Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits accumulate along artery walls. You may have heard the condition referred to as clogged arteries or a hardening of the arteries.
This causes the arteries to narrow and restricts blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body.
This article lists 15 foods that may help prevent clogged arteries.
How arteries can become clogged
Atherosclerosis is considered a major underlying cause of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease in the United States.
Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of about 50% of deaths in Western countries (1Trusted Source).
It’s a chronic inflammatory disease with numerous risk factors.
You’re more likely to develop atherosclerosis if you (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source):
- have high LDL (bad) cholesterol
- have high blood pressure
- smoke cigarettes
- have diabetes
- have a family history of atherosclerosis
- have obesity
- consume a poor diet
- engage in a sedentary lifestyle
On the other hand, following a diet rich in certain foods like vegetables, fruits, and fish has been shown to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease (4Trusted Source).
Here are 15 foods that may help prevent clogged arteries.
- Berries
- Beans
- Fish
- Tomatoes and Tomato Products
- Onion
- Citrus Fruits
- Spices
- Flax Seeds
- Cruciferous Vegetables
- Beets
- Oats
- Nuts and Seeds
- Leafy Grains
- Cocoa and Nark Chocolates
- Olive Oil
