Health

Blockages in your arteries can be very dangerous. If you want to stay healthy and live a long time, you'll need to eat healthily. You're never too young or old to start changing your habits! If you are interested in unclogging your arteries, eat the foods on this list. Here's what you should stock in your kitchen cabinet to unclog those arteries. Which of these foods do you already eat regularly? 1. Oats via GIPHY Oatmeal is a great healthy breakfast if you need to unclog arteries. Oats are rich in soluble fiber which has been shown to lower your cholesterol. If you have bad cholesterol, it can start to cause heart issues over time. 2. Beans GoodFreePhotos The more you eat, the more you unclog your arteries? While that isn't how the tune goes, beans are another good source of fiber. They can also lower your blood pressure and fight inflammation that leads to heart disease. Lentils are another great choice from the bean family. 2. Fish via GIPHY Add some fish, especially salmon or mackerel, to your weekly meals. These types of fish contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids which are great antioxidants. These antioxidants help to reduce inflammation that can reduce plaque and clogged arteries. 4. Avocados via GIPHY Healthy fats are very important for a good diet. Avocados contain fats that help lower cholesterol and contain a good source of fiber. Make some guacamole for your next party! 5. Broccoli via GIPHY Your mom always told you to eat your broccoli and now you may know why. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli have been found to have cancer-fighting power. They are also good for your heart. Broccoli contains fiber and other anti-inflammatory properties that help unclog those arteries. 6. Pistachios Wikimedia Commons If you like nuts, go ahead and fill up on pistachios. If you have bad cholesterol, pistachios contain plant sterols that help to lower that bad cholesterol. If you don't like pistachios or can't eat nuts, try sesame seeds instead. They contain the same thing. To see MORE foods that are healthy for your arteries! 7. Turmeric Wikipedia Turmeric has been in the news lately for all of its health benefits. The spice, commonly used in Indian cuisine, contains curcumin. Curcumin is an antioxidant that prevents fat from building up and blocking arteries. 8. Watermelon via GIPHY Watermelon is a summer staple and is a good source of citrulline. Citrulline is an amino acid that helps the body produce nitric oxide. This helps your blood vessels stay relaxed and able to function normally. This prevents clogged arteries and heart attacks. 9. Asparagus via GIPHY Asparagus contains quercetin, which helps prevent plaque from sticking to your arteries. If you have a family history of heart disease, eat asparagus often! 10. Whole grains Wikimedia Commons Bread and pasta aren't all bad. Simply choose whole grain versions instead! Whole grains are great for your heart because they are filled with fiber. Read on for more foods and drinks (hint: you can drink wine!) that help your heart. 11. Potatoes via GIPHY Another food that gets a bad rap is potatoes. Potatoes have potassium that is helpful in regulating your blood pressure. They also contain healthy fiber. Just eat them sparingly and don't deep fry them or slather them in unhealthy toppings to keep them good for you. 12. Chocolate via GIPHY Yes, a reason to indulge! Dark chocolate is the healthiest. Cocoa beans contain flavanols which have antioxidant properties that benefit your heart. Dark chocolate contains the most antioxidants with less sugar. To see MORE foods that are healthy for your arteries! 13. Eggs Pixabay Doctors used to warn against eggs for heart issues, but research now shows they are good for you. Eggs boost good HDL cholesterol in your blood which can prevent the buildup of plaque. 14. Berries Wikimedia Commons Berries are full of fiber and antioxidants which we now know helps reduce plaque that clogs arteries. The Journal of the American Heart Association did a study that found that eating three servings of berries a week reduces the risk of a heart attack by a third in women. 15. Coffee via GIPHY Coffee beans also contain healthy antioxidants. Studies have shown that caffeine can also help your heart by making your blood vessels work more effectively. 16. Wine via GIPHY Wine, in moderation, of course, may be good for your heart! Red wine, in particular, contains resveratrol that helps lower inflammation in the body and can help you appear ageless. 17. Green tea via GIPHY If you aren't much of a coffee drinker, rejoice that green tea is also great for your heart. A compound found in green tea called EGCG has been shown to shrink fatty deposits on your artery walls. It can also lower bad cholesterol. Which foods or drinks are your favorite on this list? Did any surprise you for their health benefits? Please SHARE this article with all your family and friends to help keep them healthy!