The excessive accumulation of plaque on the arterial walls narrows the arteries over time and leads to a condition known as arteriosclerosis.
According to Medical News Today:
“There are no quick fixes for melting away plaque, but people can make key lifestyle changes to stop more of it accumulating and to improve their heart health.
Plaque is a mixture of fat, calcium, cholesterol, and waste from the cells in the body. This mix can stick to the walls of the arteries, making these blood vessels narrower. Clogged or blocked arteries can stop fresh blood from reaching parts of the body, which can put a person at risk of a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke.”
There are some risk factors for clogged arteries that we can manage ourselves, such as:
- Obesity
- An unhealthy diet, rich in saturated and trans fats
- high blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- insulin resistance and diabetes
- A lack of a physical activity
- Smoking
Fortunately, you can treat this issue in a completely natural way, with the help of the following foods:
Garlic
Garlic lowers cholesterol and blood pressure and boosts the immune system.
Apples and grapefruit
These fruits are rich in pectin, which lowers cholesterol, while the high levels of magnesium and potassium lower blood pressure.
Walnuts
Walnuts lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease and lower blood pressure.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, boosts the function of the endothelium, the lining of the blood vessels, which regulates blood pressure, blood clotting, blood pressure, and other essential processes.
Spinach
Spinach is abundant in potassium, vitamins C, K, and A, iron, calcium, and folic acid, as well as dietary nitrates, which support the production of nitric oxide (NO), that lowers blood pressure.
Olive oil
Olive oil is rich in oleocanthal, a natural antioxidant that helps cardiovascular health.
Cantaloupe and kiwi fruit
These fruits contain no cholesterol and lower the amount of plaque attached to artery walls. They actually boost the ability of the body to convert fat into energy, instead of it accumulating in the blood vessels. The high potassium content of cantaloupes lowers blood pressure and relaxes the blood vessels.
Fish oil
It is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, that fight inflammation, and boost memory. Vegetarians and vegans should increase the intake of plant sources of omega 3, such as flax, chia, walnuts, hemp or pumpkin seeds.
Red grapes and berries
Berries are abundant in flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants that lower oxidative stress and prevent the formation of arterial plaque.
Pomegranate prevents the build-up of arterial plaques and naturally decreases blood pressure.
Oats
Oats are rich in soluble fiber, so they lower cholesterol levels and thus prevent clogged arteries.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes lower the risk of clogged arteries, due to the presence of plant-based carotenoids, and lycopene; which lowers cholesterol in the blood and prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
Green Tea
Green tea is packed with flavonoids, so it supports heart health and lowers the risk of clogged arteries. Pomegranate
Remember, despite consuming these foods, you should also do your best to lower stress, and exercise regularly.