7 Dietitian-Recommended Natural Drinks to Lower Cholesterol

If you're on the hunt for natural drinks that can help lower your cholesterol, you've come to the right place.

This guide highlights seven beverages known for their heart-health benefits, including antioxidant-packed teas, fiber-rich oat drinks, and more. Each option offers a delicious way to support your cardiovascular health, making it easier to manage cholesterol levels.

Dive in and explore these effective and enjoyable drink choices for anyone aiming to enhance their heart health.

Natural Drinks to Lower Cholesterol

Tea :Time for Your Heart

Let's start with a classic: tea. Whether you're a fan of green, black, or oolong, sipping on these leafy brews can be a heartwarming experience in more ways than one. Tea is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been shown to improve heart health and lower cholesterol levels. So, go ahead and put the kettle on. It's time for a heart-to-heart with your favorite cuppa.

Soy Drinks: Not Just for Hipsters

Once the darling of health food stores and now mainstream, soy drinks are a fantastic choice for those looking to manage cholesterol. Soy protein has been linked to lowering LDL cholesterol (that's the bad kind). And let's be honest, with the variety of flavors available, diving into the world of soy drinks can feel like a culinary adventure.

Oat Drinks: Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Oats aren't just for porridge; they've made a splash in the drink aisle too. Oat drinks are rich in beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that helps lower LDL cholesterol by forming a gel-like substance in your gut. It's like having a tiny superhero in your digestive system fighting cholesterol one gulp at a time.

Tomato Juice: The Red Elixir

Who knew that the humble tomato could be your heart's best friend? Tomato juice is packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red hue and has been associated with lower levels of LDL cholesterol. Just watch out for added salts and sugars.

Berry Smoothies: A Berry Good Idea

Berries are nature's candy and blending them into a smoothie is not only a treat for your taste buds but also for your heart. Rich in antioxidants and fiber, berries can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health.

Get more Cholesterol Lowering Smoothies here

Coffee: The Morning Ritual

Ah, coffee – the elixir of life for many of us. Good news: your morning ritual could be helping your cholesterol levels. Moderate coffee consumption has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease in women. Just remember to hold back on the cream and sugar as much as you can.

It’s important to note that drinking large amounts of coffee (more than 5 cups per day) may increase blood pressure in some individuals, which is a known risk factor for heart disease. Additionally, caffeine, being a stimulant, might cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat in certain people. So, while coffee in moderation can be part of a heart-healthy diet, it’s wise to consume it thoughtfully.

Cocoa: Because Chocolate

Last but not least, cocoa. This delightful bean is the source of all chocolate, and in its pure form, it's packed with flavonoids that can improve cholesterol levels and heart health. A cup of hot cocoa (made with dark chocolate and low in sugar) can be a heart-healthy treat. It's like giving your heart a warm hug. To benefit from cocoa, try using the raw form of cocoa, cocoa powder, or beverages that contain at least 70% to 90% cocoa or raw cocoa and no added sugars.

High Cholesterol Drinks to Avoid

It's equally important to reduce your intake of those drinks that may worsen cholesterol levels. Beverages high in sugars, excessive alcohol consumption, and full-fat dairy products have been identified as potentially detrimental to cholesterol health. These drinks can negatively impact your efforts towards maintaining or achieving optimal heart health.

Read more about how alcohol can affect menopause here.

Managing cholesterol effectively doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or joy. With these delightful drinks, you can toast to your health and savor the rich flavors of life, one sip at a time.

Read here for more information on cholesterol and menopause.

Get heart healthy snack ideas here.

Check out best breakfasts to lower cholesterol here.