Consuming the right foods can help reduce the risk of heart disease. However, most people forget that the drinks they consume also play a role in increasing or decreasing the risk of heart disease. Here are three drinking habits to avoid if you have heart disease, along with alternatives, according to a report from Eat this Not that.
**High-Calorie Juices**
Juices and smoothies can certainly be part of a healthy diet, but adding too many high-calorie ingredients can turn these seemingly healthy drinks into "calorie bombs." One risk factor for heart disease is being overweight or obese, so drinking juices or smoothies that contain 600 or 800 calories can definitely increase the risk of weight gain. Instead, consider a smaller serving size (typically a 12-ounce serving is good). Add low-calorie ingredients like spinach, fruit, and low-fat or non-fat milk, and if you choose high-fat ingredients like nut butter or avocado, use small portions.
**Coconut Drinks**
If you enjoy sipping coconut drinks (coconut milk) or adding it to your coffee or dishes, this can increase the risk of heart disease. According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, coconut (whether in oil or drink form) is considered saturated fat that has been shown to increase levels of harmful LDL cholesterol. Instead, opt for non-fat or low-fat milk or a variety of plant-based drinks like almond, oat, or rice milk that don’t contain much saturated fat, if available.
**Canned Vegetable Drinks**
Many canned vegetable drinks (such as tomato juice) offer a fair amount of sodium. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), consuming too much sodium (salt) can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. Instead, choose 100% low-sodium vegetable juices that count toward your daily vegetable intake, and be mindful of the quantity of your drink.
