Citrus: Juicy and Affordable Power Foods

Citrus fruits are bursting with vitamin C and other antioxidants that help slow atherosclerosis, decrease blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. Our tips and recipes make it easy to squeeze in more of these sun-kissed treats.

by Marsha McCulloch, M.S., R.D., L.D.

You might turn to citrus fruits for a bit of comfort and a vitamin C boost when you have a cold, but these juicy gems also can be daily assets to your cardiovascular health, helping reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.

Top 3 reasons to choose citrus:
1) Studies suggest the nutrients in citrus fruits help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
2) A splash of citrus can flavor soups, stews, and veggies more healthfully than salt.
3) Stores sell so many kinds of citrus, you can eat a different fruit each day of the week.

Read on for tips on drug interactions with citrus, the types of citrus, juicing tips, and Heart-Healthy Living-approved citrus recipes.