Foods That Unclog Arteries

Arteries are the vessels that transport blood throughout your body, so clogged arteries can lead to some severe health problems. That’s why it’s essential to stay on top of your heart health and eat foods that unclog arteries and reduce plaque buildup in your bloodstream. But what are these foods? Read on for ten foods that unclog arteries, as well as other tips to help you maintain vital heart health.

1) Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice is an excellent source of antioxidant polyphenols, which improve heart health. Drinking just one cup of pomegranate juice per day can be enough to significantly improve cholesterol levels and lower your risk for heart disease. In addition, pomegranate juice contains rutin, a bioflavonoid that helps strengthen capillaries and reduce platelet activity—which improves blood flow by keeping arteries free from cholesterol plaque buildup.

2) Tomatoes Unclog Arteries

Tomatoes are not only a tasty and healthy addition to any meal, but they’re also great for your heart. They contain lycopene, which helps prevent plaque buildup in arteries. Lycopene can also help reduce cholesterol levels, according to studies done by researchers at South Dakota State University and Texas A&M University. For example, one cup of diced tomatoes contains 4 mg of lycopene, or about 20 percent of your daily value of it!

3) Nuts Unclog Arteries

Nuts are rich in a nutrient called arginine, which helps dilate blood vessels and helps lower blood pressure. Peanuts, walnuts, and almonds are perfect choices for high blood pressure. Add them to smoothies or eat a handful each day to maintain HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Avoid peanuts if you’re allergic.

4) Spinach Unclog Arteries

Spinach is one of those all-around good foods. It helps lower cholesterol and is a natural anti-inflammatory, reducing pain associated with arthritis. Additionally, spinach contains folate, which protects against heart disease by lowering homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid that is a risk factor for heart disease.

5) Oatmeal Unclog Arteries

The soluble fiber in oatmeal has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and even decrease your risk of developing diabetes. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating oatmeal is as effective as taking a cholesterol-lowering medication called cholestyramine. Additionally, researchers found that participants who ate oatmeal daily had lower LDL (bad) cholesterol than those who did not.

6) Fish Oil Unclog Arteries

Oily fish and seafood like salmon, mackerel, herring, and cod are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by lowering blood pressure. They also strengthen blood vessels to keep them from getting clogged up with plaque. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fish a week for more benefits. Fish oil supplements contain omega-3s and vitamin D, and antioxidants—uses you don’t get from eating only fish.

7) Avocados Unclog Arteries

Avocados are one of nature’s richest sources of oleic acid. Oleic acid reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol and is excellent for heart health. It also helps keep blood pressure down, and studies have found that it may lower your risk of having a stroke. So, if you’re looking to keep those arteries clean and clear, be sure to add avocados to your next meal.

8) Broccoli sprouts

What if I told you that broccoli sprouts could help unclog your arteries, lower your blood pressure and reduce inflammation? Well, it turns out they can. The glucosinolates found in broccoli sprouts are some of nature’s most potent antioxidants and detoxifiers. They target free radicals (which cause a lot of damage to our cells) to destroy them.

9) Green tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals and help to clear clogged arteries. Be sure to drink it with a bit of honey if you’re not used to its bitter taste. Cabbage: Cabbage is rich in dietary fiber, which can help combat heart disease by clearing arteries of cholesterol and fighting inflammation. The best way to eat cabbage is raw, but it’s also delicious in soup or stir-fry.

10) Cocoa Powder Unclog Arteries

One of nature’s best sources of flavonoids—plant compounds with antioxidant properties—cocoa powder (not to be confused with hot cocoa mix) contains more than 300 types. One of those is epicatechin, which has been shown to reduce blood pressure and increase blood flow.