One of the main causes of strokes and heart attacks, along with stress, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet, are clogged arteries, since they obstruct the normal blood flow. food, nutrition, cool stuff, health, food
Our circulatory system is an intricate network of capillaries, blood vessels, and arteries, and these tubes carry oxygenated blood through your body, in order to fuel all our body’s functions. food, nutrition, cool stuff, health, food
When oxygen is used up, we exhale carbon dioxide from the lungs, inhale more oxygen-rich blood, and repeat the cycle.
Blood flows freely in clear and open blood vessels. Yet, at times, small blockages accumulate inside the blood vessels, called plaques, and develop when cholesterol sticks to the wall of the artery. food, nutrition, cool stuff, health, food
Since it senses the issue, the immune system sends white blood cells to attack the cholesterol, which stimulates a chain of reactions that cause inflammation. In a worst-case scenario, cells create a plaque buildup over the cholesterol, forming a blockage, and if they break loose, they cause a heart attack. As the plaques grow, they might completely block blood flow in an artery. food, nutrition, cool stuff, health, food
Fortunately, there are natural ways to lower the risk of heart health issues, and the following foods will help you clean the arteries: food, nutrition, cool stuff, health, food
1. Cranberries
Cranberries lower bad cholesterol and increase the good one, and a glass of cranberry juice daily lowers the risk of a heart attack by an amazing 40%.
2. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is abundant in phytochemicals which boost blood circulation and the production of nitric oxide. food, nutrition, cool stuff, health, food
3. Salmon
Salmon is a rich source of healthy fatty acids, which fight inflammation, lower blood cholesterol, and prevent high triglyceride levels. food, nutrition, cool stuff, health, food
4. Asparagus
Add asparagus in your meals and you will prevent inflammation, lower cholesterol, and unclog the arteries. food, nutrition, cool stuff, health, food
5. Orange Juice
Orange juice is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, which lower blood pressure, support the blood vessels, and prevent clogged arteries. food, nutrition, cool stuff, health, food
6. Olive Oil
Cold- pressed olive oil lowers the levels of cholesterol and supplies the body with healthy fats, so its regular consumption lowers the risk of a heart attack by an amazing 41%. food, nutrition, cool stuff, health, food
7. Avocado
Avocados are full of healthy fats, so they maintain the balance between good and bad cholesterol and support cardiovascular health.
8. Blueberries
Blueberries are the richest potassium source, so they elevate good cholesterol and lower the bad one. The regular consumption of 2 glasses of blueberry juice diminishes the risk of a heart attack by 40%.
9. Nuts
Nuts are high in unsaturated fats and omega- 3 fatty acids, which lower cholesterol, boost the memory and improve the function of the joints in the body.
10. Whole Grain
Being a rich source of fiber, whole grain lowers cholesterol, and prevents the formation of clogged arteries.
11. Watermelon
Watermelons support the health of the blood vessels and improve the production of nitric oxide.
12. Coffee
Studies have shown that the consumption of 2-4 cups of coffee daily lowers the risk of a heart attack by an amazing 20%.
13. Turmeric
Its active ingredient, curcumin, prevents the accumulation of fat in the arteries and fights inflammation. 14. Persimmon Fruit
Persimmon is rich in healthy sterols and fiber, so it lowers cholesterol levels.
15. Seaweed
Seaweed is high in antioxidants, carotenoids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, so its consumption regulates blood pressure and lowers cholesterol levels.
Bonus 5 more healthy foods that are good for your heart:
16. Cinnamon
This amazing spice prevents the clogging of arteries, lower cholesterol, and improves health in numerous ways.
17. Broccoli
Broccoli is another natural way to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels since it is rich in vitamin K.
19. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in catechin, one of the most powerful antioxidants that reduce the absorption of cholesterol and boost metabolism as well.
20. Spinach
Spinach is rich in folic acid and potassium, and it effectively prevents high blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart issues.
Additionally, we also suggest following the tips below in order to ensure your heart health:
- Start exercising, at least 30 minutes daily, 5 times a week
- Avoid smoking, as it severely damages heart health
- Limit your alcohol intake to no more than a drink daily
