Oils that can clog arteries are high in saturated fats (like coconut oil, palm oil) and those containing trans fats (found in partially hydrogenated oils), both raising bad LDL cholesterol and increasing plaque buildup; however, excessive intake of any fat, including omega-6 vegetable oils like linoleic acid, can promote inflammation and artery clogging, emphasizing moderation and choosing heart-healthy fats.
Making plaque disappear is not possible, but with lifestyle changes and medication they can shrink and stabilize. Doctors especially want to target the softer plaques before they rupture.
Among foods that contribute to clogged arteries are:
Extensive research shows that coconut oil increases your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. That's the “bad” cholesterol that clogs arteries and creates all sorts of cardiac mayhem. High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease.
Heart-healthy drinks (other than water)
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.
Lifestyle and home remedies
The recommended amount of coconut oil per day ranges from 1 Tsp (5 g) to 2 Tbs (30 g). The dose depends on your health, nutritional goals, and the type of diet you are following; keep in mind that coconut oil is high in calories and high in fat.
Limit your palm oil, vanaspati, corn, soybean, and cottonseed oils. Use olive oil, mustard oil, sesame oil, or groundnut (peanut) oil to be a bit smarter and protect your heart!
The clear winner in this matchup is olive oil. That is because it is rich in good fat (polyunsaturated fat) and low in bad fat (saturated fat). Coconut oil contains 80 to 90 percent saturated fat. According to the experts, a tablespoon of coconut oil contains about six times as much saturated fat as olive oil.
In addition to chest pain, symptoms of a clogged artery may include:
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.
Here are 15 foods that may help prevent clogged arteries.
Vitamins C, A, E and B6 are all essential vitamins to maintain healthy arteries. Vitamin C helps reduce cholesterol levels and promotes the formation of collagen that provides support to the arterial walls, and vitamin A encourages healthy cell growth for a strong arterial wall.
Signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction include:
Top Foods Cardiologists Want You to Avoid for Heart Health
When choosing a cooking oil, it's best to choose an oil high in poly and/or mono-unsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats derived foods such as olives, seeds, nuts and vegetables. Olive oil, which is high in monounsaturated fats, is a particularly beneficial choice for heart health.
“Smoking is one of the most harmful things people can do to themselves,” Dr. Maniar says. Blood flow drops, slashing oxygen that fuels the heart, which compensates by spiking blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and can lead to hardened and narrowed arteries and blood clots causing cardiovascular disease.
Also, in high doses, both prescription omega-3s and fish oil supplements can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation or A-fib, which causes the heart to beat rapidly; and also lead to an increased risk of bleeding.
Cardiologists advise avoiding or limiting coconut oil because it's extremely high in saturated fat (around 90%), which raises LDL (bad) cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease and clogged arteries, despite claims of heart benefits. While it might slightly raise HDL (good) cholesterol too, the increase in LDL is generally considered more significant and detrimental for heart health, making healthier unsaturated fats (like olive oil) a better choice, say experts at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and Harvard Health.
Coconut oil also has a satiating effect, slowing digestion and preventing hunger pangs. And, with all those MCTs, coconut oil offers an immediate source of energy and stimulates the production of ketones, which help burn fat—especially when consumed in conjunction with low-carb and keto diets.
5 Best Breast Tightening Oils
Drinks rich in nitric oxide-boosting compounds, such as beetroot juice, green tea, and pomegranate juice, help open blood vessels and enhance circulation. These drinks aid in stimulating blood flow, lowering systolic blood pressure, and reducing the risk of arterial stiffness.
Berries are loaded with anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help lower the risk of heart disease. These antioxidants can reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health.