HEART HEALTHY RECIPES
The vegetable juices below work in different ways to help protect you against heart disease. Vegetable juices are a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phyto chemicals, all helping to keep your cardiovascular system healthy. Juices are an easy and tasty way of upping your fruit and vegetable intake. Vegetable juices are powerful antioxidants, and in this way help to keep the inner lining of your blood vessels healthy, and prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in your body. Each juice below works on a different principle, all helping to lower your risk of heart disease. It is best to make each of these juices regularly, concentrating on your particular risk factors. It is recommended you consume these juices immediately after you make them. However, it is possible to squeeze a little lemon juice into the vegetable juice, to act as a preservative, and then keep it refrigerated for a maximum of one day.
Cholesterol lowering and antioxidant juice
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup black grapes
1 slice red onion
2 stalks celery
Dilute with 1/2 cup strong green tea
Elevated LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. However, if your cholesterol becomes oxidized, due to a lack of antioxidants in your diet, or the consumption of fried, processed foods, it becomes especially harmful.
Blueberries contain the natural compound pterostilbene, which acts to lower LDL cholesterol. Grapes contain the antioxidant resveratrol, which helps to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, and keeps the arteries healthy. Onions contain the powerful antioxidant quercetin. Celery acts as a natural diuretic, helping to keep blood pressure normal. Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, reduce inflammation in the arteries, and green tea has a direct cholesterol lowering effect.
Inflammation fighter
5cm slice pineapple
1 cm fresh ginger root
1 grapefruit – including the pith
People with too much inflammation in their bodies often have elevated blood levels of C-reactive protein. This is a major risk factor for heart disease. Excess inflammation causes damage to the inner lining of the arteries.
Pineapple is a strong natural anti-inflammatory. Ginger reduces inflammation in the body, improves circulation and helps to prevent the oxidation of LDL “bad” cholesterol. Grapefruit contains organic salicylic acid which is a natural anti-inflammatory. Carrot and celery both contain phthalides, which inhibit inflammation.
Infection fighter
1 clove garlic
1 slice red onion
2 red radishes
1/4 pineapple
1 ripe tomato
1/2 lemon
Hidden chronic infections are strongly linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
Garlic and onion are powerful natural antibiotics. Radishes are cleansing, helping to clear the bloodstream of toxins. Pineapple has strong mucus fighting properties, helping to clear respiratory infections in particular.
Tomatoes contain natural antiseptic properties. Lemon helps to break up mucus and is a natural antiseptic.
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