Choosing a heart-healthy beverage from among the myriad of options available on supermarket shelves might be especially difficult in today's environment. So, what is it that creates the ideal beverages that boost your heart health in your opinion?
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#1 Water
Water is the best beverage since it has no calories and provides 100 percent hydration! Aim for 6-8 cups of coffee every day. If plain water isn't your thing, why not add a few slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber to make it a bit more interesting? Alternatively, if you choose flavoured water, be sure to read the nutritional label carefully since it might include a lot of sugar or artificial sweeteners.
#2 Milk
Low-fat milk or soy milk are other good beverage options, and since most of us don't get enough calcium, drinking a glass of milk every day may be very beneficial for our health. If you decide to drink soy milk, seek the calcium-fortified kind.
Milk that has been fortified with sterols is now available, and it may be beneficial for those who are seeking to decrease their cholesterol levels.
#3 Whole fruit juice
When selecting fruit juice, look for varieties that are 100 percent natural and include no added sugar. One serving is equal to a small glass (4 ounces), which is the recommended daily serving size for most people.
Additionally, sterol-fortified versions are available, which will assist in lowering excessive cholesterol levels while also decreasing inflammation - a process that plays a significant part in the development of heart disease and other diseases.
#4 Tea
Tea is suggested to reduce the risk of stroke, some cancers, and heart disease. The results of a 2001 assessment of 10 follow-up studies revealed that drinking three cups of tea per day lowered the risk of heart attack by 11 percent (237ml).
If you opt to drink bottled tea, look for unsweetened varieties. Alternatively, you might make your own homemade iced or hot herbal tea as a healthy alternative to sugar-laden alternatives.
#5 Sports drinks
The calories in sports drinks are fewer than those in fruit juice or soda. If your physical activity is shorter than 60 minutes, however, they will not provide the same nutritional benefits as fruit juice or milk, and water will continue to be the preferred beverage.
#6 Coffee
However, if your cup of coffee is filled with cream and sugar, it will do more harm than good to your health and weight loss efforts! Creamy coffee drinks may have anywhere from 300 to a whopping 500 calories, depending on the flavors you choose to consume.
There are, however, lower-calorie alternatives available, such as plain black coffee, skinny lattes, or herbal teas, which offer a refreshing change of pace from your typical cup of coffee.
#7 Alcohol
Alcohol is often underappreciated as a calorie source. In collaboration with the Consumer Federation of America, a simple Alcohol Facts chart has been created that offers information on the calorie content of various alcoholic beverages available on the market.
When choosing a mixer, keep in mind that it might virtually quadruple the calorie count of your cocktail.
#8 Soft drinks
Researchers believe that people who use soda are more likely to have a lower intake of key nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, magnesium, and calcium than those who do not consume soda. Because they contain 10 teaspoons of sugar per can, it is better to stay away from soft drinks as much as possible.
#9 Diet soda
If you're attempting to lose weight, diet drinks are a fantastic option. However, I suggest that you consume them in moderation (once a week), since artificial sweeteners should be avoided if at all feasible while trying to lose weight.
#10 Energy drinks
Many energy drinks are laden with caffeine, sugar, and herbal stimulants that help you stay awake. However, they may also cause your heart to beat quicker, which can put you at risk for heart disease and other health problems in the future.
The most concerning aspect of energy drinks is that they have become popular mixers for alcoholic beverages, and the combination of caffeine and alcohol may be quite harmful in some circumstances.
