
12. Orange Juice
Orange juice is an easy and simple addition to make your diet more heart-healthy – if it isn’t on your regular diet already. It is the classic source of Vitamin C and provides a range of nutrients and anti-oxidants, such as potassium, folate, and thiamine. In particular, an antioxidant in orange juice called hesperidin is a flavonoid compound which improves the health of the delicate endothelial cells that line blood vessels and thus prevent heart attacks and strokes. Make sure that you choose complete, fresh orange juice with no added sugar, for best results. Of course, orange juice contains many other healthful nutrients.
Try and buy the juice which retains the pulp, as this contains the fiber which has its own benefits. In fact, include actual citrus fruits in your diet whenever you can. Orange juice is also a good source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are good for lowering blood pressure levels. Orange juice has lower sugar levels and higher nutrient levels than most other juices, which supports its broad health benefits. The many other health benefits of oranges combine to make for a generally healthier body which will relieve the heart of the need to strain.
Several studies have reported that orange juice intake had beneficial impacts on various markers of oxidative stress and inflammation which can damage your health, including heart health. Some of these benefits include a stronger immune system, stronger, bones, better brain-cell health, improved collagen production for healthier skin, while the Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, which in its turn helps the blood absorb oxygen – a key factor in helping your heart. Thus, washing your iron tablet down with a glass of orange juice will help it to be absorbed quicker. However, drink orange juice in moderation. A single glass of orange juice in the morning is adequate.