Clogged arteries obstruct the normal blood flow and it is one of the main causes of strokes and heart attacks, along with stress, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet.
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.”
There are natural ways to lower the risk of heart health issues. Here are some foods that will help you clean the arteries:
Cranberries
If you want to lower bad cholesterol and increase the good one, cranberries are the best solution. You also can lower the risk of a heart attack by an amazing 40% by having a glass of cranberry juice daily.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate can boost blood circulation and the production of nitric oxide as it is abundant in phytochemicals.
Salmon
Salmon has the ability to fight inflammation, lower blood cholesterol, and prevent high triglyceride levels as it is a rich source of healthy fatty acids.
Asparagus
Asparagus can prevent inflammation, lower cholesterol, and unclog the arteries.
Orange Juice
Orange juice will lower blood pressure, support the blood vessels, and prevent clogged arteries as it is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
Olive Oil
Cold- pressed olive oil has the ability to lower the levels of cholesterol and supplies the body with healthy fats. If you use it regularly you can lowers the risk of a heart attack by an amazing 41%.
Avocado
Avocados maintain the balance between good and bad cholesterol and support cardiovascular health as they are full of healthy fats.
Blueberries
As blueberries are the richest potassium source they can elevate good cholesterol and lower the bad one. You can diminish the risk of a heart attack by 40% with the regular consumption of 2 glasses of blueberry.
Nuts
Nuts lower cholesterol, boost the memory and improve the function of the joints in the body as they are high in unsaturated fats and omega- 3 fatty acids.
Whole Grain
Whole grain lowers cholesterol and prevents the formation of clogged arteries as it is a rich source of fiber.
Watermelon
Watermelons have the ability to support the health of the blood vessels and improve the production of nitric oxide.
Coffee
2-4 cups of coffee daily will help you to lower the risk of a heart attack by an amazing 20%.
Turmeric
Turmeric can prevent the accumulation of fat in the arteries and fights inflammation as it is rich in curcumin.
Persimmon Fruit
Persimmon lowers cholesterol levels as it is rich in healthy sterols and fiber.
Seaweed
As seaweed is contained antioxidants, carotenoids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, it can regulate blood pressure and lowers cholesterol levels.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has the power to prevent the clogging of arteries, lower cholesterol, and improves health in numerous ways.
Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in vitamin K and so, it can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in one of the most powerful antioxidants, catechin, so it can reduce the absorption of cholesterol and boost metabolism as well.
Spinach
Spinach can effectively prevent high blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart issues as it is rich in folic acid and potassium.
Here are also some additional tips 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