function, reduces the risk of blood clots, helps lower bad cholesterol and maintains good cholesterol levels in the body. This drink helps lower blood pressure and blood fat - major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Nut milk

Nut milks, including soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, walnut milk... provide calcium and vegetable protein. The high amount of potassium and magnesium in nut milk plays an important role in relaxing the heart muscle, reducing blood pressure, and maintaining stable heart health.

Nut milk is a good alternative to cow's milk, suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or want to add more plant-based nutrients to their diet.

Orange, lemon, lime juice

Pure juice from citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes contains the compound hesperidin, which can reduce congestion and improve blood vessel function.

Flavonoids in citrus juices also help prevent heart disease, reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. Choose pure juices without added sugar for good health, limit use if you have stomach problems.

Tomato juice

Tomato juice is good for heart health because of its rich magnesium, lycopene and potassium content. These nutrients help balance bad cholesterol (LDL), increase good cholesterol (HDL), strengthen blood vessels, reduce pressure on blood vessel walls, thereby lowering blood pressure.

Antioxidants in tomatoes help prevent damage to blood vessels that nourish the heart (coronary arteries), limit the formation of atherosclerotic plaques that cause coronary artery narrowing, and contribute to cardiovascular protection.

Carrot juice

Carrot juice is rich in potassium. A diet rich in potassium helps prevent high blood pressure and stroke. The antioxidants in carrot juice keep blood pressure at a safe level and maintain heart function. Choose fresh, clean carrots and use in moderation to avoid affecting the digestive system.

Berry juice

Berry juices from fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Drinking a glass of berry juice every day can help reduce systolic blood pressure, improve overall blood vessel function, and protect cardiovascular health.

Water

When the body is dehydrated, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, leading to a rapid heart rate and increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Drinking about 2-2.5 liters of water per day helps regulate the heart rate and reduces the risk of dehydration.

Choosing healthy drinks is as important as choosing fresh food. People should make their own juices or teas from natural, organic ingredients, and limit added sugar. Avoid drinking canned juices because they contain a lot of sugar, preservatives, and even chemicals that create colors and flavors, and have low nutritional content.

Drinks that are not good for cardiovascular health include energy drinks, carbonated soft drinks, alcohol, beer, etc. They stimulate rapid heartbeat, increase blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. Cardiovascular patients should not drink too much coffee because it can cause anxiety, restlessness, tremors, and arrhythmia.

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