Beverages That Lower Your Risk of a Heart Attack
It
seems supermarket shelves are brimming over with a plethora of
different beverages, and as a result making a heart-healthy choice can
be particularly challenging! So, what really makes for the perfect
healthy drink?
1. Water
Water
is the ideal beverage, with zero calories, and 100% hydration! Aim to
have 6-8 cups each day. If plain water isn’t your thing, why not liven
it up a little with a few slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber? Or, if
you go for flavored water, be sure to check the nutritional label, as
they can be very high in sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
2. Milk
Low-fat
milk or soymilk are also healthy beverage alternatives, and considering
most of us don’t get enough calcium, a glass of milk each day can be
particularly useful. If you opt for soymilk, look out for the calcium
enriched version. Sterol-fortified milks are available, which can be
useful if you’re trying to lower cholesterol levels.
3. Whole Fruit Juice
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When
choosing fruit juice, select those that are 100% whole, with no added
sugar. A small glass (4 ounces) makes up one serving, which is the
recommended daily amount. You can also purchase a sterol-fortified
version, which will help to lower high cholesterol levels, and reduce
inflammation – a process which plays and important role in the
development of heart disease.
4. Tea
Tea
is suggested to reduce the risk of stroke, some cancers and heart
disease. A review carried out in 2001 of 10 follow-up studies, found
that the risk of heart attack was reduced by 11% when 3 cups of tea per
day were consumed (237ml).
5. Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are lower in calories than fruit juice or soda. However,
they don’t have the same nutritional goodness as fruit juice, or milk,
and water is still the fluid of choice if your physical activity lasts
less than 60 minutes.
6. Coffee
Coffee
has been credited as being “heart healthy,” but if it’s laden with
cream and sugar, it will play havoc with your diet! Creamy coffee
drinks can range anywhere from 300 to a whopping 500 calories,
depending on your choice. However, there are lower calorie options
available, for example plain black coffees, skinny lattes, or for
something completely different, herbal teas.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol
is often an underestimated calorie source. The Consumer Federation of
American have produced a handy Alcohol Facts chart, which provides
details of the calorie content of alcoholic drinks on the market.
You should also take into consideration what mixer you use, as they can almost double the calorie content of your drink.
8. Soft Drinks
Researchers
actually think that soda drinkers are more likely to have a lower
intake of important nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, folate,
magnesium, and calcium. It’s best to steer clear of soft drinks as much
as possible – with 10 teaspoons of sugar per can; it’s pretty clear how
unhealthy they are.
9.Diet Soda
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If
you’re trying to lose weight obviously diet drinks are a good choice,
however I’d recommend consuming in moderation (once each week), as
artificial sweeteners are best avoided, if at all possible.
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