Juicing to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

by Maria Khalifé

“I would lead thee, and bring thee into my mother’s house, who would instruct me: I would cause thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate.” ~Solomon

Cardiovascular disease has become one of the key causes of death in our century because of bad dietary habits, particularly in the United States. Fortunately, Middle Eastern foods are healthier because they are more nutritious. If you want to prevent cardiovascular disease, consider juicing fresh fruits and vegetables in innovative ways. Any Google search about juicing, juicing fruits, or juicing fruits or vegetables will provide over a million options and there are many published juicing cookbooks.

We have all been taught that fruits and vegetables should be the key ingredients in any diet for the sake of balance.  Sometimes, fruits and vegetables require lots of preparation.  Juicing them reduces that preparation and handling time.  Fruit and vegetable juices are so nutritious and support heart health.

Here is a list of fruits and vegetables that can be combined in various ways for tasty drinks to keep your heart healthy. You can make a batch for each day and have it easily reachable.

Fruits: orange, orange, grapes, pomegranate, apple, cranberry, red grapefruit, strawberry, cantaloupe (muskmelon), watermelon, blueberries, kiwi. These will together help lower blood pressure, improve blood vessel cells, prevent blockages of the arterial walls, reduce cholesterol, act as anti-inflammatory, lower triglycerides and prevent the formation of fats.

Vegetables: beetroot, aloe vera, carrots, tomato, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, red bell peppers, celery, cabbage, parsley. These will together reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol, strengthen arteries and veins, increase blood circulation, act as antioxidants, help hunt down free radicals, and work to prevent blood clots.

Here are two juice blender recipes for you to enjoy.

ABC

2 Asian Pears 2 Apples (Choose any variety!) 2 Beets 2 Carrots 1 cup Cabbage (Choose any variety!) 6 handfuls Chard

Apple Cabbage Greens Juice

2 Apples 1 wedge Red Cabbage 2 large Carrots 1 piece Ginger (thumb sized) 6 leaves of Swiss chard 1/4 lemon

It might be a wise idea to substitute one or two of your meals (or at a minimum augment them) with a fresh-blended glass of fruit or vegetable juice. You know what they say about “an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure.”  Many lifestyle illnesses can be controlled by a dietary change and although we think juicing is a great way to prevent cardiovascular disease, be sure to run this idea before your doctor first if you have a cardiovascular condition.  Enjoy your juicing!

OM Times Magazine » syndicated