Did you know that heart disease is one of the most deadly killers worldwide? Indeed, in the US, someone dies of CVD every 36 seconds.
These numbers are certainly devastating. Yet, factors such as genetics and lifestyle all play a role. Sure, you can’t change the former, but you can always adapt the latter to your health needs.
Here’s the good news: there are healthy foods that can help to unclog arteries. So, add them to your diet!
If you’re thinking of leading a healthier lifestyle, you’re in the right place. Continue to read to learn more about foods that clear arteries.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a fantastic source of lycopene (a plant compound that gives this fruit a red color), linked with increasing “good” HDL cholesterol.
So, consider cooking tomatoes and adding them to your sandwich. If you’re not a big fan, you can prepare a tomato sauce to eat on pasta. Indeed, you won’t resist.
In one research, people whose diets were rich in lycopene from tomato products had fewer chances of developing heart diseases. So embrace this fruit and add a bit of olive oil too to that tasty pasta sauce. After all, fat increases your body’s absorption of lycopene.
2. Legumes
If you usually go for mainly grain-based side dishes, consider changing. Swap them for legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, peas, and beans).
These foods are a great source of fiber (including soluble ones), which can help you prevent atherosclerosis as it lowers LDL cholesterol. Plus, you don’t need to eat a lot of legumes: one daily serving of beans has the power to reduce (significantly) your LDL levels.
In the end, legumes have been associated with lower blood pressure and chronic inflammation. So keep those benefits in mind next time you cook a dish.
3. Berries
Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries do wonders for your arterial health. Berries contain polyphenol compounds such as anthocyanins and quercetin, which exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Due to these compounds, berry intake can improve blood sugar control, blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol, which help maintain healthy and clean arteries.
If you compare them to other fruits like apples, oranges, and grapes (which are high in fructose), berries are an excellent option for regular consumption. Why? Because they’re unlikely to boost blood sugar (as they’re low glycemic).
4. Spirulina
Spirulina (blue-green algae) helps to regulate your blood lipid levels. It’s also a great protein source, as it contains all of the crucial amino acids required by the body to maintain optimum health.
Here’s an extra benefit: Spirulina helps balance blood fat levels while stabilizing blood pressure, so consider adding this alga to your diet.
If you need help maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding future issues (like lower leg amputations), a treatment with Modern Vascular can be just what you need.
5. TurmericÂ
Turmeric’s key component is curcumin (an impressive anti-inflammatory). So, when you include this spice in your recipes, it can help decrease inflammation and arterial wall damage, which are key contributors to blood clots and plaque buildup.
6. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a source of polyphenol compounds, cocoa flavanols to be specific, which means it can help improve blood flow (as it boosts nitric oxide production) and lower blood pressure. As a bonus, it also prevents blood clots and decreases inflammation.
Try to choose a low to no-sugar dark chocolate with at least 70% of cocoa next time your treat yourself.
If you’re not into dark chocolate, you may consider adding unsweetened cocoa powder to your smoothie and pairing it with walnuts to maintain a stable blood sugar level.
7. Green Tea
Green tea has high levels of catechins. So, it helps to hinder cholesterol absorption during digestion.
So, do like the British: drink a cup or two every day to reduce arterial blockage and improve your blood lipid levels. As a bonus, you’ll notice a natural metabolism boost, which may help you weight-loss-wise.
8. Walnuts
Nuts are a fantastic source of fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Regular nut intake has been linked with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease (which happens when plaque buildup restricts blood flow to the heart) and overall cardiovascular disease.
Of all nuts, try to opt for walnuts, as they provide the highest levels of plant-based omega-3s and boost your heart health the most.
9. Persimmon
Persimmons contain polyphenols and antioxidants. So, if you want to decrease your triglycerides and LDL levels, that’s your chance! Also, they’re a fantastic source of fiber, which helps maintain your arteries clear and regulate blood pressure.
10. Cinnamon
This tasty spice can help lower cholesterol levels while clearing out plaque and further buildup.
Cinnamon contains antioxidants, which means that as it protects blood from oxidation, it helps improve cardiovascular health. Do like a barista and sprinkle some in your coffee! If you’re not into this beverage, you can always put it on your toast.
Unclog Arteries Through a Healthy Diet
You have some control over your blood arteries and their amount of plaque. When you exercise regularly and switch up your diet (avoiding refined carbs), you do what it takes to unclog arteries.
Sure, no single food can quickly dissolve artery plaque on its own. You need a lifestyle change to make it effective. So, embrace nutrient-dense foods and move your body! It may be hard at first, but it will improve your well-being.
Did you like our advice on achieving a healthy diet? We have more health articles! Check out the rest of our website.
