We all want to live a long life, but did you know that eating these simple foods is scientifically proven to prevent and, in some cases, reverse the number one cause of death in the modern world?
Statistically, atherosclerosis (the progressive clogging of the arteries) is the number one killer on the planet. A complex process, involving autoimmunity, infection, food incompatibilities, and many known and unknown factors, which is – despite conventional medical opinion – totally preventable, and in some cases reversible.
Foods are a combination of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and chemicals that can affect your health in specific ways. You can use food to increase your intake of vitamins, lower blood pressure, improve your circulatory system, increase your hormone levels, and manage your weight. The healthiest foods have the least amount of processing and are organic. Foods that lower your cholesterol levels, prevent arteriosclerosis, and lower blood pressure help you clean your circulatory system and prevent heart disease.
Here are 15 foods that will help you prevent even reverse this disease if you include them in your diet:
Table of Contents
Garlic.
Garlic has been used as a flavoring in foods and medicines since the days of the Egyptian pyramids. Garlic is rich in antioxidants that fight free radical damage in the body and help lower the body’s levels of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol, and total cholesterol. At the same time, it has been shown that increasing the levels of good cholesterol or high-density lipoproteins, helps blood flow and reduces blood pressure.
Oatmeal.
The fiber in oats is low in carbohydrates and can absorb seven times its weight in water. This makes it useful in the meat, bakery and snack industries. In research the results showed that this simple food also reduces the ability of cholesterol to stick to the walls of the arteries and prevents the formation of arteriosclerosis, as well as reducing the risk of heart disease.
Vitamins B.
Yes, something as simple as adding a source of B complex to your regimen can prevent the giant of heart disease from taking your life prematurely. A randomized study found that a simple intervention using 2.5 mg of folic acid, 25 mg of vitamin B6, and 0.5 mg of vitamin B12 for 1 year, resulted in significant reductions in arterial thickness. Even niacin or folic acid alone has been shown to have this effect in patients. Note: Always opt for natural sources of B vitamins, including probiotic supplementation -which produce all the supplement for you, or a whole food extract, versus synthetic or semi-synthetic vitamins that, Unfortunately, they dominate the market today.
Granada juice.
In a study shown found that antioxidant levels in pomegranate juice are higher than in other natural juices, including of blackberries, blueberry and orange. After reviewing the juice in mice, they found that it fought artery damage called arteriosclerosis.
L-Arginine.
This amino acid is able to prevent arterial thickening – according to studies it reduces up to 24%! Over 30 studies have been found to demonstrate this, in addition to 150 known health benefits, that are capable of addressing the underlying dysfunction associated with cardiovascular disease: endothelial dysfunction, with no fewer than 20 studies demonstrating this done.
Apples.
Apples are high in pectin, a fiber that binds with cholesterol. Apples also contain flavonoids that reduce the risk of heart disease by 50 percent, according to Applegate, when eaten regularly.
Fatty fish.
Fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are what our body requires for optimal function and which also help unclog our arteries. The types of fatty fish are salmon, mackerel, tuna, trout, herring, and sardines.
Fermented cabbage.
Kimchi, a Korean recipe that includes sauerkraut, hot pepper, and various other ingredients, such as fermented fish, appears to stop the atherosclerotic process. Additionally, the good bacteria strains in kimchi have been found to be capable of breaking down toxic chemicals that can further harm the body.
Nuts.
Nuts are also high in monosaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, and peanuts can be eaten as appetizers, added to salads, or cut into other dishes to add more flavor.
Turmeric (curcumin).
The main polyphenols in the Indian spice turmeric, known as curcumin, has been shown to be an excellent cardio protectant, with more than 30 studies proving this fact. One study found that curcumin prevents damage to arteries associated with blockage.
Olive oil.
Using a cold-pressed virgin olive oil to add flavor to foods or while cooking can cut your risk of heart disease, according to SixWise.com, a newsletter that includes information from national experts and specialists. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat and is less likely to oxidize, which is good since oxidized cholesterol can form plaque on the walls of your arteries.
Avocado.
Avocado, which is technically a fruit and not a vegetable, is high in monounsaturated fat. These facts are also not oxidized in the body and will not increase your risk of arteriosclerosis or plaque building in the arteries.
Sesame/Sesame Seeds.
Probably one of the most underrated super foods on the planet, sesame seeds have been shown to be as effective as Tylenol for arthritis pain, it can be an excellent cardioprotective substance, ideal for preventing the progression of atherosclerosis. One study found that it was able to prevent the formation of atherosclerosis lesions.
Tomatoes.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is an antioxidant that makes LDL cholesterol less likely to oxidize and stick to the walls of your arteries, according to SixWise.com. By including tomatoes in your salad or eating small tomatoes as a snack, you can reduce the risk of plaque formation in your arteries.
Spinach.
This green leafy vegetable is high in vitamins A and C. Together, these vitamins prevent the oxidation of cholesterol and reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis.