Cucumber-Lime-Ginger Detox Juice

Ingredients (Makes 2 servings):

• 2 medium cucumbers (peeled and chopped)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or ½ cup pineapple juice, unsweetened)
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup fresh mint or cilantro leaves
• 1 cup filtered water (or green tea, cooled)

Instructions:

1. Blend cucumbers, pineapple, ginger, lime juice, and herbs in a blender until smooth.
2. Gradually add water or green tea and blend again.
3. Strain if desired, then chill for 30 minutes.
4. Serve cold with a slice of cucumber or lime wedge.

Cardiovascular Benefits

1. Cucumber:
   • 95% water content ensures hydration, which is crucial for maintaining blood volume and preventing blood from becoming too viscous (thick), a risk factor for heart disease.
   • Contains silica, a mineral that supports artery wall elasticity and collagen production, helping maintain strong, flexible blood vessels.
2. Pineapple:
   • Contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce plaque buildup in arteries. A 2019 study in Planta Medica found bromelain improves blood clotting factors and reduces arterial inflammation.
   • High in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and supports the production of collagen—a key component of artery walls.
3. Ginger:
   • Active compound gingerol has been shown to lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. A meta-analysis in The Journal of Nutrition linked ginger consumption to reduced systolic blood pressure in adults with hypertension.
   • Improves digestion and reduces nausea, making it ideal for summer when rich foods may strain the heart.
4. Lime & Herbs (Mint/Cilantro):
   • Lime provides vitamin C and limonoids, antioxidants that combat free radicals and support heart health.
   • Mint or cilantro adds folate, a B vitamin that helps lower homocysteine levels (high homocysteine is linked to heart disease). Cilantro also contains antioxidants like quercetin, which reduce inflammation.
5. Green Tea (Optional):
   • Rich in catechins (e.g., EGCG), which improve blood vessel function and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. A 2021 review in Phytomedicine noted that green tea consumption is associated with a 20% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Why These Recipes Are Ideal for Summer

• Hydration: Both recipes use high-water-content fruits (watermelon, cucumber, pineapple) to combat summer dehydration, which can raise blood pressure and strain the heart.
• Low Sugar: Natural sugars from fruits are balanced with fiber and water, avoiding spikes in blood glucose that contribute to heart disease risk.
• Cooling Effects: Mint, lime, and ginger have thermoregulatory properties, helping the body stay cool in hot weather and reducing cardiovascular stress from heat exposure.

Incorporating these juices into a balanced diet—along with regular exercise and stress management—can provide significant cardiovascular support while keeping you refreshed during the summer months. Always consult a healthcare provider before making major dietary changes, especially if you have preexisting conditions. 🌞❤️