It’s time to jumpstart your heart health by making better choices today. Cardiovascular health isn’t just about daily exercise. A balanced diet containing foods that are a good source of potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Maintaining a healthy heart also requires you to look for foods that are fat-free and cholesterol-free, not to mention those that provide a good source of vitamin C.

So where can you find such healthy foods packed with these essential vitamins and necessary benefits? Look no further than the delicious varieties of fresh Florida citrus and 100% Florida orange and grapefruit juices.

Drink to Your Health

A well-balanced diet full of fresh citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, tangelos and tangerines is a great start to a healthy heart. You also can gain similar benefits from drinking 100% Florida orange juice. One 8-ounce glass of Florida orange juice counts as almost 25% of your USDA-recommended daily fruit and vegetable servings, based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that acts as a scavenger to help neutralize free radicals and can support the body’s fight against cell and tissue damage that could lead to chronic diseases. Heart-healthy diets that are low in sodium and rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium may have beneficial effects on blood pressure.¹ By drinking 100% Florida orange juice, you can help promote heart health and support a healthy blood pressure.

Potassium plays an important role in cardiovascular health, as it helps to regulate nerves and the heartbeat. This vitamin specifically supports an active lifestyle by its involvement in functions that release energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates during metabolism. Try drinking an 8-ounce glass of orange juice every day, which provides 13% of the recommended Daily Value for potassium.

Even though chronic diseases, such as heart disease, tend to be more common among adults over 55 years of age, it is never too late to make simple lifestyle changes to help support overall health.