Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body. Healthy arteries are flexible, strong, elastic and free of deposits.
But when fat and other substances accumulate in the arteries, they can clog and eventually shrink and harden. This causes less blood flow through the arteries, this phenomenon is called atherosclerosis.
However, you can naturally avoid cardiovascular complications, mainly due to your lifestyle, by consuming these foods!
Here are the 12 foods to consume to clean your arteries:
1- Garlic
Garlic is rich in antioxidants that help inhibit the action of free radicals, making it an essential ingredient to prevent heart problems and blocked arteries. Regular consumption of garlic reduces the rate of bad cholesterol and widens the blood vessels, improves blood circulation and helps to prevent the hardening of the aorta.
2- The Pomegranate
2- The Pomegranate
Rich in antioxidants, allowing to fight against the free radicals, the pomegranate stimulates the production of nitric oxide. This keeps the arteries open and makes the blood flow normally. This helps to reduce fat deposits in the arteries, the cause of atherosclerosis, and prevents the accumulation of plaques and blood clots in the arteries.
3- Green tea
3- Green tea
Green tea and especially Matcha rich green tea contains high levels of catechins, which are antioxidant plant phenols hindering the absorption of cholesterol during digestion. Drinking green tea improves blood lipid levels, helps reduce arterial blockage and lose weight. However, its consumption should be avoided for pregnant lactating women and anemic persons.
4- Spinach
4- Spinach
Beneficial for heart health, spinach is a source of nitric oxide that makes arteries resistant to contraction, plaque and blood clotting, which reduces the risk of stroke and heart attacks. One study showed that the daily consumption of spinach as a source of inorganic nitrate can help reduce arterial stiffness.
5- The asparagus
5- The asparagus
With the ability to lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots, asparagus is effective in cleansing veins and arteries. The vitamin B complex, including vitamin B6, contained in asparagus helps to reduce levels of homocysteine (an amino acid linked to heart disease) and protein C (an inflammation marker). Asparagus also stimulates the production of glutathione in the body, an antioxidant that fights harmful oxidation that leads to blocked arteries.
6- The Avocado
6- The Avocado
Avocados contain a good amount of healthy fat and other important nutrients because they lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good (HDL) helping to avoid clogging the arteries. In addition, vitamin E, potassium and folic acid present in avocados prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, increase in blood pressure and levels of homocysteine which are dangerous to the blood.
7- The turmeric
7- The turmeric
Having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric helps to improve the health of the heart. It protects the cardiovascular system by reducing the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and preventing blockage of the arteries.
8- Broccoli
8- Broccoli
It is a vegetable rich in vitamin K that helps prevent calcification or hardening of the arteries. Consuming broccoli also helps to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and avoids their oxidation. This high-fiber diet calms stress but also blood pressure by avoiding the appearance of plaques on arterial walls.
9- The apples
9- The apples
Apples contain a particular type of fiber called pectin, which reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream. In addition, high amounts of flavonoids, potassium and magnesium in apples reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and maintain good blood pressure. It is recommended to consume one apple a day to prevent the hardening of the arteries.
10- Chia seeds
10- Chia seeds
Known to help in weight loss, chia seeds also relieve joint pain and protect against diabetes. By their vitamin, mineral, fiber and omega 3 fatty acid content, they also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
11- The seeds of linen
11- The seeds of linen
Being composed of fiber, vitamin E and omega 3, flax seeds have anti-cancer properties and facilitate digestion. They also reduce blood pressure and inflammation, helping to prevent arteries from clogging and optimizing the overall health of the heart.
12- Cranberry or cranberry
12- Cranberry or cranberry
Rich in antioxidants, cranberry juice is particularly renowned for the healing of urinary tract infections. In addition, it reduces the rate of bad cholesterol which improves cardiovascular health.
Warnings :
Warnings :
Turmeric is contraindicated in cases of gall bladder disorders.
Chia seeds are not recommended for people who are allergic to seeds and people undergoing treatment for blood diseases.
Flax seeds are contraindicated in thyroid diseases, for people with diverticula to the intestines and children under 6 years of age.
Garlic has an anticoagulant effect so it is not advisable if you have just undergone surgery or if you have a blood disorder.