Food to Remove Plaque From Arteries

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Food to Remove Plaque From Arteries

The plaque in arteries is low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol, that builds up over time. Diets high in saturated fat are the leading cause for heart disease due to high cholesterol levels, according to the American Heart Association. To prevent health complications such as arterial disease, heart attack and stroke, you can eat foods that help remove this plaque accumulation.

Vegetable Oils, Corn, Nuts, Sesame Oils

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The American Heat Association recommends you limit your fat intake to 25 percent to 35 percent of your daily calories and that the sources should be from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Both of types help reduce cholesterol levels and remove plaque from arteries. Monounsaturated fats, however, are more effective than polyunsaturated; they help lower bad cholesterol levels while raising high-density, or good, cholesterol, according to the book "Cholesterol Cures." Monounsaturated fats are structurally different than saturated fats and help scrape plaque buildup off arterial walls. Monounsaturated fats come from vegetable oils such as olive, sunflower and safflower oil. Polyunsaturated fats come from corn, nuts and sesame oils.

Whole Grains, Cereals, Vegetables, Fruits

Foods high in fiber help lower and eliminate cholesterol from the body. For example, soluble fiber binds to cholesterol-containing bile acids, causing them to be excreted. With this reduction of bile acid in the intestines, less cholesterol absorbs into the bloodstream and prevents plaque buildup, according to Julian Whitaker in the book "Reversing Heart Disease." Fiber also slows the manufacture of cholesterol in the liver while encouraging weight loss and maintenance. Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, cereals, vegetables and fruits.

Fish

The most important compound in fish that helps in removing plaque is omega-3 fatty acids. It's a polyunsaturated fat that can help lower overall cholesterol levels, as well as triglycerides. The compounds eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, the omega-3 fatty acids present in fish, help prevent heart disease resulting from increased cholesterol buildup and high blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fatty fish varieties include tuna, herring, sardines, lake trout and mackerel. Due to the high mercury levels usually found in fish, you should limit your intake to no more than twice a week, the UMMC suggests.

Source : http://www.livestrong.com/article/315192-food-to-remove-plaque-from-arteries/