Ensuring a healthy diet is essential for overall well-being, particularly when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart. It’s no secret that certain foods can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health and elevate the risk of heart disease. By being mindful of your food choices, you can take proactive steps towards safeguarding your heart and promoting better health.
Besides indulging in high-fat foods, it’s crucial to acknowledge that certain beverages can also contribute to the development of cardiovascular issues. Knowing which drinks pose the greatest risk and actively avoiding them is key to maintaining optimal health and minimizing the chances of disease.
Uncovering lesser-known culprits that could potentially contribute to clogged arteries is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Registered nutritionist Catherine Gervacio, BHSc, RND, shared some valuable insights with SheFinds. According to her, popular beverages such as energy drinks, vegetable juices, and store-bought smoothies may actually pose a risk to your heart health. Discover the reasons behind this revelation below.
- Energy Drinks
From time to time, we all crave that much-needed pick-me-up, and usually, a cup of coffee does the trick. But if coffee isn’t your go-to option or you require an extra boost, energy drinks might be tempting. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks.
Gervacio cautions that regular consumption of these sugary and caffeinated beverages can have detrimental effects on your heart health over time.
“Energy drinks commonly contain caffeine and sugar which may elevate blood pressure and contribute to arterial stiffness,” Gervacio told SheFinds. “Caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure by stimulating the release of adrenaline.”
The high sugar content is definitely a cause for concern. We all know that consuming too much sugar can have negative effects on our health, particularly when it comes to heart health. It’s important to be mindful of your sugar intake and make healthier choices for the sake of your well-being.
“A diet that is high in added sugar can lead to dyslipidemia or an imbalance of blood lipid levels,” Gervacio told SheFinds.
Luckily, there are plenty of healthy alternatives. “Instead of energy drinks, opt for green tea or black coffee to feel energized and alert. However, both should still be taken in moderation,” Gervacio Gervacio told SheFinds.
- Certain Vegetable Juices
It’s no secret that vegetables are hailed as the epitome of healthy food choices, and with good reason! Incorporating a generous amount of nutrient-packed veggies into your diet can have a remarkable impact on your overall well-being. However, it’s important to note that not all vegetable juices sold in stores are created equal. In fact, some of them might do more harm than good when it comes to your heart health.
“There are vegetable juices that have a high sodium content which can elevate the blood pressure, stressing the cardiovascular diseases,” she says.
“Consuming too much sodium can lead to an increase in blood volume and fluid retention, which then raises blood pressure.” Yikes! Who knew?
“As an alternative, make fresh vegetable juice at home to control the salt and even the sugar content,” Gervacio Gervacio told SheFinds. There are plenty of healthy, tasty juice recipes out there.
- Commercial Fruit Smoothies
Contrary to popular belief, not all fruit smoothies are as healthy as they seem. While making your own smoothies at home can be a fantastic way to incorporate nutritious fruits into your diet, it’s important to be aware of the hidden dangers lurking in store-bought options.
Many bottled varieties are packed with excessive amounts of sugar, which can negatively impact your heart health. So, next time you’re craving a refreshing and nourishing beverage, consider whipping up a homemade smoothie that will truly benefit your well-being.
“Some commercial smoothies have a high amount of added sugar which may contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance, and potential damage to the arteries,” Gervacio Gervacio told SheFinds.
As she explains, “It’s better to make your own smoothies and add whole fruits, vegetables, dairy, or other ingredients without added sugars.” Got it!
The bottom line
Like with anything else, moderation is important. It’s OK to treat yourself on occasion, just don’t indulge. And certainly don’t make the mistake of incorporating those drinks into your daily drinking regimen if you have high or borderline high blood pressure.
It is crucial to be mindful of the impact that the food and drinks we consume have on our health. While indulging in an occasional store-bought smoothie may not directly lead to heart disease, it is wise to limit the consumption of these potentially harmful beverages for a healthier heart and overall well-being. The good news is that there are plenty of delightful and heart-healthy alternatives available to savor instead.
