Unlike fatty meat products, fatty fish is rich in omega 3s which reduce the risk of abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia) and atherosclerotic plaque, as well as the levels of blood pressure and triglycerides.
So, eat herring, salmon, haddock, mackerel, and other fatty fish at least twice a week.
2. OatmealCoarse oatmeal contains high levels of omega-3s, potassium, folate, and fiber which improve digestion and reduce the LDL (bad) cholesterol. In this way, it keeps your arteries clean.
3. BerriesStrawberries and blueberries help dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure levels. What’s more, they cut the risk of heart attack, especially in women.
4. Dark Chocolate (60-70% Cocoa)Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and flavanols which reduce blood pressure, improve circulation to the heart and brain, and prevent arteries from clogging.
5. NutsNuts contain high levels of vitamin E which help reduce the LDL cholesterol. Moreover, they are high in protein fibers which help protect the heart health.
6. Extra Virgin Olive OilThis oil contains monounsaturated fats which help improve the endothelial function of the arteries in older people. Also, it helps reduce blood cholesterol and pressure.
7. Red WineModerate consumption of red wine helps decrease fat deposits in the blood vessels. In addition, it supports the weight loss process.
8. Green TeaDrinking just one cup of green tea daily prevents cholesterol plaques. It helps widen the arteries, thus lowering the risk of blood clots. Also, this tea speeds up the metabolism and the weight-loss process.
These green vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They help regulate the blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as activate the heart. Broccoli improves the strength of blood vessels and reduces the risk of coronary artery disease.
10. AvocadoAvocado is abundant in good fats which help reduce the LDL cholesterol and keep the arteries clean.
11. PomegranatePomegranates are rich in antioxidants which help improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and raise hemoglobin levels. Moreover, it can prevent hardening of the arteries by decreasing the damage linked to blood vessels.
12. CinnamonThis common spice lowers the levels of total, LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides. All this makes cinnamon great for reducing the risk of heart disease. In addition, it speeds up the weight loss process.
13. WatermelonWatermelon is rich in antioxidants and lycopene which help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Also, it can help reduce the thickness of artery walls. Moreover, the magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, C, and B6 in watermelon support your heart health.
14. GarlicGarlic has cardioprotective effects and helps prevent and treat hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and thrombosis. What’s more, it can reverse plaque buildup in arteries, thus reverse early heart disease.
15. Apples and PearsApples and pears are naturally free of cholesterol, fat, and sodium, as well as low in calories. They are rich in dietary fiber which reduces the LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels, thus protecting the heart.
Bonus – Juice Recipe for Healthy Blood VesselsIngredientsPut all ingredients in a pot, except honey, and mix well. Then, cook on medium heat for half an hour while constantly stirring. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before adding the honey.
Next, mix again and transfer the drink in a glass bottle. Keep the mixture in the fridge for up to two months.
Consume one tablespoon of the mixture every morning before breakfast.
The honey and garlic in this mixture will help lower the cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Ginger, on the other hand, will protect against heart disease and apple cider vinegar will help eliminate toxins from the body.
Last but not least, lemon will help regulate your heartbeat.
(15 Foods That Unclog Arteries and Protect the Heart)
Did you know that the food you eat affects your risk of heart disease? Depending on your food choices, you can either cut or raise your chances of developing heart-related diseases.
The good news is that researchers discovered which foods can help you prevent cardiovascular diseases, which include heart attacks and strokes.
So, here’s a list of top 15 heart-friendly foods that will help you take care of your heart.
(1) Blood Vessel Classification into Arteries and Veins in Retinal Images https://vision.in.tum.de/_media/spezial/bib/nieuwenhuis-et-al-spie07.pdf Published:2007 Accessed: December 8, 2016.
(2) What Causes a Heart Attack? https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/heartattack/causes Updated: June 22, 2016. Accessed: December 8, 2016.
(3) Coronary Artery Disease http://www.texasheart.org/HIC/Topics/Cond/CoronaryArteryDisease.cfm Updated: August 2016. Accessed: December 8, 2016.
(4) Heart- Healthy Eating https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/heart-healthy-lifestyle-changes/heart-healthy-eating Updated: June 22, 2016. Accessed: December 8, 2016.
http://www.realfarmacy.com/5-newly-discovered-health-powers-of-asparagus/
Over the Counter Natural Cures https://thegreatgrandknowledge.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/1402225059natural-curesc.pdf Published: 2009. Accessed: December 8, 2016.
Asparagus Nutrition, Health Benefits and Recipes. https://draxe.com/asparagus-nutrition/ Published: N/A. Accessed: December 8, 2016.
http://theheartysoul.com/5-tasty-asparagus-recipes/
http://www.realfarmacy.com/how-to-clean-your-arteries-with-one-simple-fruit/
(11) Pomegranate juice: a heart-healthy fruit juice http://www.medicatrix.be/download/grenade_protecteur_cardiovasculaire.pdf Published: 2009. Accessed: December 8, 2016.
http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/deseed-pomegranate-kitchen-hacks.html
http://www.realfarmacy.com/science-confirms-turmeric-as-effective-as-14-drugs/
http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/4-ways-to-use-turmeric-as-medicine-recipe.html
(15)Turmeric: nature’s Precious Medicine http://www.ajpcr.com/Vol6Issue3/171.pdf Published: February 18, 2013. Accessed: December 8, 2016.
http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/grow-your-own-turmeric.html
http://www.realfarmacy.com/spirulina-high-in-protein-and-nutrients/
(18)Spirulina Benefits https://draxe.com/spirulina-benefits/ Published: N/A. Accessed: December 8, 2016.
(19) Antihyperlipemic and antihypertensive effects of Spirulina maxima in an open sample of mexican population: a preliminary report https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2211748/ Published: November 26, 2007. Accessed: December 8, 2016.
http://www.realfarmacy.com/36-foods-to-detox-and-cleanse-your-entire-body/
(21 +22) Health Research http://www.cranberryinstitute.org/news/news/2013pressreleases.html Published: N/A. Accessed: December 8, 2016.
http://www.healthy-holistic-living.com/cranberry-almond-cookie-recipe.html
http://www.realfarmacy.com/this-juice-delivers-viagra-like-effects-is-a-great-choice-for-athletes/
Your arteries are the system within your body that continually transport blood that is rich in oxygen to different parts of your body (1). Unfortunately, your arteries can become clogged, specifically, your coronary arteries which carry essential oxygen-rich blood to your heart (2). When these arteries become clogged you become far more susceptible to heart attacks and coronary heart/ artery disease (3).
A massive part of staying healthy and keeping your arteries clear and clean has to do with your diet. It is very true when you are told “You are what you eat.” It is also true that what you put into your body will determine your overall health including your cardiovascular health. Adjusting your diet to include artery-friendly foods (4) can improve your general health and the condition of your heart. Here are 6 natural foods that promote better heart health:
Organic Asparagus“Asparagus works within the 100,000 miles of veins and arteries to release pressure, thereby allowing the body to accommodate for inflammation that has accumulated over the years”, says Shane Ellison, an organic chemist, and author of Over-The-Counter Natural Cures. It also helps ward off deadly blood clots.
Not only is it delicious and good for your arteries and heart, it also a good source of fiber and vitamin K (8)! Here is a super nutritious meal you can make with asparagus with minimal effort involved!
Organic PomegranatePomegranate juice has been found to successfully lower blood pressure, providing evidence that it may be highly effective in preventing heart attacks (11). Although studies regarding pomegranate and human heart health are limited, there seems to be little reason against consuming more of these deliciously vivid morsels!
Here is how to easily deseed and prepare a pomegranate without all the fuss!
TurmericTurmeric is definitely a spice that should be included in any diet, it has tons of health benefits that the body can definitely use. One of these is helping deal with coronary problems and heart diseases, as well as lowering bad cholesterol levels (15).
Grow your own turmeric so it’s available all the time, here’s how.
SpirulinaSpirulina is a type of algae that is found in abundance in Hawaii and is used as a food additive (18). Spirulina has been proven to lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels (19) as well as reducing the chances of having a stroke.
Here is where you can buy the magical substance!
Organic CranberriesIt has been said that cranberries are not only successful in lowering bad cholesterol levels and increasing the good ones, they can also improve vascular health overall (21). A new study put forward even proves the effects cranberries having on protecting against cardiovascular disease (22).
Here is a recipe that can get cranberries into any diet!
Organic WatermelonA Florida State University study found that people given a 4,000 mg supplement of L-citrulline (an amino acid found in watermelon) lowered their blood pressure in just six weeks. Researchers also say the amino acid helps your body produce nitric oxide, which helps widen blood vessels.
If you have an artery that supplies blood to the heart become blocked, then you could suffer a heart attack. Not all heart attacks are fatal, but all heart attacks will leave behind some damage to the heart. However, if the left coronary artery of the heart becomes totally blocked, the heart attack will be fatal. Eat foods that cleanse your arteries.
All of these delicious, natural ingredients are sure to increase your heart health, remember that a healthy heart derives from a healthy body so eating well and exercising is the best way to go about it!
Article originally published on RealFarmacy.com republished with permission