Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America, affecting roughly one in three people. On average, 2,200 Americans die from cardiovascular disease every single day. One of the primary reasons for these high mortality rates is clogged arteries. Arteries typically become clogged because of diet, lifestyle choices, and genetics, but reverting this damage is not impossible.
Did you know that you can help unclog your arteries with food? With a dietary change and the artery cleansing foods in this article, you may be surprised how much better you feel. Try eliminating meat, dairy products, processed foods, refined sugars, junk food, and genetically modified foods from your diet and eat plant-based foods like vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. The foods in this article will also help to clean out your arteries.
Persimmons
Rich in dietary fiber and beneficial sterols, which can help reduce cholesterol levels, persimmons have been referred to as divine fruits. They help to improve digestion and can reduce plaque build-up.
Turmeric
Turmeric has some amazing benefits, and they are primarily due to the polyphenol known as curcumin. Research indicates that curcumin can help reduce fatty deposits in arteries by about 26%. We have a lot of recipes with turmeric in our recipe section, so check them out and see how you can incorporate this heart-healthy food into your diet.
Apples
While apples contain fiber and can promote healthy digestion, their ability to naturally lower cholesterol and slow the progression of clogging in the arteries often gets overlooked. The pectin in apples is responsible for this. Eating one apple a day not only keeps the doctor away, but it can help reduce hardening in your arteries by 40%!
Pomegranates
The pomegranate is a beautiful fruit, and recent studies have shown that pomegranates can help clear plaque build-up in the arteries. Additionally, it helps to open the arteries and lower blood pressure by stimulating nitric oxide production.
Greens
Moms are always right. If your mom told you eat your green vegetables, she was on to something because they can prevent oxidation of cholesterol, which leads to plaque formation in arteries. Leafy greens also contain folate, which helps to lower homocysteine levels, ultimately reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease. Try blending kale, chard, or spinach in some healthy green smoothies.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a great source of plant-based protein and they can keep you from becoming dehydrated. They also contain fiber and alpha-linolenic acid, which helps to regulate blood pressure, decrease bad cholesterol, and lower triglycerides. Add this heart-healthy food to your diet in more ways than one!
Cold-Pressed Olive Oil
It’s important to buy cold-pressed, organic olive oil for the best benefits. Olive oil contains healthy fats that can help reduce cholesterol levels. It can also help reduce your risk of heart attack by about 41%.
Blueberries
Not only do blueberries have a ton of antioxidants, but they also contain potassium, which can help lower blood pressure by getting rid of excess sodium in the body. Consuming about ½ cup of blueberries every day can help to improve your cardiovascular health.
