Maintaining a strong heart depends on a healthy lifestyle in order to protect and promote cardiovascular function. Nutrition is a critical component as it provides nutrients that help strengthen and cleanse arteries. These detox foods are known to reduce inflammation and provide antioxidants that support cardiovascular health.
- Turmeric: the curcumin in turmeric reduces inflammation which is associated with hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and that can result from unhealthy food habits. Regular consumption of turmeric avoids build up of fatty deposits in the arteries.
- Avocado: the fat in avocado helps maintain the lipid balance in the body and reduce LDL cholesterol responsible for plaque building in arteries.
- Fatty fish: fatty fish (e.g., salmon, herring, mackerel and tuna) are high in omega-3 fatty acids which increase blood flow by thinning the blood.
- Pomegranate: this is a popular fruit for cleansing and preventing blockage in the arteries due to its phytochemicals. The antioxidants in pomegranate stimulate the production of nitric oxide which facilitate blood flow and protect arterial walls from damage.
- Asparagus: considered a top food for arteries, asparagus can help reduce inflammation and remove clots already present in the arteries. Asparagus is full of fibre and minerals that relieve and release pressure to facilitate blood flow and prevent cardiovascular risk.
- Olive oil: olive oil contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, both of which are great for lowering LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- Broccoli: foods rich in fibre are known to lower blood pressure and keep cholesterol risk low. Broccoli is rich in vitamin K which helps balance calcium levels and prevents hardening of the arteries. Broccoli also lubricates the arterial walls.
- Orange: consuming oranges helps lower the resting blood pressure as they contain antioxidants which help improve the blood vessel function. The fibre in oranges also helps lower cholesterol and its vitamin C prevents arterial blockages.
- Cinnamon: a powerful antioxidant, regular use of cinnamon can support cardiovascular health. Cinnamon reduces fats in the bloodstream, prevents arterial plaque build up and lowers bad cholesterol.
- Nuts: Almonds are rich in vitamin E and fibre. Both support a healthy heart by helping lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, which minimize the risk of stroke and heart disease.
- Green tea: antioxidants in green tea help fight free radicals and are helpful in decreasing cholesterol in the body to healthier levels, promoting a healthy heart. Drink two cups everyday for optimal results in removing oxidative stress.
- Coffee: the caffeine in coffee helps improve heart health. However, coffee should be consumed in moderation only (between two and four cups daily). In excess, coffee can lead to irregular heart beat.
- Watermelon: watermelons contain essential amino acids which help lower blood pressure levels in the body. Watermelon also help produce nitric oxide which is known as a vasodilator.
- Beans: in addition to high fibre, beans are also rich in folic acid. Folic acid prevents arterial blockage. Beans also help reduce the risk of cholesterol deposits which lead to blockage in arteries.
- Whole grains: whole grains contain soluble fibre which helps in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- Tomatoes: in addition to fibre, tomatoes contain lycopene which help decrease the LDL cholesterol and triglycerides from the bloodstream.
- Apples: an apple a day can help reduce the hardening of arteries since it contains fibre to help slow down arterial damage.
- Spirulina: this supplement helps relax arterial walls and normalizes blood pressure.
- Chia seeds: chia seeds are a superfood which contain soluble fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and antioxidants which help decrease bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) while lowering triglycerides, important for cardiovascular health. Detoxification of fats prevents inflammation and promotes a better arterial blood flow.
- Cranberries: they are rich in potassium which reduces the risk of heart disease.
