10 Foods That Unclog Arteries (Most People Ignore)
Did you know that approximately one out of every three adults in America suffers from high cholesterol? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death in the United States, with high cholesterol being a common factor connecting the two.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices, including a diet rich in saturated fats, smoking, and consistently high blood pressure, contribute to the development of high cholesterol. Additionally, if you have family history of high cholesterol, there is a chance you might be at risk too. But don’t worry we got your back because we will share some foods to clean arteries naturally and 10 foods that unclog your arteries naturally.
Since diet is a major contributor to elevated levels of “bad” Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the bloodstream, it can also be remedied through dietary changes. More and more individuals worldwide are realizing that adopting a healthy and nutritious eating regimen directly impacts their day-to-day well-being and significantly reduces the likelihood of developing heart disease or experiencing a stroke.
You too have the power to select a diet abundant in foods that naturally cleanse plaque from your arteries, thereby preventing chronic and life-threatening diseases. To learn about to clean arteries naturally by foods, keep reading.
1. Turmeric:
Turmeric is a potent medicinal food supported by numerous scientific studies and peer-reviewed articles. Its active compound, curcumin, possesses anti-inflammatory properties and offers a range of health benefits, including reducing cholesterol levels, preventing cancer, managing diabetes, and treating gastrointestinal issues. A study revealed that curcumin can lower overall cholesterol levels by 12% and increase HDL cholesterol levels by 29%.
2. Nuts:
When you’re in need of a healthy snack while aiming to cleanse your arteries naturally, grab a handful of nuts. Almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts, in particular, offer exceptional nutrition and are packed with healthy fats that reduce LDL cholesterol. They are also excellent sources of fiber, antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential minerals.
3. Fatty fish:
When you’re in need of a protein-rich meal, opt for fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, albacore tuna or mackerel. Replace red meat, which can elevate cholesterol levels, with these nutritious fish choices. These fish have healthy amount of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The omega-3s they contain effectively reduce overall cholesterol, lower LDL cholesterol levels, and increase HDL cholesterol levels.
4. Avocado:
Despite being a fatty fruit, avocado actually helps lower cholesterol. It contains healthy fats that decrease “bad” LDL cholesterol while increasing “good” High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. By doing so, it assists in purging the blood and maintaining clear arteries and unclog arteries naturally. Avocado is very rich in fiber, which reduces cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. In fact, a study demonstrated a 22% reduction in LDL cholesterol and an 11% increase in HDL cholesterol among individuals following a diet enriched with avocado.
5. Garlic:
Garlic, considered one of the most powerful superfoods available, possesses antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. It is also among the top foods that unclog arteries. Various studies have demonstrated the cholesterol and blood pressure-reducing capabilities of raw garlic. For instance, one study indicated that consuming just half to one clove of garlic daily reduced total serum cholesterol levels by 9% among the participants.
Q. Can garlic remove plaque from arteries?
While garlic has been associated with various health benefits, its ability to remove plaque from arteries is not scientifically proven. Garlic does possess several beneficial properties, such as being antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant, as well as having potential anti-cancer effects. It has also been shown to have a positive impact on cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Several studies have explored the effects of garlic on cholesterol levels. For instance, one study found that consuming garlic on a daily basis reduced total serum cholesterol levels by around 9%. However, it’s important to note that the studies conducted thus far have primarily focused on the effects of garlic on cholesterol levels in the blood, rather than specifically targeting plaque in the arteries.
While garlic may have some indirect benefits for arterial health, such as its potential to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, it is not a direct remedy for removing arterial plaque. If you have concerns about plaque buildup or any cardiovascular issues, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
6. Chia seeds:
Chia seeds, renowned for their exceptional nutrient profile, are effective at eliminating plaque from arteries. They are very rich in antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals. It has 20% protein and 37% fiber along with 20% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. This combination works wonders in lowering cholesterol levels. Surprisingly, chia seeds possess a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids compared to fatty fish like salmon, making them effective in reducing blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and inflammation.
7. Olive Oil
This healthy oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and is rich in monounsaturated fats. Olive oil is primarily composed of monounsaturated fats, which are considered healthier fats compared to saturated and trans fats. These fats have been associated with reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels while maintaining or increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels which reduces the risk of arterial blockages and unclog arteries naturally. It has Anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and protect against oxidative stress. The antioxidants found in olive oil have been shown to improve the function of the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels. This can enhance blood flow and contribute to the health of arteries.
When adding olive oil into your diet for potential artery health benefits, opt for extra virgin olive oil, as it is minimally processed and retains more of its beneficial compounds. Use it as a replacement for unhealthy fats like butter or margarine when cooking or in salad dressings.
8. Tomato extract:
According to a recent study published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, tomatoes possess the ability to prevent the development of vascular diseases like atherosclerosis. Lycopene, a compound found in red fruits and vegetables, is highly concentrated in tomatoes and has potential cholesterol-reducing effects. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed a 5.9% reduction in total cholesterol concentration and a 12.9% reduction in LDL cholesterol concentration among individuals following a tomato-rich diet.
9. Asparagus:
Asparagus is widely recognized in scientific circles as a cholesterol-reducing food. It functions by binding to bile acids and aiding their elimination from the body, effectively reducing overall cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Moreover, asparagus is packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, E, K, and various B-complex vitamins, along with iron, potassium, and manganese.
10. Flax seeds:
Flax seeds are an excellent source of ALA omega-3s. They also contain lignans, special compounds with potent antioxidant properties found in plant pigments. These tiny seeds offer numerous health benefits, including reducing LDL cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. The omega-3s and lignans in flax seeds prevent arterial hardening and inhibit plaque deposition. Surprisingly, flax seeds are also rich in fiber, which plays a crucial role in reducing overall cholesterol levels.
You hold the key to taking control of your health, and it’s as simple as incorporating the powerful medicinal foods that nature has provided into your diet.
