To help clear plaque from arteries, focus on foods rich in omega-3s (fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseed), fiber (oats, beans, leafy greens, berries), and antioxidants (berries, green tea, olive oil, tomatoes), while limiting saturated/trans fats and sugar; these foods reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and raise good cholesterol (HDL), stabilizing plaque and improving overall vascular health. A Mediterranean-style diet, incorporating these foods alongside regular exercise, is key for long-term artery health.
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Among foods that contribute to clogged arteries are:
Out of all plant-based cooking oils, olive oil has the highest levels of MUFAs. This, along with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in olive oil, may reduce plaque buildup in your arteries.
One study found that olive oil can activate multiple pathways to help improve blood sugar control, fat metabolism, blood pressure, and inflammation, which may reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease. 14 Olive oil may also aid weight loss by improving food palatability and promoting satiety.
Cardiologists generally advise avoiding processed meats, sugary drinks and sweets, and foods high in trans fats and sodium, like most fried foods and salty snacks, because they raise bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation, significantly increasing heart disease risk. Focusing on whole foods and limiting these culprits is key for heart health.
Do cardiologists recommend eating blueberries? Yes, many cardiologists suggest eating blueberries. They are good for your heart because of their antioxidants and fiber.
1. Processed Meats Like Bacon, Hot Dogs, and Cold Cuts. Processed meats like bologna, ham, and bacon are high in calories and salt and are linked to increased risk of heart disease due to their impact on cholesterol and blood pressure, says Julia Zumpano, RD, registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
A recent study by Spence et al. described increased carotid plaque area, an imaging biomarker of atherosclerosis, in high risk individuals for CVD, consuming 3 or more eggs per week. The study concluded that regular consumption of egg yolk should be avoided by individuals at high risk for CVD.
Symptoms of Calcium Build-Up
In addition to chest pain, symptoms of a clogged artery may include:
Certain actions and foods can help open blood vessels immediately. Deep breathing exercises, stretching, and light physical activity like walking can stimulate blood flow. Consuming foods rich in nitric oxide, such as beets, garlic, spinach, and dark chocolate, helps dilate blood vessels.
If you have coronary artery calcification, you should follow the recommendations for a heart-healthy lifestyle, including:
In the groups receiving high-dose vitamin K1 or K2 (MK-4), not only was there no further arterial calcium accumulation, there was a 37% reduction of previously accumulated arterial calcification after six weeks. After 12 weeks, there was a 53% reduction in accumulated arterial calcium deposits.
Lab and animal studies have found that cinnamon may also help with atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in the arteries). But human studies are lacking. Two trials involving people with Type 2 diabetes didn't find that cinnamon helped with inflammation or plaque in the arteries.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich (PB&J) adds about 33 minutes to your healthy lifespan per serving, according to a University of Michigan study that measured life expectancy impacts of over 5,850 foods using the Health Nutritional Index (HNI). This sandwich tops the list for adding time, with nuts and seeds also being highly beneficial (around 25 mins) and processed items like hot dogs subtracting time.
The 2-2-2 food rule is a simple guideline for leftover safety: get cooked food into the fridge within 2 hours, eat it within 2 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months to prevent bacteria growth, keeping it out of the temperature "danger zone" (40-140°F or 5-60°C).
1. Almonds. There you have it — the humble almond can be considered the most nutrient-dense food on the planet. Used to the spotlight by now, almonds have been at the center of multiple studies on heart health and diabetes-related benefits.
A growing number of health professionals are raising concerns about eating blueberries for breakfast. They say it could harm your digestive health. Experts point out that blueberries' high antioxidant content is good in small amounts. But eating them on an empty stomach can lead to adverse reactions.
Berries: Berries are rich in antioxidants, like anthocyanin, which helps reduce coronary inflammation. Including raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and other berries in your diet can reduce your risks for heart disease.
Neither strawberries nor blueberries are definitively "better," as both are nutritional powerhouses; strawberries offer significantly more Vitamin C and folate with fewer carbs, while blueberries boast more antioxidants (anthocyanins), manganese, and Vitamin K, making them excellent for heart and brain health, so choose based on your specific needs or enjoy both for a wide range of benefits.
While blueberries are packed with nutrients, eating too many can cause a few side effects, including digestive issues like bloating or gas. Although it's not common, a prescription drug interaction may also cause hypoglycemia and an increased risk of blood clots if you overdo it on blueberries.
A buildup of fatty substances in the arteries, called atherosclerosis, is the most common cause of coronary artery disease. Risk factors include an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and smoking. Healthy-lifestyle choices can help lower the risk of atherosclerosis.
Cardiologist Tip of the Day: Avoid Potato Chips and Other Packaged Snacks. Don't eat chips and other ultraprocessed foods sold in vending machines, says Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado.