Your arteries are blood vessels responsible for the transportation of oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A normal artery will be strong, flexible, and elastic. On the other hand, progressive clogging of the arteries is a serious condition called atherosclerosis. It is the major cause of cardiovascular disease, which includes peripheral vascular disease, strokes, and heart attacks.

Although it isn’t possible to remove plaque from your arterial walls without surgery, you can halt and prevent future plaque build-up. Research does not support that specific food items can help clear arteries naturally, but a healthier diet is essential to reduce the chance of it forming in the first place.

1. Garlic

If you’re looking for foods that help clear arteries, garlic may not feature high on your list, but it is one of the best sources of the therapeutically beneficial medical compound allicin. Studies suggest that high doses of garlic extract over a prolonged time is effective in reducing blood pressure and bad LDL cholesterol.

2. Ginger

Ginger has incredible anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Ginger contains heart-protective compounds likeshogaols and gingerols, which can effectively prevent plaque buildup and unclog arteries by reducing total cholesterol.

3. Olive oil

Not all oils are created equal, olive oil is your best bet. You can add a dash of it on your salads or use it in cooking, the monounsaturated oleic acid in it is a kind of healthy fat that slashes your risk of heart disease.

4. Nuts

Next time you get a craving for some mid-day snacks, reach for a pack of nuts over that pack of fries. From almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts to the humble peanut, all sorts of nuts are a great choice as they are rich in vitamins, fiber, and magnesium and keeps your heart healthy.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon can help reduce many risk factors associated with atherosclerosis and heart disease. A 2003 study published in the journal Diabetes Care in 2003 found that either one gram, three grams, or six grams of cinnamon daily can lower glucose, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in type 2 diabetics.

The study observed 60 diabetics for a 40-day period. Researchers concluded that cinnamon can help reduce the risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric is a popular spice used in Indian and Ayurvedic cooking. The primary polyphenol in turmeric called curcumin has long been known for its cardioprotective effects. Turmeric extract is thought to reduce LDL cholesterol and the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

7. Green Leafy Vegetables

Vegetables like Spinach, Kale are a great source of Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also a great source of Vitamin K and high in nitrates that help reduce blood pressure and improve the health of cell linings in the arterial walls.

They are also low in fat and carbohydrates and a way to fill up your stomach without consuming an excessive amount of calories. Have them as salads or as sabzis or make them a part of your daily diet.

8. Seeds

Flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sunflower, chia, and others are all great sources of heart-healthy fiber and omega 3 fatty acids. There have been studies that showed evidence that eating seeds in your diet may slash your risk factors such as inflammation, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Flaxseed is another important food for heart health. Ground flaxseed can help unclog arteries with high fiber. It is also a good source of alpha-linolenic acide, an omega-3 acid that can lower inflammation and blood pressure. In turn, arteries will not become clogged.

Sesame seeds also can help unclog a blocked artery. Evidence shows that they can help prevent the progression of atherosclerosis.

9. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of nature’s best sources of Lycopene, a plant pigment with natural antioxidant properties. If you are looking for a natural way to clear arteries, then adding tomatoes in your diet may help. Antioxidants in tomatoes can help neutralize the harmful free radicals in the body which have been linked to high risk of heart disease.

10. Pomegranate Juice

The high antioxidant content and punicic acid in pomegranate juice are thought to help decrease plaque formation, unclog arteries, and fight atherosclerosis. Pomegranate juice also contains important nutrients for heart health, such as magnesium and selenium.

11. Lemon

Adding lemon juice in your morning water is a healthy habit and good for your heart. Lemon is known to reduce blood cholesterol levels, and it helps the arteries by preventing oxidative damage.

Lemons are also a great source of the potent antioxidant vitamin C.

High doses of vitamin C have been found to strengthen arteries, reduce total cholesterol, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), inhibit platelet aggregation, and reduce inflammation.

12. Berries

They are a great source of antioxidants and anthocyanins which help reduce inflammation in the body. They are the perfect low-calorie dessert and help satiate your sweet tooth without the harm that comes with consuming processed and refined sugars.

Add blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries to your diet to add color and sweetness and kill blandness.

13. Avocados

This superfood helps in reducing the levels of bad LDL cholesterol in your body and is an excellent source of healthy fats. The best part is that healthy fats help keep you satiated for longer and are excellent if you want a creamy rich texture and taste in your diet. Added benefits include that they are rich in potassium as well.

14. Cayenne Pepper

Something spicy can also help unclog your arteries. The compound capsaicin found in cayenne pepper can help reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood. Cayenne pepper can also lower your risk of stroke and heart attack, and improve blood circulation.

Also, highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir is associated with accelerating atherosclerosis and pulmonary artery hypertension.

15. Fermented Cabbage

Kimchi is a popular probiotic Korean recipe that includes fermented cabbage and hot peppers that has been found to slow the atherosclerotic process.

According to the World Institute of Kimchi, Korea's signature dish has proven effects on anti-obesity, atopic dermatitis improvement, and hair growth. It has also been found that the lactic acid bacteria found in kimchi help to prevent cancer, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure.

These bacteria have demonstrated their antioxidant properties by removing free radicals that are known to cause a variety of diseases while boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

16. Fatty Fish

We know it sounds counterintuitive but fat isn’t the enemy, it’s the kind of fat that you should be paying attention to. Fish contains Omega 3 fatty acids that help in reducing the levels of triglycerides in the body. If you find it difficult to include fish naturally then you can incorporate fish oil supplements into your diet. However, the best source of healthy fats is natural fish such as Mackerel or Tuna.

Finally, exercise is considered just as important as dieting for unclogging arteries. Exercises that reduce stress are important, including meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qigong. Aerobic exercises, gardening, walking, or running can also help combat atherosclerosis. Exercise for about 30 minutes daily for five days a week.

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