There are natural ways to unclog your arteries to prevent a
heart attack or stroke...
Cardiovascular Disease (the buildup of plaque and gradual
clogging of the arteries) is statistically the number one killer in the world,
with on average 2,200 Americans dying of cardiovascular disease each day! With
mortality rates like that, cardiovascular health is one of the most important
body systems to maintain and repair. While progressive clogging of the arteries
can be caused by diet, genetics and a sedentary lifestyle, preventing and
repairing the damage is not impossible with these artery unclogging (and
delicious!) foods.
1. Garlic
While maybe not quite as sexy as others, garlic is
hands-down a super food! In addition to helping maintain a healthy heart,
garlic can help treat a slew of viruses, infections and even cancers! Studies
show that consuming 4,000 mcg of the compound allicin (found in 1-4 cloves of
garlic a day) can lower cholesterol, as well as significantly decrease both
diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and prevent blood clots from forming.
Load up on your daily dose of cloves with this Creamy Zinger Garlic Spread or
Pumpkin Seed and Garlic Pasta.
2. Pomegranate
This tasty and beautiful fruit has recently been discovered
to clear out plaque buildup in the arteries, as well as naturally stimulate the
production of nitric oxide in the blood, opening the arteries and reducing
blood pressure. It wont be hard to add more pomegranates to your diet with this
stunning Cashew Citrus Cream Cake with Pomegranates!
3. Turmeric
The the primary polyphenol in turmeric, curcumin, has been
shown to reduce fatty deposits in the arteries by 26%! That’s a welcome
statistic for heart health and a good reason to add more of this brightly
colored and delicious Indian spice to your diet.
4. Chia Seeds
Ancient cultures have long prized chia seeds as a solid
source of hydration and energy. But the the fiber and alpha-linolenic acid in
chia can also regulate blood pressure, lower triglycerides, increase good
cholesterol and decrease bad cholesterol. Besides being heart healthy, chia
seeds are versatile and tasty as well!
5. Cinnamon
The cinnamon challenge may have brought negative attention
to this common spice, but consumed wisely, cinnamon is anything but bad or
dangerous! Just a tablespoon of cinnamon a day can reduce cholesterol levels,
as well as providing a healthy dose of antioxidants. Make your heart warm,
healthy and happy with scrumptious Vegan Cinnamon Rolls.
6. Apples
The pectin in apples can lower cholesterol as well as slow
down the progression of clogging in the arteries. Ohio State University
researchers discovered that an apple a day can reduce the hardening of arteries
by 40%! It seems the old apple-a-day saying is true after all! Stock up on your
daily dose with this recipe for Grilled Apple Pie with Vanilla Coconut WhippedCream.
7. Tomatoes
Carotenoid lycopene is an antioxidant that is responsible
for giving tomatoes their rich red color, but it can be found in lighter or
greener varieties of this juicy fruit as well. And a diet rich in lycopene can
significantly reduce the oxidation of the bad cholesterol that leads to
atherosclerosis. Tomatoes are also important for bone health! Get your lycopene
fill with this warming Eggplant and Tomato Stew.
8. Greens
Leafy greens are a rich source of anti oxidizing vitamins,
which can prevent the oxidization of cholesterol, leading to plaque formation
in the arteries. Additionally, the fiber, potassium, and folate can lower blood
pressure. Just one serving per day of folate-rich leafy greens, like spinach or
chard, can lower homocysteine levels, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular
disease. There is no better (or tastier) way to pack in the greens than with a
mouth-watering green smoothie. Check out this awesome Green Smoothie Cheat
Sheet to learn how to tailor make one you’ll love!
Credits : naturalcuresnotmedicine.com
