Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from
your heart to the rest of your body. Healthy arteries are flexible,
strong, elastic and free from any deposits.
But
when fat, cholesterol and other substances build up in the arteries,
they can become clogged and eventually narrow and harden. This
condition, which results in reduced blood flow through the arteries, is
called atherosclerosis.
Clogged arteries do not
occur overnight. The blockage develops over time. Diet and lifestyle
choices play a key role in the development of this condition.
Here are the top 12 foods that you should eat daily for clean arteries.
1. Garlic
Garlic
is rich in antioxidants that help inhibit the action of free radicals,
making it an essential ingredient in preventing heart problems and
blocked arteries. Eat 1 to 2 cloves of raw garlic on an empty stomach
each morning.
2. 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. Eat 1 to 2 fresh
pomegranates daily.
3. Green Tea
Green
tea – especially nutrient-rich Matcha green tea – contains high levels
of catechins, antioxidant plant phenols which hinder the absorption of
cholesterol during digestion.
4. 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.
5. Asparagus
Asparagus is a natural artery-clearing food. It can lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots.
The B vitamins, especially B6, in asparagus help lower homocysteine (an amino acid linked to heart disease) and C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation) levels.
6. Avocados
Avocados
contain a good amount of healthy fats and other important nutrients
that improve blood cholesterol by lowering LDL and raising HDL levels.
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are the good cholesterol that helps keep
arteries clear of obstructions.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric
contains a compound known as curcumin that has anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant properties, which aid in improving heart health.
Curcumin
helps protect the cardiovascular system from damage by reducing and
preventing blockages of the arteries. Plus, it lowers the level of LDL,
or ‘bad’ cholesterol, to reduce buildup in the arteries.
8. Broccoli
Broccoli
is another vegetable that is loaded with vitamin K which helps to
prevent calcification or hardening of arteries. Eating vitamin- and
antioxidant-packed broccoli can also help to prevent oxidation of LDL
cholesterol which can lead to serious heart conditions.
9. Apples
An apple a day is the secret recipe for clean arteries.
Apples contain a particular type of fiber known as pectin, which reduces the levels of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream.
10. Chia Seeds
A
prized food item of the Mayan and Aztec cultures, chia seeds have a
myriad of health benefits. It is the richest plant based source of omega
3 fatty acids. The combination of omega 3 fatty acids and fiber make
chia seeds the most heart friendly food. It can decrease bad
cholesterol, manage blood pressure and clear your arteries.
11. Flaxseeds
One
of the best sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), flaxseeds are known
for their ability to reduce blood-pressure and inflammation, helping to
keep arteries clear of obstructions and improve overall heart health.
12. Cranberries
Cranberries
are another antioxidant-rich food which can help to improve
cardiovascular health by reducing LDL and raising HDL cholesterol
levels. In fact, cranberry juice has more antioxidant power than all but
one other fruit juice (100% red or black grape being the exception.)
Source: http://thehealthawareness.com/
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