{"id":15353,"date":"2020-02-03T21:53:20","date_gmt":"2020-02-03T19:53:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.simplehouseholdtips.com\/?p=15353"},"modified":"2020-06-06T19:48:53","modified_gmt":"2020-06-06T17:48:53","slug":"the-best-artery-cleansing-foods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplehouseholdtips.com\/the-best-artery-cleansing-foods.html","title":{"rendered":"The Best 20 Artery-Cleansing Foods"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The number one killer of Americans is heart disease. Plaque buildup in the arteries is what causes this disease and it puts patients at risk for stroke and heart attack due to blocking blood flow. The typical American diet puts most people at risk of potentially developing heart disease at some point in life.<\/p>\n

However, dietary modifications and lifestyle changes work to lower this risk. There are certain foods that are artery-friendly and help to prevent plaque formation and eventual blockage.<\/p>\n

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Avocados<\/h2>\n

Avocados are well-known for their ability to reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, a balance that is critical for artery health. A Mexican study concluded that including avocados in your daily diet may reduce bad cholesterol levels by as much as 17 percent. This food can be added to salads and sandwiches quickly and easily.<\/p>\n

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Olive Oil<\/h2>\n

Olive oil and heart health often go hand in hand and for good reason. This type of olive oil reduces bad cholesterol and provides the body with healthy fats. A 2011 study concluded that regular olive oil consumption reduces the risk of stroke by as much as 41 percent. Add this oil to salads and pasta at least once a day.<\/p>\n

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Whole Grains<\/h2>\n

Whole grains help to lower bad cholesterol thanks to containing high amounts of soluble fiber. This type of fiber leeches onto the cholesterol and removes it so that it is unable to build up in the arteries. A diet with adequate whole grains not only reduces cholesterol levels, but it helps to prevent buildup. Oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat bread and cereals are great sources.<\/p>\n

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Plant Sterols<\/h2>\n

Certain foods have plant sterols added and these compounds work to reduce cholesterol levels. This is due to these compounds needing cholesterol to go to work, so they use up the bad cholesterol in the body so it is unable to build up. Fortified margarine, milk and orange juice contain plant sterols.<\/p>\n

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Nuts<\/h2>\n

Nuts are known for containing the healthy fats necessary for optimal heart health. They contain alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and monosaturated fats. These works to lower bad cholesterol levels in the body. Walnuts and almonds are a popular choice and just half a handful a day provides you with adequate nutrition.<\/p>\n

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Asparagus<\/h2>\n

This green vegetable works hard to unclog the arteries. This is done by removing clots and decreasing inflammation. Asparagus can be consumed by itself or added to a variety of dishes, such as pasta, salads, and soups.<\/p>\n

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Broccoli<\/h2>\n

This vegetable helps to prevent calcium from damaging the arteries due to its high vitamin K content. It helps to lower cholesterol and it also aids in healthy blood pressure regulation. Broccoli is a great snack, but you can also add just a cup a day to salads, soups and pasta dishes to get more vitamin K in your diet.<\/p>\n

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Persimmons<\/h2>\n

This food is very rich in both polyphenols and fiber. Fiber helps to prevent cholesterol buildup and polyphenols are a compound that works to reduce triglycerides and bad cholesterol. Persimmons are also very high in antioxidants, offering an overall protective effect. Add this to salads or make marmalade or jam.<\/p>\n

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Salmon<\/h2>\n

Salmon is often touted as a heart-healthy fish because like nuts, it contains an array of healthy fats. Healthy fats in salmon help to increase good cholesterol, reduce triglyceride levels and decrease inflammation. You can also eat mackerel, tuna, and herring and get the same benefits.<\/p>\n

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