We always talk about food and meals that you need to stay away from because they'll cause a heart attack, give you high cholesterol or clog your arteries.
READ THIS: 8 Natural Ways To Lower Your Cholesterol
But instead of just always talking about those foods, we decided to take the approach of what you should be eating.
And no, it's not just the same old "diet & exercise talk. Here are 11 real foods that actually start clearing up your arteries fast!
Best Foods that Unclog Arteries
Tomatoes
Carotenoid lycopene is an antioxidant that is responsible for giving tomatoes their rich red color, but it can be found in lighter or greener varieties of this juicy fruit as well.
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And a diet rich in lycopene can significantly reduce the oxidation of the bad cholesterol that leads to atherosclerosis.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is one of the best foods that unclog arteries naturally. This fun fruit contains phytochemicals that act as antioxidants to protect the lining of the arteries against damage.
Pomegranate juice stimulates the body’s production of nitric oxide, which helps to keep your blood flowing and your arteries open!
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Chia Seeds
Ancient cultures have long prized chia seeds as a solid source of hydration and energy.
But the fiber and alpha-linolenic acid in chia can also regulate blood pressure, lower triglycerides, increase good cholesterol and decrease bad cholesterol.
Avocados
Instead of mayo on your burger or sandwich, switch it out for some avocado which is among the best foods that unclog arteries.
Studies have shown that daily consumption of avocado results in improved blood cholesterol (lower LDL and higher HDL). HDL cholesterol is the cholesterol that helps keep arteries clear of obstructions.
READ: Cholesterol Busters: Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol
Asparagus
Asparagus is one of the natural foods that unclog arteries. It can help to lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots that can cause cardiovascular illnesses.
This veggie is full of fiber and minerals, along with a long list of vitamins including K, B1, B2, C and E.
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Persimmons
Persimmons are loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols, which work to decrease LDL and triglycerides.
They’re also a great source of fiber, which helps to regulate blood pressure and keep your arteries clear.
Apples
As it turns out, that old adage, "an apple a day..." is true!
Ohio State University researchers discovered that an apple a day can reduce the hardening of arteries by 40 percent!
The pectin in apples can lower cholesterol as well as...
...slow down the progression of clogging in the arteries.
Broccoli
Loaded with vitamin K, which prevents calcification of the arteries, broccoli is also full of antioxidants, and other vitamins.
It offers a good shot of fiber—good for the heart and the digestive system.
Fiber stabilizes blood pressure, reduces stress in arterial walls, and keeps you regular.
Cranberries
Cranberries are another antioxidant-rich food that can reduce LDL and raise HDL cholesterol levels.
In fact, regular consumption of pure cranberry juice may help reduce your overall risk of heart disease by as much as 40 percent!
Spirulina
It might sound a little weird, but this blue-green algae helps to regulate lipid levels in the blood.
It’s also a source of protein that contains all of the essential amino acids needed by the body to maintain optimum health.
It can help relax artery walls and stabilize blood pressure while balancing your blood fat levels.
Greens (Yes, Greens!)
And no, we're not talking about those greens with ham hocks and bacon in them.
We're talking leafy greens that are a rich source of anti-oxidizing vitamins, which can prevent the oxidization of cholesterol, leading to plaque formation in the arteries.
Additionally, fiber, potassium, and folate can lower blood pressure.
Just one serving per day of folate-rich leafy greens, like spinach, collard greens (sauteed slightly not boiled for a long time) or chard, can lower homocysteine levels, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
READ THIS: 10 Superfoods To Ward Off Heart Disease
Honorable mention: Cinnamon
The bark of the cinnamon tree yields a spice both delicious and quite healthy.
A tablespoon of ground cinnamon a day will reduce cholesterol levels and work to unclog arteries.
It’s also full of antioxidants (which, by the way, are any substances that remove potentially hazardous oxidizing agents from a living organism—that’s why they’re good for preventing cancer).
Founded in 1974, the Association of Black Cardiologists, Inc., (ABC) is a nonprofit organization with an international membership of 1,700 health professionals, lay members of the community (Community Health Advocates), corporate members, and institutional members. The ABC is dedicated to eliminating the disparities related to cardiovascular disease in all people of color. Today, the ABC’s public and private partnerships continue to increase our impact in communities across the nation. For more information, visit abcardio.org.
