Dietary choices play a pivotal role in the health of your heart, and while you may most frequently consider the impact of the foods you eat, your drink selection is no exception. The good news is that you don’t need to compromise on flavor to make choices that benefit your heart. In fact, there are many delicious beverages out there that can improve your cholesterol levels and help your heart stay in great shape.
To discover a few of the best options, we spoke to Michelle Saari, registered dietitian. Below, we’ll explore some fantastic beverages that not only taste great but also contribute to lowering cholesterol levels and supporting overall heart health. From the rich antioxidants in pomegranate juice to the cholesterol-managing properties of oat milk and the liver-loving benefits of dandelion root tea, these drinks offer a refreshing approach to maintaining cardiovascular well-being.
1. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice isn't frequently in the spotlight. In fact, we think it's underrated! And not just because it tastes great. As Saari says, "Pomegranate not only has a perfect tarte taste but it can also be beneficial for your heart." This is largely thanks to the fact that this juice can pack in antioxidants, which help fight artery-clogging bad LDL cholesterol.
"These antioxidants stop the cholesterol from oxidizing, which is a fancy way of saying they keep it from sticking to your artery walls," she explains. "Adding just one glass per day can be a good change from your daily orange juice." "If you find the taste too tarte, I dilute it with half water half juice." Just be sure to avoid sugar-loaded varieties, as these can do damage to your health.
2. Oat milk
Latte, anyone? Oat milk is a popular plant-based option to add to your coffee thanks to its rich, creamy flavor. And as it turns out, it also offers health benefits—especially when it comes to your heart.
"Oat milk a fantastic choice for anyone looking to manage their cholesterol," Saari says. "It's packed with beta-glucans, a type of fiber that's really good at latching onto cholesterol in your digestive system. This means instead of the cholesterol getting into your bloodstream and causing problems, it gets carried out of your body. Plus, oat milk is a great dairy alternative, making it easy to fit into your daily routine." Perfect!
3. Dandelion root tea
There are a lot of healthy teas out there that can offer a range of benefits. But one amazing tea that doesn't get a lot of recognition (unlike famously heart-healthy green tea) is dandelion root tea. According to Saari, it's "more than just a herbal brew; it's a natural supporter for your liver."
But what does that mean for your heart? As it turns out, your liver plays a crucial role in managing fats and cholesterol. "By helping your liver function better, dandelion root tea indirectly aids in regulating cholesterol levels. It's a gentle, natural way to support your body's own cholesterol management system," Saari says. Who knew?!
The bottom line
It's important to remember that maintaining optimal heart health requires dedication to a number of smart habits. However, as Saari tells us, "Small dietary changes, which includes changing your drinks can really help to make a difference."
"Try changing out one of your high sugar and high fat drinks for one of these healthy alternatives to improve your long-term health outcomes," she concludes. It will be well worth it!
