09/03/2014
10 Foods to Help Prevent Clogged
Arteries
10 Foods to Help Prevent Clogged Arteries
• Garlic
Since ancient times garlic has been used to treat heart
disease and hypertension. According to a study published
in preventive medicine, garlic inhibits coronary artery
calcification which serves as a marker for plaque
formation.
• Grapes
Grapes are rich in flavonoids, quercetin, and resveratrol.
These flavonoids have been found to prevent the oxidation
of bad cholesterol that leads to the formation of plaque in
artery walls. They also lower the risk of developing blood
clots that can lead to heart attacks.
• Spinach
Spinach is rich in potassium and folic acids, both of which
act as a defense against high blood pressure. Spinach is
also rich in lutein, a plant carotenoid which not only
protects against age related macular degeneration but also
prevents heart attacks by keeping arteries free from
cholesterol build up.
• Fish
A study conducted by researchers at Southampton
University found that Omega 3 oils, present in fishes like
tuna and salmon, stop the build up of fatty deposits in the
arteries. These fatty acids prevent clots from forming and
cholesterol from becoming oxidized.
• Olive oil
Only oxidized cholesterol is able to stick to your artery
walls and form plaques. Monounsaturated fats present in
olive oil when mixed with molecules of bad cholesterol
become less likely to be oxidized.
• Tomatoes
According to a study conducted by Korean researchers,
lycopene, a compound present in tomatoes that gives them
their color, helps in prevent hardening of the arteries.
Researchers found that women with the highest lycopene
levels in their blood had the least stiffness in their arteries.
• Pomegranates
Pomegranate juice not only appears to prevent hardening
of the arteries by reducing blood vessel damage, but may
also reverse the progression of this disease. Pomegranate
fruit and its juice are high in antioxidant content, which
may help fight hardening of the arteries.
• Kiwi and Cantaloupe
These antioxidant-rich foods work by reducing toxic LDL
cholesterol, which is formed by a rusting process in your
arteries. They can help stop the rust in its tracks and even
prevent it from spreading. Eat one cup of cantaloupe or
one kiwi per day to unclog your arteries.
• Cranberry juice
This juice strains the fat out of arteries. Instead of having
fat build up in your blood vessels, this juice boosts your
cell’s ability to absorb the fat and use it for production of
energy. Drink three glasses of this juice every week to
unclog your arteries.
• Oats
Thanks to the soluble fiber in oats, cholesterol doesn’t
stand a chance. This fiber attaches itself to cholesterol
and carries it right out of your system. Some studies have
shown that eating just 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups of cooked oat-
bran cereal daily can lower cholesterol levels by almost
20%.
