Foods That You Should Eat Daily To Unclog Arteries

Did you know that hypertension and high cholesterol are the two major contributing factors toward clogged arteries?

The arteries are part of the circulatory system, which is responsible for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all cells, as well as the removal of carbon dioxide and waste products, the maintenance of optimum blood pH, and the circulation of proteins and cells of the immune system.

In developed countries, the two leading causes of death, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and stroke,

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S, taking over 600,000 lives annually. Given that it doesn’t cause any symptoms, it is very difficult to diagnose.

Conditions of the Arteries

Atherosclerosis: The buildup of cholesterol (a waxy substance) into what are called plaques in the arteries' walls. Atherosclerosis in the arteries of the heart, brain, or neck can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Vasculitis (arteritis):

Inflammation of the arteries, which may involve one or more arteries at the same time. Most vasculitis is caused by an overactive immune system.

Amaurosis fugax:

Loss of vision in one eye caused by a temporary loss of blood flow to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. It usually occurs when a portion of a cholesterol plaque in one of the carotid arteries (the arteries on either side of the neck that supply blood to the brain) breaks off and travels to the retinal artery (the artery that supplies blood and nutrients to the retina.)

Stenosis of the arteries:

Narrowing of the arteries, usually caused by atherosclerosis. When stenosis occurs in arteries in the heart, neck, or legs, the limitations in blood flow can cause serious health problems.

Peripheral artery disease:

Atherosclerosis that causes narrowing of the arteries in the legs or groin. The limitation in blood flow to the legs may cause pain or poor wound healing.

Arterial thrombosis:

A sudden blood clot in one of the arteries, stopping blood flow. Immediate treatment is necessary to restore blood flow in the artery.

Myocardial infarction (heart attack):

A sudden blood clot in one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart.

Cerebrovascular accident (stroke):

A sudden blood clot in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. Strokes may also occur when one of the arteries in the brain bursts, causing bleeding.

Temporal arteritis:

Inflammation of the temporal artery in the scalp. Pain in the jaw with chewing and pain over the scalp are common symptoms.

Coronary artery disease:

Atherosclerosis with narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. Coronary artery disease makes a heart attack more likely.

Carotid artery disease:

Atherosclerosis with narrowing of one or both of the carotid arteries in the neck. Disease of the carotid arteries makes stroke more likely.

Causes

Smoking

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Diabetes or insulin resistance

Sedentary lifestyle

The good news is that eating healthy can help prevent clogged arteries and related health issues

Many of the foods on this list contain healthy fats, antioxidants, and soluble fiber which are great not only for your heart, but also to promote healthy skin, hair, hormone production, and nutrient absorption. You can feel better, have more energy, and improve your heart health without the use of toxic chemicals.

Turmeric

Turmeric extract is thought to reduce LDL cholesterol and the buildup of plaque in the arteries. In a 2011 study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, researchers found that turmeric could reduce cholesterol and suppress early atherosclerotic lesions better than the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin. Also, a 2006 study on mice suggested that curcumin can help prevent artery damage associated with carotid artery blockage.

Garlic

It has been scientifically shown that garlic helps prevent heart disease, slow down atherosclerosis, and lower blood pressure levels. As shown by a 1999 study published in the journal Atherosclerosis, garlic is quite effective in preventing plaque buildup in the arteries.

Another 1999 study has found that garlic lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke by over 50 percent. Ultimately, a 1997 review published in the journal Nutrition found that garlic works great when it comes to both preventing and treating atherosclerosis.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates contain a high level of antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body. They also aid in reducing fatty deposits in the arteries, thus helping prevent serious problems like atherosclerosis.

Asparagus

One of the best vegetables for clearing arteries, asparagus is full of fiber and minerals, as well as a long list of vitamins including K, B1, B2, C, and E. Asparagus can help to lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots that can cause serious cardiovascular illness. Try steaming raw asparagus for maximum vitamin potential!

Cayenne pepper

Something spicy can also help unclog your arteries. The compound capsaicin found in cayenne pepper can help reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood. Cayenne pepper can also lower your risk of stroke and heart attack, and improve blood circulation. Also, highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir is associated with accelerating atherosclerosis and pulmonary artery hypertension. A study published in 2009 found that capsaicin could help prevent pulmonary and vascular complications associated with HAART drugs.

Lemon

Not only lowers cholesterol levels, but lemon also prevents oxidative damage and keeps the arteries healthy. This citrus fruit is packed with vitamin C, which has been shown to reduce total cholesterol, inhibit platelet aggregation, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the arteries.

Green Tea

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that can help keep your arteries clean and healthy. The antioxidants also play a key role in improving the health of the delicate endothelial cells lining the blood vessels, which in turn lowers the risk of heart disease.

Avocado

The next time you make a sandwich or salad, consider adding a few slices of avocado in lieu of mayonnaise or heavy salad dressing. Studies have shown that the daily consumption of avocado results in improved blood cholesterol with a decrease in triglycerides and LDL of around 22% and an 11% increase in HDL – the "good" cholesterol that helps to keep arteries clear of obstructions. Not only can this delicious fruit help to keep your blood flowing smoothly, the average avocado also contains around 4 grams protein and 11 grams of fiber, not to mention an impressive list of vitamins and antioxidants.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon reduces various risk factors linked to atherosclerosis and heart disease. According to a 2003 study published in the journal Diabetes Care, a gram, three grams, or six grams of cinnamon a day can lower LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in diabetics.

Spinach

This tasty and nutritious green leafy vegetable has many health benefits, including heart health. Spinach is a rich source of nitric oxide, which makes arteries resist contraction, plaque and blood coagulation, which in turn reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.