12 Foods that You Should Eat Daily for Clean Arteries

The number of people that have cardiovascular diseases is increasing narrowly due to the clogged arteries. This is considered the main risk factor for developing heart disease.

Arteries have the role of carrying oxygen and nutrients from the heart to other organs across the body. It is important that the arteries remain healthy, elastic, strong and flexible in order to avoid deposits which might lead to cardiovascular diseases.

If fat accumulates in the arteries it will cause clogging and will make the arteries hard. Another reason why arteries usually clog is high level of cholesterol. Such condition is known as atherosclerosis which leads to reduced blood flow through the arteries.

Clogging arteries is long process which develops gradually, and the main cause is poor diet and lifestyle. You can overcome this issue by regular consumption of healthy diet. Here are the 12 best natural foods that can help you keep the arteries clean:

1. Spinach

This food contains lots of nutrients that have numerous health benefits. It contains high amount of nitric oxide which acts as preventive agent for arteries contractions, coagulation of blood and plaque. These properties help you prevent the risk of experiencing strokes and heart attacks. According to Clinical Nutrition Research Center’s study spinach acts as inorganic nitrate source which lowers the postprandial arterial stiffness.

Also spinach is extremely rich with vitamin C and vitamin A, which is great for reduction of bad cholesterol. These vitamins remove the accumulated cholesterol from the wall of the arteries which leads to reduced risk of atherosclerosis.

On the other hand, spinach is known as greatest vegetable that contains the highest amount of potassium and folic acid which helps you regulate the blood pressure and the levels of cholesterol. The recommended dosage is ½ a cup of spinach daily. You can consume it as addition to your smoothies, soups, juices and salads.

2. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds contain high amount of alpha-linolenic acid which reduces the blood pressure. Also it is great for fighting inflammation and cleaning the arteries.

3. Avocados

Avocados contain healthy fats and nutrients that help you reduce the bad cholesterol. In the meantime it increases the good cholesterol which helps you prevent clogging of the arteries.

Also this fruit is rich with vitamin E which is important for protecting your body from cholesterol oxidation. The potassium found in this fruit helps you reduce the blood pressure. On the other hand the folate is responsible for reducing homocysteine levels in the body.

In order to gain all these health benefits you should consume ½ avocado per day.

4. Pomegranates

This fruit is great antioxidant which prevents accumulation of sat in the arteries, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption will stimulate the production of nitric oxide which supports the blood flow. Also it is important for the health of the arteries and prevents formation of plaque.

According to different studies pomegranate juice is great for treatment of carotid artery stenosis. The results revealed that participants experienced lowered blood pressure and reduced carotid intima-media thickness.

For all these health benefits you should consume at least 2 pomegranates per day, and 1 glass of freshly squeezed juice.

5. Asparagus

This food is great for preventing clogs in the arteries and reduces blood pressure. The main properties found in this food are vitamin B and vitamin B6 which are important for reducing homocysteine responsible for heart attacks. According to study published by the Circulation in 2005, increased levels of homocysteine leads to clogged arteries and veins.

Due to the properties of asparagus these levels of homocysteine are reduced if consumed on regular basis. Also asparagus stimulates the production of glutathione known as the best antioxidant that reduces and prevents inflammation and clogged arteries.

The vitamin K also found in asparagus is great for keeping the calcium out of the arteries in order to prevent hardening. You should consume this food regularly as a side dish.

6. Broccoli

This vegetables is rich with vitamin K which prevents calcification of the arteries that might lead to hardening. Broccoli is extremely rich with nutrients that reduces the level of cholesterol. Also it contains high amount of fibers which are important for reducing blood pressure and buildup of plaque in the arteries.

7. Cranberries

They contain antioxidants that reduce the bad cholesterol level in the body, and increase the good one. Cranberries juice is one of the best antioxidant agent compared to any other fruit juice. You should consume it twice during the day in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Also make sure that you drink 100% natural cranberries juice.

8. Green Tea

When you prepare green tea you should use the Matcha green tea because it contains the highest amount of nutrients compared to other green teas. The Matcha green tea contains catechins known as the best antioxidant phenols which absorb the cholesterol during digestion.

Consume 1-2 cups of this tea per day in order to improve the lipid levels and prevent clogging of the arteries.

9. Chia seeds

These seeds contain great health benefits due to the omega-3 fatty acids and fibers. The properties of chia seeds are extremely beneficial for reduction of cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Also it acts as cleanser of the arteries preventing any accumulation of fat deposits.

Consumption of chia seeds can be in numerous ways. You can consume it as addition to your salad, deserts, baking recipes, yogurt, oatmeal etc. Also you can simply soak 3 tablespoons of chia seeds in glass of water for half an hour, and consume it.

10. Garlic

Garlic is extremely powerful ingredient which contains numerous health benefits. It is great for preventing clogging in the arteries and cardiovascular diseases. Regular use of garlic can help you reduce the bad cholesterol levels and improve the blood circulation. The Journal of Nutrition released a study which found that garlic reduces the coronary plaque volume in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Consume 1-2 garlic cloves every morning before your breakfast, or simply add it to your favorite soup, salad, and main dish.

11. Turmeric

Curcumin is the main active ingredient found in turmeric which is extremely powerful anti-inflammation and antioxidant property. This active ingredient is responsible for improving the health of the heart, as well is preventing blockage of the arteries. Turmeric is also great for reducing the cholesterol levels and prevents buildup in the arteries.

You should consume turmeric twice per day with 1 teaspoon per serving. Also you can consume curcumin supplements 3 times per day (between 400-600mg).

12. Apples

Apples are rich with fiber and pectin which helps reduce the bad cholesterol. They also interfere with absorption of bile acids in the intestine which leads to improved blood circulation. On the other hand, apples contain flavonoids that are responsible for reducing the risk of heart diseases.

Also it contains high amount of magnesium and potassium which helps you reduce the blood pressure. You should consume at least one apple per day in order to gain all these health benefits.

source http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com