One of the main causes of strokes and heart attacks, along with stress, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet, are clogged arteries, since they obstruct the normal blood flow.
HealthLine gives a simple explanation:
“The circulatory system is an intricate network of capillaries, blood vessels, and arteries. These tubes move oxygenated blood through your body, helping fuel all your body’s functions. When the oxygen is used up, you exhale carbon dioxide from your lungs, breathe in more oxygen-rich blood, and start the cycle again.
As long as those blood vessels are clear and open, blood can flow freely. Sometimes small blockages build up inside your blood vessels. These blockages are called plaques. They develop when cholesterol sticks to the wall of the artery.
Your immune system, sensing a problem, will send white blood cells to attack the cholesterol. This sets off a chain of reactions that lead to inflammation. In a worst-case scenario, cells form a plaque over the cholesterol, and a small blockage is formed. Sometimes they can break loose and cause a heart attack. As the plaques grow, they may block blood flow in an artery entirely.”
Fortunately, there are natural ways to lower the risk of heart health issues, and the following foods will help you clean the arteries:
1. Cranberries
Cranberries lower bad cholesterol and increase the good one, and a glass of cranberry juice daily lowers the risk of a heart attack by an amazing 40%.
2. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is abundant in phytochemicals which boost blood circulation and the production of nitric oxide.
3. Salmon
Salmon is a rich source of healthy fatty acids, which fight inflammation, lower blood cholesterol, and prevent high triglyceride levels.
4. Asparagus
Add asparagus in your meals and you will prevent inflammation, lower cholesterol, and unclog the arteries.
5. Orange Juice
Orange juice is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, which lower blood pressure, support the blood vessels, and prevent clogged arteries.
6. Olive Oil
Cold- pressed olive oil lowers the levels of cholesterol and supplies the body with healthy fats, so its regular consumption lowers the risk of a heart attack by an amazing 41%.
7. Avocado
Avocados are full of healthy fats, so they maintain the balance between good and bad cholesterol and support cardiovascular health.
8. Blueberries
Blueberries are the richest potassium source, so they elevate good cholesterol and lower the bad one. The regular consumption of 2 glasses of blueberry juice diminishes the risk of a heart attack by 40%.
9. Nuts
Nuts are high in unsaturated fats and omega- 3 fatty acids, which lower cholesterol, boost the memory and improve the function of the joints in the body.
10. Whole Grain
Being a rich source of fiber, whole grain lowers cholesterol, and prevents the formation of clogged arteries.
11. Watermelon
Watermelons support the health of the blood vessels and improve the production of nitric oxide.
12. Coffee
Studies have shown that the consumption of 2-4 cups of coffee daily lowers the risk of a heart attack by an amazing 20%.
13. Turmeric
Its active ingredient, curcumin, prevents the accumulation of fat in the arteries and fights inflammation. 14. Persimmon Fruit
Persimmon is rich in healthy sterols and fiber, so it lowers cholesterol levels.
15. Seaweed
Seaweed is high in antioxidants, carotenoids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, so its consumption regulates blood pressure and lowers cholesterol levels.
16. Cinnamon
This amazing spice prevents the clogging of arteries, lower cholesterol, and improves health in numerous ways.
17. Broccoli
Broccoli is another natural way to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels since it is rich in vitamin K.
18. Cheese
The regular consumption of cheese lowers high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
19. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in catechin, one of the most powerful antioxidants that reduce the absorption of cholesterol and boost metabolism as well.
20. Spinach
Spinach is rich in folic acid and potassium, and it effectively prevents high blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart issues.
Additionally, we also suggest following the tips below in order to ensure your heart health:
- Start exercising, at least 30 minutes daily, 5 times a week
- Avoid smoking, as it severely damages heart health
- Limit your alcohol intake to no more than a drink daily
