The Best Foods to Cleanse and Prevent Clogged Arteries

The arteries are the plumbing system of our body – they carry blood rich in oxygen and nutrients to every cell. Just like a house with bust plumbing is doomed, so too is the body if we let the arteries get clogged and hardened.

Food high in saturated fats, processed sugars and chemicals, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise, will reduce the arteries’ circumference, as gunk gets deposited on the walls. This condition is known as arteriosclerosis – thickening of arterial walls due to plaque buildup, and it’s a major risk factor for heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world, especially in the West, and it affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

Can You Reverse Clogged Arteries?

According to WebMD, simple life changes, including what you eat, can undo some of the damage to the arteries. They mention Dr. Dean Ornish whose studies show that significant lifestyle changes had major effects on heart health. His studies show that even severely blocked arteries in the heart became less clogged after a year, and there was even further reversal after 5 years.

You can find more detailed information in my article about the 5 Lifestyle Changes that Could Prevent Nearly 80% of Heart Attacks.

The Best Foods to Cleanse the Arteries and Prevent Clogged Arteries

Just as you can make your arteries deteriorate by what you eat, you can also keep them healthy by choosing the right foods.

Here is a list of foods that will help to clean your arteries and prevent clogged arteries:

1. Kiwifruit and cantaloupe reduce heart disease risk

Kiwifruit and cantaloupe are antioxidant-rich fruits that lower the LDL cholesterol (dubbed ‘bad cholesterol’) in the blood, and reduce plaque buildup in the arterial walls.

One medical study concluded that kiwifruit can lower cardiovascular risk factors.

Cantaloupe contains fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and choline that help to keep your heart healthy.

Eat one kiwifruit a day, or a cup of cantaloupe.

2. Oily fish help keep your arteries clean

Salmon, tuna and herring all contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are a source of good fats and prevent the clogging plaque from forming in the arteries.

According to Harvard Medical School eating fish is linked to fewer heart attacks.

Make sure you get sustainably caught fish, and avoid buying farmed salmon, as its meat usually contains toxic chemicals and has less omega-3 fatty acids.

Read here more about the amazing health benefits of omega-3 fish oil.

Taking omega 3 is also one of the 70 habits featured in my e-book 70 Powerful Habits For A Great Health which will guide you how to take positive steps to improve your wellness and overall health.

3. Berries and red grapes help prevent cardiovascular disease and vascular calcification in your arteries

Grapes contain flavonoids (natural antioxidants), which stop the bad cholesterol from oxidizing. According the medical journal, Nutrients, flavonoids could help prevent heart disease and protect the arterial walls.

Strawberries, cherries, cranberries and other berries contain powerful antioxidants and are packed with vitamins. Buy them organic to avoid the pesticide overload.

You can find more information about the incredible healing properties of berries in my e-book The Healing Berry Guide.

4. Garlic helps keep arteries clean

Garlic has many medicinal properties and one of them is protection against heart disease. Garlic reduces blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels.

For example, one study found that taking garlic can both prevent heart disease and treat symptoms of heart disease.

For medicinal effect, eat one to two minced raw garlic cloves. If you use supplements, look for the amount of allicin which is the garlic’s active ingredient. Also make sure to avoid these common mistakes when using garlic for its medicinal benefits.

5. Apples and grapefruits keep your arteries clean

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. The pectin (soluble fiber) in these fruits, lowers the bad cholesterol, while the minerals potassium and magnesium help to control blood pressure.

Magnesium also helps to prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, helping to prevent clogged arteries.

6. Spinach helps to reduce atherosclerosis

Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C, which help to prevent the clogging plaque from developing in the arteries.

One medical study claims that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that “inhibits oxidation of LDL-protein, thereby reducing atherosclerosis.” The same study suggests that vitamin C deficiency is associated with a higher risk of mortality from heart disease.

Popeye’s favorite food also contains lots of potassium and folic acid, thus lowering blood pressure.

7. Olive oil helps to prevent clogged arteries

Studies showed that drinking one or 2 tablespoons every day of extra virgin olive oil can help to keep your heart healthy and prevent heart disease.

Make sure to use extra virgin olive (EVOO) and apply moderation in the amounts you consume as fat is still fat. According to studies, you only need to consume 40 ml of olive oil weekly to protect your arteries and prevent heart disease.

Read more about the fantastic health benefits of olive oil.