Heart disease, according to the American Heart Association, is the number one cause of mortality in America. Changing your eating habits to emphasize heart-healthy foods also includes choosing heart-healthy beverages. Like food, the beverages you consume can play a role in reducing your risk of recurring heart disease and related symptoms. Making healthier beverage choices can also help you lose weight, further reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and a stroke. Check with your doctor before making significant changes to your eating or drinking habits.
Water
The importance of water can't be understated, especially for people on a cardiac diet. The American Heart Association explains that certain medications prescribed for heart patients can change the way you react to increased temperatures in your environment. Additionally, as you age, your body's ability to identify feelings of thirst may decline and you might already be mildly dehydrated before you feel thirsty. This is why it's important not to wait for thirst to remind you to drink at least 64 oz. of water daily. If you're outside in warm temperatures, exercising or taking medications that may change your response to heat, carry water with you and drink often.
Low or Non-Fat Milk
Low and non-fat milk are a rich source of dietary calcium and helps you meet your daily recommended intake of 1,000 mg for adults under the age of 50, according to the American Heart Association. If you're over the age of 50, you need 1,200 mg daily, and low and fat-free milk can help you meet that requirement without adding excess saturated fat, cholesterol and calories. If you're accustomed to drinking whole milk, the American Heart Association suggests that you gradually exchange your whole milk servings with 1 percent milk at first, and then with non-fat milk later.
Soy Milk
Keeping your heart healthy includes decreasing your consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol. The Mayo Clinic explains that substituting a soy product like soy milk for an animal protein like egg yolks can help reduce your intake of fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Soy is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids which, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, may help decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease as well as reducing inflammation and cholesterol. Like dairy milk, soy milks come in a variety of flavors and fat contents, so choose a variety you like, but stick to the low or no-fat versions.
Low or No-Sodium Vegetable Juices
Drinking home-juiced or bottled low- and no-sodium vegetable juices can help you meet your daily requirement for vitamins, minerals and sometimes, fiber. Buying vegetable juices that contain pulp or saving the pulp from your juicer and incorporating it into other dishes can preserve the valuable fiber. According to the American Heart Association, having a 6 oz. glass of low or no-sodium vegetable juice with a piece of fruit and cereal can round out a heart-healthy breakfast that can help you manage your weight, cholesterol and blood pressure.
References
- American Heart Association; Healthy Diet Goals
- American Heart Association: News Releases: Association Recommends Reduced Intake of Added Sugars
- American Heart Association; Protect Your Heart in the Heat
- American Heart Association; Milk Products
- Mayo Clinic; Heart-Healthy Diet: 8 Steps to Prevent Heart Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
