The blood vessels of arteries carry nutrients and oxygen from the heart to the other body organs. Yet, in case the arteries are clogged, one can develop major cardiovascular diseases.
“Coronary heart disease (CHD) is currently the leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. — and according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it has maintained this ranking as the No. 1 killer since 1921. Coronary heart disease is a condition caused by the buildup of waxy plaque in the arteries that flow to and from the heart.
By the mid-1900s, coronary heart disease became the nation’s biggest killer, and today all forms of cardiovascular diseases — including conditions of the heart and blood vessels like angina, congestive heart failure, and stroke — are still the leading causes of death in many Western nations. “
However, researchers have shown that a combination of several healthy habits can help you drastically lower the risk of such health issues.
“A 2016 study found that living a healthy lifestyle — including exercising, eating a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and grains and not smoking — can lower your risk of heart disease, even if you are genetically predisposed to developing the disease. The study looked at 55,685 participants total in three prospective cohorts and one cross-sectional study. According to The New York Times:
“The investigators found that genes can double the risk of heart disease, but a good lifestyle cuts it in half. Just as important, they found, a terrible lifestyle erases about half of the benefits of good genetics. “
Therefore, it is very important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, in order to prevent clogging of the arteries and keep the blood vessels clean. The following foods are the best ways to naturally unclog your arteries:
1. Avocado
Avocados are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so they naturally unclog the arteries, and their daily consumption can lower bad cholesterol by 11 to 22 percent.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is abundant in vitamin K that prevents blood clotting, as well as fiber, which lowers blood pressure. It also decreases the stress that plaque build-up and LDL might cause in the arterial wall.
3. Oranges And Other Citrus Fruits
Oranges and other citrus fruits are rich in pectin that clears the arteries and lowers bad cholesterol levels.
4. Asparagus
Asparagus naturally unclogs the arteries, and the alpha-linolenic acid and folic acid in it lower the risk of hardening of blood vessels. It is also packed with fiber, minerals, and vitamins B1, B2, C, E, K. Moreover, it supports the production of glutathione that lessens toxic substances from oxidizing in the arteries.
5. Coffee
Research conducted at the University of Western Australia showed that coffee can unclog the arteries and lower the risk of heart disease by 20 percent. It is rich in antioxidants, and the presence of chlorogenic acid content prevents heart problems.
6. Apple
Apples prevent the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. The consumption of only an apple daily for a month lowers bad cholesterol by as much as 40 percent.
These effects are due to the presence of polyphenols or antioxidants that prevent bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from oxidizing and thus protect against hardening of the arteries.
7. Spinach
Spinach is another food that effectively unclogs the arteries. A single serving reduces the homocysteine levels in the body, which can cause heart diseases like atherosclerosis or clogged arteries.
8. Meaty Fish
Fatty meat fish, such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines, is rich in healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, that can unclog arteries, fight inflammation in the blood vessels, and prevent blood clots and high blood pressure.
9. Nuts
Walnuts and almonds are especially beneficial for the heart, as they are full of fiber, protein, alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), vitamin E, and monounsaturated fats.
10. Watermelon
Watermelons are rich in L-citrulline, which is an amino acid that unclogs arteries. Moreover, the nitric oxide they contain lowers blood pressure and cleans the blood vessels.
Note that the process of removal of the plaque buildup in the arteries requires some time, but taking this step will definitely accelerate it and improve your heart health.
