{"id":4826,"date":"2023-06-14T23:03:03","date_gmt":"2023-06-14T16:03:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=4826"},"modified":"2023-06-14T23:03:03","modified_gmt":"2023-06-14T16:03:03","slug":"5-heart-healthy-drinks-a-cardiologist-recommends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=4826","title":{"rendered":"5 Heart-Healthy Drinks a Cardiologist Recommends"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">T<\/span>aking the right steps (both literally and figuratively) to boost heart health is crucial to stave off cardiovascular disease\u2014and the sooner you hop to it, the better. Fortunately, there are countless <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/protecting-your-heart-health\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/protecting-your-heart-health\/\">heart-healthy lifestyle habits<\/a> that can keep your ticker in fighting shape. Prioritizing movement whenever possible, getting enough high-quality shut-eye, and finding productive ways to manage stress are just a few of the many. Of course, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/heart-healthy-foods-cardiologist\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/heart-healthy-foods-cardiologist\/\">what you eat<\/a> (and <em>don\u2019t<\/em> eat) will make a major impact, yet you can sip your way to support heart health, as well.<\/div>\n<p>Keep reading to see which beverages <a href=\"https:\/\/www.memorialhermann.org\/doctors\/cardiovascular-disease-specialists\/dr-long-cao-md-1124281118\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.memorialhermann.org\/doctors\/cardiovascular-disease-specialists\/dr-long-cao-md-1124281118\">Long Cao, MD<\/a>, a board-certified cardiologist with Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas, recommends most to include in your heart-healthy regimen.<\/p>\n<h2>5 of the best heart-healthy drinks, according to a cardiologist<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Water<\/h3>\n<p>ICYMI, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-to-drink-more-water\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-to-drink-more-water\/\">staying hydrated is crucial for pretty much every aspect of your health<\/a>, ranging from digestion and energy to even your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/hydration-and-mood\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/hydration-and-mood\/\">mood<\/a>. \u201cOur bodies are made up of [about] 60 percent water, and it plays a vital role in how every cell and every organ in our body functions,\u201d Dr. Cao explains. \u201cEvery chemical process in our body requires water as a reagent, a stimulus to work.\u201d And your heart health is no exception.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour heart is constantly pumping blood through your body\u2014on average, around 7,600 liters daily,\u201d he continues. \u201cStaying well hydrated helps your heart more easily pump blood to your muscles, which helps your muscles work more efficiently.\u201d On the flip side, dehydration can make it more difficult for your heart to circulate blood. Dr. Cao says your heart will try to compensate by beating faster, but an elevated heart rate can lead to strain and contribute to greater issues down the line.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cYour heart is constantly pumping blood through your body\u2014on average, around 7,600 liters daily. Staying well hydrated helps your heart more easily pump blood to your muscles, which helps your muscles work more efficiently.\u201d\u2014Long Cao, MD, board-certified cardiologist<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>As such, Dr. Cao advises sticking to the hydration guidelines <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalacademies.org\/news\/2004\/02\/report-sets-dietary-intake-levels-for-water-salt-and-potassium-to-maintain-health-and-reduce-chronic-disease-risk\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.nationalacademies.org\/news\/2004\/02\/report-sets-dietary-intake-levels-for-water-salt-and-potassium-to-maintain-health-and-reduce-chronic-disease-risk\">set forth by the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine<\/a> to reduce the risk of chronic disease. The daily recommendations are 3.7 liters (approximately 15.5 cups) of fluids for men and 2.7 liters (approximately 11.5 cups) of fluids for women. Those who exercise or sweat a lot, as well as people who live in hot climates, should aim for a bit more.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/heart-healthy-drinks\/\" current-title=\"5 Heart-Healthy Drinks a Cardiologist Recommends Sipping on Daily\" current-image=\"Stocksy_txp0a79f345F0f300_Small_3945245-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2022-12-13\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/heart-healthy-drinks\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/heart-healthy-drinks\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/heart-healthy-drinks\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>While plain H2O is a simple and foolproof option to boost hydration, the remaining drinks below\u2014as well as water-rich foods\u2014can also contribute to your daily intake.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Alkaline water<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to take your heart-healthy hydration game to the next level, Dr. Cao suggests opting for alkaline water, as the body prefers to function in a neutral environment. \u201cWhen we fight an infection, carry out daily bodily functions, or exercise, we tend to put our body in an acidic state which slows down the natural function of our organs,\u201d he explains. He says that alkaline water not only helps to alleviate this problem, but also has specific benefits for heart health.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe pH level of alkaline water is higher than tap water and is rich in alkalizing minerals, including calcium and magnesium,\u201d Dr. Cao says. \u201cBoth have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.\u201d In addition, he says that magnesium is effective to restore normal heart function while recovering from a heart attack.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Green tea<\/h3>\n<p>Doctors cite green tea as one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/green-tea-for-longevity\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/green-tea-for-longevity\/\">best drinks for longevity<\/a>. Plus, it\u2019s one of the most commonly consumed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/best-teas-for-longevity\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/best-teas-for-longevity\/\">teas in the Blue Zones<\/a> (specific regions in which residents live the longest and healthiest lives in the world). So how does green tea promote cardiovascular health in particular? \u201cIt is packed with powerful antioxidants\u2014especially one called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)\u2014which can help prevent atherosclerosis and plaque buildup in the arteries,\u201d Dr. Cao shares. \u201cThese same antioxidants may alleviate pain by reducing inflammation and prevent cancer by preventing oxidation or radicals from injuring our cells and their DNA.\u201d Moreover, he notes that green tea acts as a diuretic, which may reduce and regulate blood pressure for some people.<\/p>\n<p>To max out the benefits of green tea for your heart and overall health, Dr. Cao recommends brewing one or two cups daily.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Oat milk<\/h3>\n<p>If there\u2019s one alt-milk you should prioritize for heart health, Dr. Cao says it should be oat milk. \u201cOat milk is an easily digestible, low-saturated fat, low-sugar drink that contains nothing that could be bad for you,\u201d he says. \u201cIt is high in beta-glucan\u2014a type of soluble fiber with heart benefits\u2014and oat milk <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21631511\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21631511\/\">may lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol<\/a> by helping to reduce the adsorption of cholesterol particles.\u201d It\u2019s also a great option for people who are lactose intolerant or otherwise need to or prefer to avoid dairy.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Cao says a cup or two of oat milk a day will yield the biggest benefits, so go ahead and whip up a rich oat milk latte, pour it into a smoothie, or use it as a base for chia pudding.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Freshly squeezed juice<\/h3>\n<p>Last on our cardiologist-approved drink list: freshly squeezed fruit and\/or veggie juices. \u201c[They] provide vitamins, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and healthy natural sugars that can help prevent the hardening of arteries,\u201d Dr. Cao explains. All the while, they promote healthy energy levels, bolster the immune system, and contribute to a nutrient-dense diet plan.<\/p>\n<p>However, Dr. Cao shares two special considerations to remember. First, serving size is key. \u201cStudies show that drinking no more than five ounces a day of freshly squeezed fruit and\/or vegetable juice lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke,\u201d he says. Second, he notes that this recommendation isn\u2019t interchangeable with store-bought juices that contain additives and preservatives. \u201cThese juices are not fresh and may have been on the shelf for weeks, so 90 percent of what&#8217;s good in them is gone. Many are also frozen or pasteurized, which \u2018cooks\u2019 away all of the good nutrients,\u201d says Dr. Cao.<\/p>\n<p>Going the freshly squeezed route may require more time, effort, and money, but know that it\u2019ll be worth it. \u201cIt pays when it comes to your health,\u201d Dr. Cao concludes.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Taking the right steps (both literally and figuratively) to boost heart health is crucial to stave off cardiovascular disease\u2014and the sooner you hop to it, the better. Fortunately, there are countless heart-healthy lifestyle habits that can keep your ticker in fighting shape. Prioritizing movement whenever possible, getting enough high-quality shut-eye, and finding productive ways to &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4827,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4826","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4826","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4826"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4826\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4827"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4826"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4826"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4826"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}