Heart Healthy Nutrients

Beverages can play an important role in heart health. As explained in this section, adequate intake of some of the nutrients in beverages may help reduce your long-term risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Some juices and milk, like many fruits and vegetables, contain potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium -- nutrients that play roles in important physiological processes.

In addition to vitamins and minerals, a variety of beverages contain phytochemicals that may provide health-protective effects. As explained in greater detail below, plant sterols added to orange juice can help lower cholesterol. And soy protein, which can be found in soy beverages, has been associated with lower risk of heart disease.

Potassium

Potassium plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure. Diets containing potassium-rich foods and beverages that are low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. 100% fruit juice, especially tomato, carrot and orange juice, can contribute to your daily potassium needs. The Institute of Medicine recommends at least 4.7 grams of potassium per day, preferably from foods and beverages not supplements. Learn more about potassium.

Calcium

Though you may associate calcium with bone health, it also plays a role in muscle contraction - which includes the beating of your heart. And some scientific evidence suggests that calcium supplements may reduce the risk of hypertension. However, FDA has determined that the evidence is inconsistent and not conclusive. Milk is an excellent source of calcium and some juices and soy beverages are also fortified with calcium. Learn more about calcium.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral also found in both milk and juice that plays a role in regulating blood pressure. Learn more about magnesium.

Sodium

Most people consume more than enough sodium from foods and beverages to meet their bodies' needs. Because diets high in sodium intake can increase the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) in some people, The Institute of Medicine recommends limiting sodium intake to 2.3 grams per day, which is about half the amount typically consumed by most Americans. As a general rule, most beverages, including milk, water, most juices and even most soft drinks, contain only low amounts of sodium. However it's still important to check the Nutrition Facts Panel of the beverages you buy for this nutrient since some vegetable juices, such as tomato juice, may have added sodium for flavor. Learn more about sodium.

Soy protein

Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease. Soy protein can be found in soy beverages and other soy products. Learn more about functional ingredients.

Plant sterols

Foods that contain at least .4 grams per serving of plant sterols, consumed twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least .8 grams, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Juice with 1.0 gram of added plant sterols per 8 fluid ounce servings has been shown to lower cholesterol.