One of the main causes of strokes and heart attacks, along with stress, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet, are clogged arteries, since they obstruct the normal blood flow. Our circulatory system is an intricate network of capillaries, blood vessels, and arteries, and these tubes carry oxygenated blood through your body, in order to fuel all our body’s functions.
When oxygen is used up, we exhale carbon dioxide from the lungs, inhale more oxygen-rich blood, and repeat the cycle. Blood flows freely in lear and open blood vessels. Yet, at times, small blockages accumulate inside the blood vessels, called plaques, and develop when cholesterol sticks to the wall of the artery.
Since it senses the issue, the immune system sends white blood cells to attack the cholesterol, which stimulates a chain of reactions that cause inflammation. In a worst-case scenario, cells create a plaque buildup over the cholesterol, forming a blockage, and if they break loose, they cause a heart attack. As the plaques grow, they might completely block blood flow in an artery.
Fortunately, there are natural ways to lower the risk of heart health issues, and the following foods will help you clean the arteries:
Salmon
This type of fish is believed to be the most beneficial food for the health of the heart. Salmon is abundant in healthy fatty acids which are naturally present in the fish. These fatty acids can reduce the level and prevent the occurrence of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and inflammation.
Other healthy types of fish that also need to be included in your diet are mackerel, herring, and tuna. Do not forget that the fish you buy needs to be organic.
Orange juice
Pure, natural orange juice is rich in antioxidants, compounds that support the health of the blood vessels. Furthermore, these compounds help in the reduction of the high blood pressure.
In order to get the recommended daily amounts of vitamin C, you need to drink two glasses of fresh orange juice every day. by doing so, you will provide your body with the vitamins and minerals necessary for maintaining your health.
Coffee
A number of studies have confirmed that drinking two to four cups of coffee on a daily basis can reduce the risk of heart attack by 20 percent. Still, do not forget that excessive consumption of coffee can be harmful to your stomach.
Nuts
Nuts are abundant in healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats. Nuts are also pretty beneficial for regulation of the levels of cholesterol in the blood, as well as for boosting the memory and the health of the joints. In order to enjoy the benefits of the nuts, you need to consume one handful of almonds and walnuts on a daily basis.
Persimmon fruit
The persimmon fruit is abundant in fiber and healthy sterols, which is very beneficial when it comes to reduction of the cholesterol levels. This fruit has a sweet flavor, which is the reason it is called ‘divine fruit’. Include this fruit in your everyday diet by adding it to the cereals and salads you consume.
