Blocked Arteries AKA Atherosclerosis: 10 Foods That Help Unclog Arteries
Blocked arteries are also known as Atherosclerosis. They are caused due to a thickening of the inside of our arteries. This thickening is a result of a fatty build-up formed inside the arteries. This build-up causes a constriction in the blood flow to and from the heart. Atherosclerosis can cause various other coronary heart diseases that may even be life-threatening.
Various other diseases and external factors can cause atherosclerosis. One of the factors that have a significant influence on our arteries' health is food. What we eat may cause atherosclerosis and might even unclog our arteries. In this article, we discuss foods that can help you unclog your blocked arteries.
10 foods that help unclog the arteries:
Seeds
Seeds such as flax seeds and chia seeds are rich in antioxidants and fibre, both of which have been proven to better heart health and also improve insulin levels. Insulin levels may be another cause of atherosclerosis.
Nuts
Nuts such as walnuts and almonds are a great source of numerous nutrients that ensure your heart stays healthy. Consuming walnuts regularly have been linked to significantly unclogging arteries according to an animal study.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene which has been proven to promote gapped cholesterol in the body. In fact, studies show, that people that consume tomatoes regularly are at a lower risk of developing various heart diseases.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage, etc. promote thinning of arterial walls (which may have thickened due to atherosclerosis). They also stabilise sugar levels and lower cholesterol, both of which help unclog arteries.
Garlic
Garlic is a superfood that provides various health benefits and nutrients. It is also rich in organosulfur compounds which help reduce inflammation, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes are another great source of antioxidants. They are rich in flavonoids (a type of antioxidant) which have been proven to help with high cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
Berries
Berries such as strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, etc. are abundant in nutrients, especially antioxidants. This makes it an ideal addition to your diet if you want to better your heart health. It has also been linked to bettering blood pressure, blood sugar, and other determinants that ensure good heart health.
Fatty fish
Fatty fish are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 acids have proven to reduce the risks of blood clots and also boost good cholesterol.
Legumes
Legumes such as chickpeas and lentils are a great way to manage atherosclerosis for someone who does not eat meat. They help reduce cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and provide carbohydrates without boosting blood sugar.
Avocado
Avocados are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids for plant-based dieters. They are also a great source of healthy fats that better cholesterol and balance various factors that worsen clogged arteries.
In conclusion, making a lifestyle change along with the right diet can
significantly better your heart health and reduce the severity of
atherosclerosis. However, these dietary suggestions are by no means an
alternative to proper medication and treatment. You are encouraged to
eat these healthy foods along with the treatment laid out by your
doctor.