When someone looks for information on foods that clear arteries, more than likely, they are looking for information about arteriosclerosis and how to treat it naturally. Arteriosclerosis is a degenerative process that can affect all of the arteries of the body. It begins with cholesterol deposits in their inner lining, called the intima.
The thickening and hardening of the arteries, coupled with a reduction of their inner diameter, reduce blood circulation through them: less blood flow, less life. Diet is possibly the most influential factor in arteriosclerosis, which is considered one of the great evils of civilization. Among the primitive of less developed groups whose diet is unrefined and natural, there is virtually no arteriosclerosis. By contrast, it is becoming more frequent in Western countries as the consumption of refined and artificial foods increases. Tobacco, together with an inadequate diet, is a leading cause of arteriosclerosis.
Foods that clear arteries and veins
FRUIT: There are plenty of fruits good for the heart. Therefore, eating abundant amounts of fresh fruits is amongst the best foods that clear arteries. The more fruit you eat, the lower the risk of arterial degeneration and the better the blood circulation to the tissues.
WHOLE GRAINS: According to research, a reduction in the consumption of whole grains and a higher intake of foods that clog arteries such as refined flour (white-bread, sweet rolls, etc.) increase the incidence of arteriosclerosis.
LEGUMES: Extremely rich in proteins and carbohydrates and low in saturated fats and sodium, legumes are among the foods that prevent heart disease. They are also great providers of phytoestrogens such as the isoflavones in soy. It protects the arteries just like the hormone estrogen, but without its feminizing effects.
VEGETABLES: Vegetables, including green leafy vegetables, are powerful heart-healthy foods. Veggies protect arteries because of their low salt and saturated fat content and their richness in antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals.
NUTS: Nuts are an essential member of the foods that clear arteries. They are beneficial when they replace animal fats such as butter, fatty meats, pate, or sausage, which are among the foods that clog arteries the worst. Oil-bearing nuts supply unsaturated fatty acids that reduce cholesterol level, as well as antioxidant vitamin E, which prevents arteriosclerosis.
Antioxidants Prevent Hardening of The Arteries
FIBER: The more fiber intake, the less risk of clogged arteries. Ideally, fiber should come from its natural sources: whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and legumes.
GARLIC: If you want to learn how to unclog arteries naturally, then garlic should be an integral part of any artery cleansing diet. Garlic prevents the oxidation of lipoproteins, thus stopping the arteriosclerosis process. Deodorized garlic supplements to unclog arteries are equally effective.
VEGETABLE OIL: Oils contain unsaturated fatty acids that reduce cholesterol production within the body. The positive action of vegetable oils on the arteries is particularly noticeable when they replace animal fats such as butter. The beneficial effect is gained, not by increasing oil consumption, but by replacing animal fats.
ANTIOXIDANTS: These prevent the oxidation of lipoproteins that transport cholesterol in the blood, thus they prevent the hardening of the arteries. Provitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamins C and E, certain minerals such as selenium, and certain phytochemicals such as flavonoids are the best antioxidants. All are found exclusively in plant-based diets.
FOLATES: Among the many functions, folates act together with vitamin B6 to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid that originates from the digestion of proteins. It fosters arteriosclerosis. The higher the levels of folates and vitamin B6 in the blood, the lower the arteriosclerosis risk. Legumes and green leafy vegetables are the best sources of folates.
Olive oil heart health
OLIVE OIL: One of the most incredible foods that clear arteries is, without a doubt, olive oil. This oil promotes heart health! Regular consumption of this oil protects against coronary diseases such as angina and heart attack. Here are some of the other medicinal effects of olive oil heart health:
– It reduces the threat of thrombosis. According to a study in South Africa carried out by the cardiac surgeon Christian Barnard, the first to perform a successful heart transplant demonstrated that olive oil is as effective as fish oils in reducing the level of fibrinogen in the blood. Fibrinogen is a protein substance that is the primary component of blood clots; the higher its level, the greater the threat of thrombosis (formation of clots).
– It controls cholesterol levels. Indeed, olive oil does not reduce total cholesterol levels as much as seed oils. Really, it does very little to lessen harmful LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. It does, however, raise HDL (good cholesterol) levels. This does not mean, however, that olive oil is less beneficial than seed oils, as was once thought. The use of olive oil affords better protection against arteriosclerosis and coronary disease than any other oil since it prevents the oxidation of lipoproteins.
– It inhibits the oxidation of lipoproteins. We know that the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (a type of fat that circulates through the blood and contains a great deal of cholesterol) with the initials LDL is the primary mechanism in the production of arteriosclerosis. Numerous studies show monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid from olive oil, are more effective than polyunsaturated fatty acids in inhibiting the oxidation of lipoproteins. In other words, olive oil is more effective than those seeds in the prevention of heart disease, even though seed oils reduce cholesterol levels to a greater degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are arteries, and why are they important?
Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart to the rest of your body. Keeping them clear and elastic ensures proper blood flow and delivers vital nutrients to your organs.
What causes clogged arteries?
Several factors can contribute to clogged arteries, including:
Atherosclerosis: This is the buildup of plaque, a fatty substance, cholesterol, and other materials on the artery walls. Over time, plaque can narrow or even block the arteries.
High blood pressure: Chronically high blood pressure can damage the artery walls and accelerate plaque buildup.
High cholesterol: High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels can contribute to plaque formation.
Smoking damages the artery walls and increases inflammation, promoting plaque buildup.
Diabetes: Plaque accumulation and damage to blood arteries can result from uncontrolled diabetes.
Physical inactivity: Other risk factors, such as excessive cholesterol and blood pressure, might be exacerbated by insufficient physical activity.
What are the symptoms of clogged arteries?
Clogged arteries often don’t present symptoms until they significantly block blood flow. However, some potential warning signs include:
Chest pain (angina): This can feel like a tight, squeezing, or burning sensation in your chest, often brought on by exertion or stress.
Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back can occur if arteries supplying these areas are blocked.
Numbness or weakness in the limbs: Reduced blood flow can cause tingling or weakness in the arms or legs.
Fatigue: Clogged arteries can make it harder for your heart to pump blood, leading to fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance.
How can I prevent clogged arteries?
To avoid heart attacks and strokes, living a healthy lifestyle is essential:
Eat a healthy diet: Eat plenty of fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins, and cut back on sugar, cholesterol, and saturated and trans fats.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight increases strain on your heart and arteries.
Exercise regularly: Get 75 minutes of intense activity or 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Manage stress: High blood pressure and other health problems might develop due to chronic stress.
Control blood pressure and cholesterol: Get regular checkups and manage these risk factors through medication or lifestyle changes as your doctor recommends.
Quit smoking: Smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.
What are some additional tips for keeping arteries healthy?
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Limit alcohol intake: Blood vessels can be damaged by consuming alcohol in excess.
See your doctor regularly: Schedule regular checkups and discuss any concerns you have about your heart health.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. You should not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power. Trans. Annette Melgosa. Vol. 1. Chai Wan: Editorial Safeliz, 2005. 119. Print.
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Foods and Their Healing Power. Trans. Annette Melgosa. Vol. 2. Chai Wan: Editorial Safeliz, 2005. 86. Print. [foods that clear arteries]
- American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/cardiovascular-medicine/sections/conditions-treated/orc-20122263
- Atherosclerosis: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350575
- High Blood Pressure: https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/index.htm
- High Cholesterol: https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/index.htm
- Smoking: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/health_effects/heart_disease/index.htm
- Diabetes: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/index.html
- Physical Inactivity: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/index.html
- Angina: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angina/symptoms-causes/syc-20369373
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350563
- Stroke: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/index.htm
- Healthy Diet: https://www.myplate.gov/
- Weight Management: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/adult-overweight-obesity
- Regular Exercise: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/index.html
- Stress Management: https://www.samhsa.gov/
- Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Control: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
- Sleep: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/
- Alcohol intake: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
