September 29 marks World Heart Day, serving as a reminder of the importance of protecting one of the body’s vital organs and avoiding unhealthy habits such as consuming foods harmful to heart health. Conversely, recent studies highlight the benefits of several refreshing drinks that combine great taste with heart health benefits.

Al-Shorouk newspaper, citing the British Heart Foundation and the websites Healthline and Medical News Today, reviews the top drinks beneficial for heart health.

The British Heart Foundation emphasized the importance of drinking enough water daily, as it helps transport oxygen to body cells, including heart cells, thus aiding in maintaining heart health.

Milk is rich in essential minerals for the heart, such as calcium and potassium, and helps lower blood pressure, the foundation noted.

Although coffee is famous for improving mood, its high antioxidant content makes it beneficial for heart health. A study by Italy’s Sapienza University revealed that coffee consumption enhances the production of endothelial cells in blood vessels, helping maintain their strength and function.

Tea contains catechins, compounds similar to caffeine, which reduce inflammation in the body and protect blood vessels from harmful effects. Additionally, tannic acid in tea helps precipitate cholesterol and reduce its risks.

Cocoa drink, rich in raw cocoa known for combating bad cholesterol, was found in a recent study by Boston’s American Maternity Hospital to contain a substance that helps resist proteins causing heart aging, making it a drink that promotes the youthfulness of the organ responsible for pumping blood.

To increase benefits, the British Heart Foundation suggests sweetening cocoa with cinnamon and honey instead of sugar.

Heart-healthy drinks are not limited to hot beverages; some cold juices also offer significant benefits.

For example, berry juice contains the compound “theocyanins,” powerful antioxidants capable of fighting free radicals that cause harmful artery inflammation. Strawberries can be substituted for berries as they contain the same beneficial compounds.

Tomato juice is a rich source of lycopene, which reduces bad cholesterol levels in the body. It also has properties that help enhance and improve memory health.