Heart disease kills over six hundred thousand Americans annually, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one American experiences a heart attack every 43 seconds.

Everyone who eats the Standard American Diet is at risk of developing heart disease, but fortunately, there are natural ways to lower this risk.

Researchers have found that a glass of grapefruit juice daily keeps the blood vessels healthy and improves heart health. This study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and found that phytochemicals in citrus fruits, known as flavonones, promote healthier blood vessels and improve blood circulation.

Additionally, researchers at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research in France investigated the effects of grapefruit juice consumption on the blood vessels of 48 women, 50-65 years old.

They were divided into two groups, and the first one received half a pint of grapefruit juice, which is rich in flavanones, and the second group was given a similar juice drink that lacked flavanones.

Researchers evaluated the blood vessels of participants after 6 months, via a method called flow-mediated dilation, which measures the flexibility and elasticity of the walls of the artery.

Findings showed that people who drank grapefruit juice had a significant improvement in their cardiovascular health, while the other group did not experience any changes.

Grapefruit juice is a healthy drink with a unique aroma and a bit bitter or sour taste, and numerous nutrients. It can be prepared in a simple way at home.

You can also try the following recipe:

The perfect homemade grapefruit juice

Ingredients:

• 3 large grapefruits
• 1 tablespoon ginger juice
• 4-5 mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon honey(optional)

Instructions:

Wash the grapefruits, and cut them in half. Then, juice them in a juicer, and pour the juice in a glass. Grate a stump of fresh ginger, add some water and squeeze to prepare the ginger juice. Then, add the ginger juice to the glass, and the mint leaves. Sweeten with honey.  Leave it in the fridge for at least an hour.

Enjoy!    

Source: juicing-for-health.com