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Clogged arteries or artery blockage, also known as atherosclerosis, is a chronic health condition where fat-rich deposits accumulate, creating an acute condition that hinders blood flow. This could escalate to grave health dangers, like heart attacks and strokes.
It’s a well-known fact that a good balanced diet and exercise evades half of our health problems, especially heart-related diseases. Here are some foods when incorporated in diets regularly keep the arteries from clogging.
Berries
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are wonderful for the heart. It is rich in antioxidants and fibre. These properties of berries help the heart in combating inflammation and keep cholesterol at bay, reducing plaque build-up in the arteries.
Fish
Fish is a good food for preventing clogged arteries. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and blood-clotting. Omega-3 fatty acids can also lower triglycerides, blood pressure, and heart rate, and improve blood flow. Some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and trout. You can eat fish baked, grilled, or steamed, and aim for at least two servings per week.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are the best for prevention of clogged arteries as they are very rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These leaves are rich sources of vitamin K, which can help prevent calcium from building up in your arteries and forming plaques. The dietary nitrates present in them, boost blood flow and cool down your blood pressure, hence decreasing the chances of getting clogged arteries.
Garlic
Since time immemorial, garlic has been used for its medicinal purposes in Indian households. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol, and anti-clotting properties that can protect your blood vessels from plaque build-up and damage. Regular consumption of garlic can help lower cholesterol levels, manage blood pressure, and avoid clots in the blood, thus preventing artery blockage.
Avocados
Avocados are another great food for your heart health. Avocados contain omega-3 fatty acids, which is the fat that is heart-healthy. Rich monounsaturated fats present in them, can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, both of which are beneficial for your artery health. They also contain fibre, antioxidants, potassium, and magnesium, which can improve blood pressure, inflammation, and oxidative stress, all of which are risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Dry Nuts
Nuts are the most nutritious power snacks which benefit your heart abundantly. They contain healthy fats, protein, fibre, antioxidants, and other substances that can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, and the risk of heart disease. Some of the best nuts for your heart are walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and pecans.
Whole Grains
Another great supplement for your heart is a good amount of whole grains. They contain fibre, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, and the risk of heart disease. Some examples of whole grains are oats, barley, quinoa, buckwheat, and brown rice.
All the above foods when added to your regular balanced diet clubbed with good exercise reaps a lot of benefits. So make sure you add at least one of these foods in your daily diet regime.