Your heart is the most important organ in your body that needs care and attention every day.
While exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can help keep your heart healthy, drinking certain beverages can also improve your heart health significantly. In this article, we will discuss the top three beverages that you can incorporate into your daily routine to drink your way to a healthy heart.
Green Tea
Green tea is known for its numerous health benefits, including improving heart health. It is loaded with antioxidants, such as catechins and flavonoids, which help to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Drinking three cups of green tea daily has been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease by up to 31 percent.
In addition to heart health benefits, green tea also aids in weight loss, boosts brain function, reduces the risk of cancer, and improves overall well-being.
To reap the maximum health benefits, it is recommended to drink freshly brewed green tea instead of bottled or canned varieties.
Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa
Who doesn’t love a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly evening? But did you know that dark chocolate hot cocoa can help improve your heart health? Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are plant compounds that help to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure.
Consuming dark chocolate in moderation has been shown to improve cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of blood clots, and prevent the formation of arterial plaques.
Hot cocoa made with dark chocolate contains higher levels of flavonoids than milk chocolate and is a healthier choice.
To make a cup of dark chocolate hot cocoa, melt dark chocolate in a saucepan, add milk, heat until simmering, and add a dash of cinnamon and vanilla extract for added flavor.
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is a delicious beverage that is packed with antioxidants, including polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins. These antioxidants help to protect the heart by reducing inflammation, preventing oxidative damage, and improving blood flow.
Drinking pomegranate juice daily has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced risk of arterial plaque buildup, and improved cholesterol levels. Pomegranate juice is also known for its anti-cancer properties and immune-boosting benefits.
To make fresh pomegranate juice, cut a pomegranate in half, scoop out the seeds, and blend the seeds in a blender. Strain the juice using a fine-mesh strainer and serve chilled.
Conclusion
Drinking three cups of green tea, dark chocolate hot cocoa, or pomegranate juice daily can significantly improve your heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Incorporating these heart-healthy beverages into your daily routine, along with regular exercise and a healthy diet, can help you lead a happy and healthy life.