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Garlic
Since ancient times garlic has been
used to treat heart
disease and hypertension. According to a study published
in preventive medicine, garlic
inhibits coronary artery
calcification which serves as a
marker for plaque
formation.
Grapes
Grapes are rich in flavonoids,
quercetin, and resveratrol.
These flavonoids have been found
to prevent the oxidation
of bad cholesterol that leads to
the formation of plaque in
artery walls. They also lower the
risk of developing blood
clots that can lead to heart
attacks.
Spinach
Spinach is rich in potassium and
folic acids, both of which
act as a defense against high
blood pressure. Spinach is
also rich in lutein, a plant
carotenoid which not only
protects against age related
macular degeneration but also
prevents heart attacks by keeping
arteries free from
cholesterol build up.
Fish
A study conducted by researchers
at Southampton
University found that Omega 3
oils, present in fishes like
tuna and salmon, stop the build up
of fatty deposits in the
arteries. These fatty acids
prevent clots from forming and
cholesterol from becoming
oxidized.
Olive oil
Only
oxidized cholesterol is able to stick to your artery
walls and form plaques.
Monounsaturated fats present in
olive oil when mixed with
molecules of bad cholesterol
become less likely to be oxidized.
Tomatoes
According to a study conducted by
Korean researchers,
lycopene, a compound present in
tomatoes that gives them
their color, helps in prevent
hardening of the arteries.
Researchers found that women with
the highest lycopene
levels in their blood had the
least stiffness in their arteries.
Pomegranates
Pomegranate juice not only appears
to prevent hardening
of the arteries by reducing blood
vessel damage, but may
also reverse the progression of
this disease. Pomegranate
fruit and its juice are high in
antioxidant content, which
may help fight hardening of the
arteries.
Kiwi and Cantaloupe
These
antioxidant-rich foods work by reducing toxic LDL
cholesterol, which is formed by a
rusting process in your
arteries. They can help stop the
rust in its tracks and even
prevent it from spreading. Eat one
cup of cantaloupe or
one kiwi per day to unclog your
arteries.
Cranberry juice
This
juice strains the fat out of arteries. Instead of having
fat build up in your blood
vessels, this juice boosts your
cell’s ability to absorb the fat
and use it for production of
energy. Drink three glasses of
this juice every week to
unclog your arteries.
Oats
Thanks to the soluble fiber in
oats, cholesterol doesn’t
stand a chance. This fiber
attaches itself to cholesterol
and carries it right out of your
system. Some studies have
shown that eating just 1 1/2 to 2
1/2 cups of cooked oat-
bran cereal daily can lower
cholesterol levels by almost
20%. |
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