Arteries play a crucial role in keeping the blood circulating efficiently throughout the body. In essence, these blood vessels carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain, lungs, heart, and other regions of the body. Improper diet, lack of exercise, and unhealthy habits contribute to improper functioning of the arteries due to the accumulation of cholesterol and plaque along its walls. When such problems arise, an individual is predisposed to developing serious and deadly diseases such as stroke, heart disease, and hypertension to name a few.
With these things in mind, we realize that it is paramount to take care of the arteries. One effective way of making the arteries healthy and fully functional at all times is through the consumption of superfoods.
In this article, we will enumerate 5 superfoods that are proven to cleanse the arteries.
- Garlic
Garlic is one of the most useful superfoods ever known to man. It has long been used to treat high blood pressure. In addition, it contains compounds that prevent the build up of plaque in the most natural and safest manner possible. Consuming garlic daily is a good way to keep blood passages clear of plaque. You may also choose to take garlic supplements if you don’t like the taste of garlic in cooked foods or you can’t at them raw.
- Salmon
Salmon may be identified as a fatty fish, but the same fatty components of this delicious superfood is what clears the passages for effective circulation of oxygen-rich blood to different parts of the body. Since it has been identified as a superfood, salmon contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, compounds that are beneficial to heart health and functioning. Specifically DHA and EPA are fatty acids that increase the good cholesterol levels in the bloodstream whilst successfully getting rid of bad cholesterol concentrations in the blood. In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids that come from salmon are anti-inflammatory which means blood will be less likely to develop blood clots within arterial walls.
Ideally, we need to eat up to 3 servings of fresh salmon every week to reap its artery-cleansing benefits.
- Pomegranate
The delicious pomegranate fruit cleans the arteries in a natural and effective manner. Based on a study conducted in 2005 and was published in the National Academy of Sciences, pomegranate contains antioxidants that speed up the production of nutric oxide- a natural compound that increase blood flow by keeping the arteries clear and open at all times. The study also reveals that pomegranate helps in breaking down existing plaque formations along the arterial walls.
- Turmeric
The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. This substance is known for its unbelievably potent anti-inflammatory qualities. Due to its ability to stop inflammatory processes, it clears the arteries by preventing the production of plaque. Apart from using it in meal preparation, turmeric may also be integrated in milk so you can absorb curcumin in higher doses.
- Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the most useful superfoods as it can be used in many applications and can be used to treat a variety of diseases. The simple addition of olive oil in salads and sauces can create a positive impact on health and wellness.
Just like other superfoods, olive oil is teeming with antioxidants that get rid of free radicals and other compounds that may have negative effect on blood vessel function. Olive oil contains polyphenols and monounsaturated fatty acids- a combination that guarantees to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol levels. As there is no accumulation of bad cholesterol along the arterial lining, the passage of oxygen-rich blood is at its optimum at all times.
