Drink Recipes for Maintaining Cardiovascular Health
The goal of this page is to provide an inspiring collection of refreshing drink recipes for people who are looking to improve and maintain their cardiovascular health. If you are looking for other hearty healthy recipes, go back to the Main Directory of Recipes for Preventing CVD.
Kale, Kiwi and Banana Smoothie
Don't be intimidated by the kale in this vibrant green smoothie – the pineapple juice, banana, green grapes and kiwi do a great job masking the somewhat earthy flavor of kale, a superfood that is thought to fight cardiovascular diseases due to its exceptionbally strong antioxidant properties.
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Anti-Aging Smoothie with Millet and Strawberries
The red grape juice and strawberries this smoothie contains are loaded with flavonoids, beneficial phytochemicals that are thought to help prevent age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease. The millet this recipe calls for adds B vitamins, protein, and minerals to the mix, while the flaxseed boosts the fatty acid profile of this anti-aging smoothie by delivering heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids. See the Recipe
Grape Juice and Raspberry Smoothie
This antioxidant-rich smoothie features red grape juice and raspberries, both of which are touted for their cardioprotective properties and other health benefits. Sunflower seeds and turmeric powder are added to the mix to further boost its healing power. See the Recipe
Scandinavian Blueberry Soup
In Scandinavia, blueberry soup is a popular treat that can be served warm as an appetizer or chilled as a dessert. But the benefits of blueberry soup extend far beyond its culinary use. Due to their high concentration of anthocyanins, blueberries effectively scavenge free radicals, repair damaged proteins in blood vessel walls, and promote the overall health of the vascular system. See the Recipe
Hot Chocolate with Almond Milk
This is one of our favorite drink recipes for maintainining cardiovascular health. Dark, unsweetened cocoa powder contains significant amounts of flavonoids such as catechins and procyanidins. These flavonoids have been found to help prevent the formation of blood clots which can lead to a heart attack. However, these flavonoids lose much of their antioxidant capacity if dairy is present when the cocoa is consumed. Therefore, in order to maximize the antioxidant effects of cocoa, this hot chocolate is made with almond milk instead of cow's milk. See the Recipe
Superfood Smoothie with Cranberry Juice, Purple Grapes and Strawberries
This superfood smoothie features unsweetened cranberry juice and purple grapes, both of which are touted for their cardioprotective properties as well as their potential anti-cancer effects. For maximum benefits, don't bother removing the seeds from the grapes before throwing them into the blender; not only are they completely edible, grape seeds are also food for you and your heart. See the Recipe
Blueberry Banana Smoothie
This smoothie is literally bursting with flavor and antioxidants, making it an excellent drink for maintaining cardiovascular health. Wild blueberries have been shown to have the highest antioxidant capacity from more than 20 fruits and berries. What's more, about 30 percent of the fiber in blueberries is pectin, a substance that has been shown to reduce cholesterol in the bloodstream. See the RecipeWant More Recipes?
For more recipes that can help maintain cardiovascular health, visit the main recipe directory of HealWithFood.org's Guide to Maintaining Cardiovascular Health.
You may also be interested in exploring our pages dedicated to providing more general diet tips on how to maintain cardiovascular health. Be also sure to check out the overview of the best heart-healthy foods.
