Arteries are the blood vessels that transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. As you know, our bodies rely on oxygen for survival which means that our arteries serve a pretty important purpose. But sometimes our diet and lifestyle choices can cause arteries to become clogged which increases the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. This is a term that is referred to as atherosclerosis and it often goes unnoticed until symptoms such as chest pain start to arise.
There are definitely some foods that many of us eat that can increase the likelihood of a blockage. With that said, there are also certain foods that work to cleanse your arteries and keep them open as well.
Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are one of the most popular superfoods because they offer several health benefits for the human body.
Green Tea
Studies found that those who drink green tea regularly tend to have a healthier cardiovascular system than those who don’t. Green tea is loaded with polyphenols which researchers believe to offer multiple health benefits, of course, including your heart and blood vessels.
Walnuts
In general, whenever you eat a meal that is high in fat content, it puts your arteries in a state of shock. Over time, this causes them to stiffen and become hardened.
Beets
Beets are known to be high in nitrates. When you eat beets, your body transforms their properties into nitric oxide which is a molecule that performs a number of important roles in the body.
Fish
That is because fish is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Studies found that the components of Omega-3’s work to decrease the manifestation of cellular adhesion.
Beans
Beans are rich in fiber and are known for being a heart-healthy food. Like other foods that we’ve mentioned, beans also work to decrease plaque buildup as well.
Citrus Fruit
Not only is citrus fruit very tasty, it also contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may provide benefits for the cardiovascular system as well.
Turmeric
Turmeric is the bright yellow spice that is often found in Indian cuisine. It wasn’t until recently that medical experts discovered its positive health benefits.
Cinnamon
It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are responsible for improving cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Oats
Oats contain antioxidants that inhibit inflammatory proteins which can lower LDL cholesterol levels and prevent atherosclerosis.
Foods to Avoid:
▪ Meat with a lot of fat
▪ High-fat cheese
▪ Butter
▪ Egg yolks
▪ Whole milk and cream
▪ Processed meats
▪ Fried foods
▪ Ice cream
▪ Soda
▪ Baked goods
▪ Foods with a lot of salt
▪ Foods that are high in sugar
