10 Foods to Help Prevent Clogged Arteries

Garlic

Since ancient times garlic has been used to treat heart disease and hypertension. According to a study published in preventive medicine, garlic inhibits coronary artery calcification which serves as a marker for plaque

formation.

• Grapes

Grapes are rich in flavonoids, quercetin, and resveratrol. These flavonoids have been found to prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol that leads to the formation of plaque in

artery walls. They also lower the risk of developing blood clots that can lead to heart attacks.

• Spinach

Spinach is rich in potassium and folic acids, both of which act as a defense against high blood pressure. Spinach is also rich in lutein, a plant carotenoid which not only protects against age related macular degeneration but also prevents heart attacks by keeping arteries free from

cholesterol build up.

• Fish

A study conducted by researchers at Southampton University found that Omega 3 oils, present in fishes like

tuna and salmon, stop the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries. These fatty acids prevent clots from forming and cholesterol from becoming oxidized.

• Olive oil

Only oxidized cholesterol is able to stick to your artery walls and form plaques. Monounsaturated fats present in olive oil when mixed with molecules of bad cholesterol

become less likely to be oxidized.

• Tomatoes

According to a study conducted by Korean researchers, lycopene, a compound present in tomatoes that gives them their color, helps in prevent hardening of the arteries. Researchers found that women with the highest lycopene levels in their blood had the least stiffness in their arteries.

• Pomegranates

Pomegranate juice not only appears to prevent hardening of the arteries by reducing blood vessel damage, but may also reverse the progression of this disease. Pomegranate fruit and its juice are high in antioxidant content, which may help fight hardening of the arteries.

• Kiwi and Cantaloupe

These antioxidant-rich foods work by reducing toxic LDL cholesterol, which is formed by a rusting process in your arteries. They can help stop the rust in its tracks and even prevent it from spreading. Eat one cup of cantaloupe or one kiwi per day to unclog your arteries.

• Cranberry juice

This juice strains the fat out of arteries. Instead of having fat build up in your blood vessels, this juice boosts your cell’s ability to absorb the fat and use it for production of

energy. Drink three glasses of this juice every week to unclog your arteries.

• Oats

Thanks to the soluble fiber in oats, cholesterol doesn’t stand a chance. This fiber attaches itself to cholesterol

and carries it right out of your system. Some studies have shown that eating just 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups of cooked oat- bran cereal daily can lower cholesterol levels by almost

20%.