Yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus, L.) and guava (Psidium guajava, L.) are two of the most commonly consumed fruit in Thailand. A study, which was conducted by the researchers from Mahidol University in Thailand, evaluated the heart benefits of yam bean root juice and guava fruit juice in healthy people. Results of this study were published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
The researchers gathered 30 healthy participants, who were then divided into three groups. Every group was assigned randomly to drink 500 milliliters of freshly made yam bean root juice, guava fruit juice, or water. Throughout the year, yam bean and guava are available and are not expensive, thereby can be consumed by all people.
Moreover, at the beginning of the study and at different time points after the consumption of the drinks, researchers assessed the heart rate, systemic nitrate and nitrite concentrations, ex vivo platelet aggregation, plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentrations, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and serum K+ concentrations of the participants.
Results showed that both yam bean root and guava fruit juices have inhibitory effects against collagen-induced platelet aggregation. The significant amount of dietary nitrate present in yam bean root juice was absorbed and further transformed to nitrite in the body after drinking.
There was a reduction in diastolic blood pressure for participants who consumed yam bean root juice. While on the other hand, those who consumed guava juice not only had a reduction in diastolic blood pressure but also in systolic blood pressure and heart rate.
These findings lead researchers to conclude that the consumption of yam bean root or guava fruit juice can improve cardiovascular health because of their role in blood pressure reduction and platelet inhibition.
Other Fruits And Vegetables To Juice For Heart Health
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death nowadays.
A lot of studies have proven that you can boost your heart health by consuming a plant-based diet rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and nutrients. Through this, you can reduce inflammation inside your vessel wall and protect your cells from free radical damage.
Five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables can help you prevent heart disease, according to most experts. Juicing is one of the best ways to consume fruits and vegetables.
You can fill your fresh juices with fruits and dark leafy greens and many purple and red veggies to help maximize the nutrients in every glass.
Other Fruits And Vegetables You Can Juice And Consume Every Day In Order To Prevent Heart Diseases
Garlic
Garlic juice is rich in substances that help improve circulation and prevent blood platelets from clumping, thereby lowering the chance of fatal blood clots from forming. It also helps in preventing atherosclerosis, a leading cause of strokes and heart attacks.
Red Grapes
The juice from red grapes can protect you against oxidized LDL cholesterol, which can cause hardened arteries. Plus, it also contains resveratrol which helps prevent platelets from sticking together.
Beets
According to research, beet juice can lower blood pressure six hours after drinking it.
Celery
Celery juice has anti-hypertensive properties because of phthalides. Due to this, it can relax the tissues of the artery walls, thus improving blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate juice can lower blood pressure. It has anti-inflammatory antioxidants that protect the cardiovascular system from inflammation and tissue damage.
Cranberries
This fruit is rich in polyphenols which help reduce heart disease risk. A number of researches showed that regular consumption of cranberry juice decreased arterial stiffness, which occurs as a result of atherosclerosis.
