10 Foods To Clean The Arteries And Prevent Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a disease with a complicated name, but well known: it is characterized by the accumulation of fatty plaques in the body’s arteries and veins, especially in larger ones, which can trigger heart and vascular disease.
The seriousness of atherosclerosis makes us very eager to prevent its appearance in our body.
Some of the main risk factors are high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, diabetes and low consumption of foods with HDL, or “good” cholesterol, which protects the heart.
In this article, we’ll talk about some foods that can help you keep your circulatory system fat-free.
Combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, they are good protection against atherosclerosis.
10 Foods That Help Prevent Atherosclerosis
1. Garlic
Garlic is known as an antibacterial, astringent and stimulant. It helps the immune system and, combined with honey and lemon, fights flu symptoms.
In addition, you can also mix the crushed garlic with honey to clean the arteries. Consume one tablespoon a day or three teaspoons three times a day.
2. Oat bran
Two tablespoons of oat bran a day makes it difficult for the intestines to absorb fats, causing the body to develop less cholesterol.
Oat bran can be found in supermarkets and health food stores. It is also known as a slimming ally.
The fibers in the bran absorb 20 times its size in amount of water, promoting a lasting feeling of fullness.
3. Pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice has a lot of antioxidants, which fight free radicals and contribute to the overall health of the body.
Consume it regularly, preferably buying organic fruits of good origin, to also improve your circulatory system.
4. apple
The pectin and flavonoids present in apples reduce the amount of “bad” cholesterol and help prevent heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
Consume raw, in salads or in the form of smoothies and juices.
5. Eggplant
We always talk about the many beneficial properties of eggplant: eggplant water helps you lose weight and improve immunity, among other benefits.
This vegetable is also rich in vitamin C, which helps lower the risk of high cholesterol. Consume regularly however you prefer, raw or cooked.
Just avoid fried foods, such as breaded eggplant, because of the high oil content of the recipe.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric belongs to the ginger family, a root widely used as a medicine or as a healthy food, decongestant of the airways and energy.
Less famous than its cousin, turmeric has a substance called curcumin, which protects the heart and the health of blood vessels.
7. Olive oil
Olive oil protects the heart as long as it is eaten raw, not in hot dishes.
You can use it in salads and soups (after they are ready), among other dishes.
8. Avocado
Two tablespoons a day of this full-bodied and tasty fruit is recommended for good results . It has monounsaturated fat, which is good for the heart, as well as amino acids and vitamins.
Consume raw avocado, in sauces, pasta and honey-sweetened smoothies. Brazilians prefer the flavor of sweet avocado mixed with milk, so make creams, ice creams and smoothies with this ingredient using vegetable or skimmed milk.
Good options are oat, rice, chestnut (which is also good for the heart) or soy milk.
9. Tomato
Tomatoes have high amounts of lycopene, an antioxidant also present in watermelon and guava.
Helps fight free radicals, which damage veins and arteries. Consume raw or cooked.
10. Spinach
Rich in iron, like all dark green leafy vegetables, spinach also has vitamins A and C, which counteract the negative actions of “bad” cholesterol, protecting the heart.
Consume raw in salads or in green juices, combined with kale, ginger and lemon.
Raw parsley can also be added to green juices along with spinach, increasing its astringent power and further cleaning the arteries.