Arteries are the blood vessels that transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. As you know, our bodies rely on oxygen for survival which means that our arteries serve a pretty important purpose. But sometimes our diet and lifestyle choices can cause arteries to become clogged which increases the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. This is a condition that is referred to as atherosclerosis and it often goes unnoticed until symptoms such as chest pain start to arise. There are definitely some foods that many of us eat that can increase the likelihood of a blockage. With that said, there are also certain foods to clean arteries and keep them open as well.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are one of the most popular foods to clean arteries and also offer several other health benefits for the human body. They are good for your arteries because their components work to decrease cholesterol levels which can lower blood pressure and decrease the likelihood of a blood clot forming.
Green Tea
Studies found that those who drink green tea regularly tend to have a healthier cardiovascular system than those who do not. Green tea is loaded with polyphenols which researchers believe to offer multiple health benefits, including your heart and blood vessels. One study found that those who drink green tea were 20 percent less likely to experience heart disease or have a stroke.
Walnuts
In general, whenever you eat a meal that is high in fat content, it puts your arteries in a state of shock. Over time, this causes them to stiffen and become hardened. One study found that if you eat walnuts along with a meal that is high in fat, the effects are much less severe. So, if you enjoy eating nuts, focus your attention on walnuts as they have many benefits apart from being one of the important foods to clean arteries.
Beetroots
Beetroots are known to be high in nitrates. When you eat beetroots, your body transforms their properties into nitric oxide which is a molecule that performs a number of important roles in the body. When blood vessels become inflamed, it can cause a decrease in the amount of nitric oxide that your body produces. Eating foods that are loaded with dietary nitrates, like beetroots, can offset these negative effects that are caused by inflammation. In fact, research found a link between consuming nitrates and a lower risk of heart problems.
Fish
Fish is one of the important foods to clean arteries. This is because it is loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids. Studies found that the components of Omega 3 work to decrease the manifestation of cellular adhesion. This means that they can decrease the build up of plaque that occurs in the arteries. When you decrease the plaque build up, it lowers your risk of other heart related problems as well.
Beans
Beans are rich in fiber and are known for being a heart healthy food. Like other foods mentioned above, beans also work to decrease plaque build up as well. Several studies have shown that eating beans can decrease the amount of bad cholesterol in the body. Also, they have been shown to lower blood pressure levels.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are considered one of the best foods to clean arteries. This is because they contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide many benefits to the cardiovascular system. Citrus fruits has one primary constituent flavonoid, which work to decrease inflammation and free radicals in the blood. They help to decrease plaque build up while lowering cholesterol. This is the reason why citrus fruits is linked to a lower risk of stroke and other heart problems.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains antioxidants that work to prevent fatty deposits from developing in the arteries. It contains anti inflammatory properties as well that work to prevent the arteries from hardening over time.