12 Foods People Should Eat Daily for Clean and Unclogged Arteries
The foods we eat and the beverages we drink have a tremendous effect on our health and well-being. Our food choices may increase or decrease the risk of many different health conditions. That’s why we should pay more attention to our nutrition.
One of the most common diseases that are linked to our diet is heart disease. There is a big possibility that we all know a person that has it. In the USA one of three deaths is a result of cardiovascular disease. So, we need to protect ourselves from this condition. (1)
It is not difficult to adjust our diet which will help us decrease the risk factor for the disease. 17.3 million people out of which 787,000 in the USA die every year because of cardiovascular disease.
You need to know about the causes and the signs of heart problems. Here is a list of the basic causes of heart disease:
- Stress,
- Smoking,
- Fast food and junk food,
- High salt intake,
- Sedentary lifestyle.
They damage the circulatory system and cause blocked, stiffened, and narrowed blood vessels. This leads to difficult blood flow, and your heart works a lot more.
Here is a list of symptoms of heart disease and clogged arteries: (2)
- Shortness of breath,
- Chest pain,
- Numbness in arms and legs,
- Neck pain,
- Throat pain,
- Jaw pain.
You can keep yourself safe by recognizing the symptoms and eating healthy foods. If you want to avoid clogged arteries or atherosclerosis, you need to stay away from some foods.
Clogged Arteries
A huge obstacle to blood flow and pumping the heart is clogged arteries. Blood is unable to get to your cells, brain, and throughout your entire body.
Atherosclerosis is a result of plaque build caused by the damaged circulatory system due to smoking, stress, and poor diet. When you have damaged arteries, your organism creates a plaque of minerals, cholesterol, and fat, and they build up in the damaged area.
Unhealthy lifestyle and poor nutrition lead to a buildup of cholesterol. Bad cholesterol goes through the walls of the arteries and builds up, but good cholesterol is unable to do that.
The buildup makes your heart work more difficult, but when the plaque provokes a blood clot which stops a big amount of blood, you experience pain.
Prevent Build Up
There is no treatment, but you can slow down the buildup. With the help of healthy foods and a healthy lifestyle, staying away from foods high in trans fats and sugars helps a lot.
Avoid these foods: (3)
- Fast food,
- Pastries,
- Processed milk products,
- Fatty meats.
People with Heart Disease Should Consume These 12 Foods
If you want to avoid heart disease and atherosclerosis, you need to consume proper foods. In this article, we offer you 12 foods if you have heart disease. The foods will lower the buildup of cholesterol and plaque, and they will make your heart stronger.
1. Fruits
You should consume fresh fruits because they are rich in antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and vitamins that your body needs. Antioxidants prevent further damage to the circulatory system. (4)
2. Black Beans
This food contains a lot of fiber which is great for decreasing cholesterol levels. (5)
3. Mackerel
This is a fish containing a lot of Omega-3 that decreases the LDL, keeps the blood vessels elastic, and lowers blood pressure. It is a source of vitamin D as well. Vitamin D helps you have better blood pressure. (6)
4. Spinach
This veggie decreases some enzymes involved in heart disease, and it contains vitamins and fiber. (7)
5. Avocado
This fruit contains potassium which controls blood pressure, and heart rhythm, and the monosaturated fats decrease the bad cholesterol. (8)
6. Nuts
They contain selenium, minerals, and monosaturated fats. Selenium is related to a 15-57% lower risk of heart disease. (9, 10)
7. Flax Meal
Flaxseed contains vitamin E, fiber, and omega-3 which are great for improving circulation. (11)
8. Green Tea
This tea decreases the levels of lipids and cholesterol, as well as the chances of fat buildup in the arteries. (12)
9. Sunflower Seeds
These contain a lot of vitamin E as well as phytosterols famous for their protection against high cholesterol. Also, they contain healthy fats that decrease overall cholesterol. (13)
10. Garlic
It is great for decreasing cholesterol as well as hypertension. (14)
11. Capsicum
This is a compound found in cayenne peppers that regulate inflammation and have control over the levels of cholesterol. (15)
12. Lentils
This is another food that decreases bad cholesterol. 26 studies revealed that over a thousand people had lower bad cholesterol by 5%. (16)
It is your choice. You can change your diet and lead a healthier and longer life. Do not let the cardiovascular disease kill you. (17)
