Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from your heart to all organs of the body. A healthy artery is elastic, strong, free of deposits and flexible. They often become clogged, narrow and stiff due to the accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and calcium deposits. This condition results in reduced blood flow through the arteries and is termed as atherosclerosis. Clogging of arteries is a prolonged process and often occurs due to unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Here is the list of foods that you should eat daily for clean arteries.
Turmeric contains a compound known as curcumin which has potent cardioprotective properties that helps in reducing LDL cholesterol and plaque buildup in the arteries. Drink a glass of milk with a tsp of turmeric daily.
3. Lemon
Drinking lemon water daily every morning will not only decrease your LDL cholesterol levels, but also prevents oxidative damage and keep the arteries healthy. They are loaded with vitamin C which reduces inflammation, elevates HDL, strengthens your arteries and inhibits platelet aggregation.
4. Green tea
Green tea is an excellent source of catechins that prevent the absorption of cholesterol during digestion. Consume 1-2 cups of green tea everyday to improve blood lipid levels and help reduce arterial blockage.
5. Garlic
According to various reseraches, garlic is used to prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure, and slow down atherosclerosis. Eat 1 to 2 cloves of raw garlic on an empty stomach on a regular basis.
6. Flaxseed
Flaxseed helps unclog arteries due to its high fiber content. It also contains an omega-3 acid which reduces inflammation and controls high blood pressure.
7. Pomegranates
Pomegranates contain a high level of antioxidants and punicic acid that help fight free radicals in the body and reduce fat accumulation in the arteries, thus helping prevent serious problems like atherosclerosis. Eat fresh pomegranates or drink a glass of pomegranate juice daily.
8. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber that helps in lowering the bad cholesterol levels, manage blood pressure and clear the arteries. Add chia seeds to your oatmeal, smoothies, yoghurt, salads or baking dishes.
9. Cayenne pepper
An active compound capsaicin present in cayenne pepper helps in reducing LDL cholesterol in the blood.
10. Broccoli
Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin K which helps prevent hardening of arteries. Eating broccoli regularly can protect against oxidation of LDL cholesterol which can lead to serious heart conditions.
11. Apple
Pectin in apples reduces the bad cholesterol levels in the bloodstream by interfering with the intestinal absorption of bile acids. According to various studies, consuming apple on a daily basis for 4 weeks can lower the cholesterol levels considerably.