Arteries transport oxygen-rich blood throughout every part of the human body. When healthy, arteries are smooth on the inside, the blood flows through them easily. Yet, sometimes plaque can build-up on the inner walls of the arteries, which clogs them and reduces blood flow.
Having clogged arteries can cause a heart attack. That’s why it’s so important to keep them clean and unclogged, for a better quality of life. However, it isn’t only older people who are at risk of compromised arteries.
With bad habits like a poor diet, smoking and a lack of exercise, we’re all at risk. It’s important to be aware of your artery health no matter how old you are. Luckily, there are some natural ways to keep your arteries healthy, and we’ve listed eight of them below.
1.Make lifestyle changes
This one is obvious but absolutely essential. Throw out the cigarettes, minimize alcohol consumption, exercise regularly and watch your weight. Try managing your stress levels too; stress is a common factor in heart disease.
2.Choose healthy fats
Probably the most well-known of all healthy fats are the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. Of these, cod liver oil is considered the best due to its high concentration of vitamin D3. Other vitamin-rich oils include avocado, olive, almond, flaxseed, and palm oils. Even coconut oil, which is a saturated fat, has a high lauric acid content, and this helps to lubricate our arteries.
3.Drink pomegranate juice
Researchers in Naples, Italy and Los Angeles, California have shown that the large amount of antioxidants in pomegranate juice surpass that of any other fruit or ingredients, even blueberries, oranges and blackberries (the best that exist). It reduces blood vessel damage, thereby preventing the hardening of our arteries, and it is thought to actually reverse the progression of heart disease.
4.Take your vitamins
Vitamins B6, B12, and C have been linked to cardiovascular health. Adequate quantities of these nutrients keep arterial walls flexible and help to prevent damage that can lead to plaque and blood clots. Vitamin B6 is easily obtained from many of the meats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables we consume. Good sources of B12 also include many types of meat, as well as dairy products, eggs, and some fortified vegetable sources like bran and tofu. Get your daily dose of vitamin C from eating citrus fruits and vegetables like broccoli and red peppers.
5.Eat more garlic
Garlic is used in the vast majority of home remedies lists due to its excellent health benefits. This is because the amount of antioxidants garlic contains that fight bodily damage. It helps reduce fat in the arteries (bad cholesterol). It also increases good cholesterol levels (HDL), it reduces blood pressure and blood flow. You can consume it raw or cooked in an endless list of dishes.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to prevent blood clots. Turmeric also lowers bad cholesterol to reduce build-up in the arteries and relax blood vessels. You can add turmeric to your food, take turmeric capsules or make turmeric tea.
7.Swap your coffee for ginger tea
Ginger is another effective remedy for clogged arteries because it prevents and reduces plaque build-up by reducing cholesterol. You can eat ginger raw, or you can add freshly grated ginger to hot water for a healthy tea. Note that ginger can be quite spicy and strong-flavored, and you shouldn’t continue to ingest it if it causes you any gastrointestinal issues.
8.Go colorful with your vegetables
It goes without saying that vegetables should make up the majority of a healthy balanced diet. But if you need any more convincing, know that veggies contain plenty of sterols, which flush away bad cholesterol the same way that soluble fiber does.
Experts recommend eating three to five servings per day of veggies, focusing on the most colorful ones: sweet potatoes, broccoli, and carrots. Dark leafy greens like spinach provide plenty of magnesium, which is important for lowering blood pressure.
Three recipes for cleaning your arteries
If you feel tired and don’t know why, if your blood tests have shown that you have high cholesterol, and you don’t want to take medication for it (or if you’re looking for a natural alternative to help treatment), take note of the following three home recipes, which will help to naturally clean your arteries.
1.Mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with one clove of garlic (minced), until well blended. Drink before breakfast in the morning and chase it with a glass of water. Repeat for one whole week.
2.Blend three carrots and two apples. Place it in the fridge, and drink later. If possible, do so before eating breakfast in the morning. Repeat for seven days.
3.Make a smoothie with three tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of lemon juice. Add two tablespoons of warm water. Mix well and drink every day for one week.
Many lifestyle factors can cause plaque build-up in our arteries at any age, but it’s easy to begin clearing your arteries via a cleansing diet and healthy lifestyle choices. It will reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, and you’ll feel better for it, so make the change before it’s too late.