Arteries are the blood vessels that transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Our organs and body tissues rely on oxygen in order to function properly, which means that our arteries and blood vessels play an extremely important role.
Unfortunately, sometimes our diet and lifestyle choices can cause arteries to become clogged which increases the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.
There are definitely foods that many of us eat that can increase the likelihood of a blockage. With that said, thankfully, mother nature has also provided us with some amazing natural herbs and spices that may actually help prevent them from becoming clogged over time. Keep reading if you want to learn more.
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1. Ginger
Ginger is a flowering plant that is widely used not only for cooking but also for medicinal purposes around the world. It’s been used to treat nausea, help with weight loss, treat chronic indigestion, and fight infections.
What most people don’t realize is that it can benefit the cardiovascular system as well. Ginger has bioactive components and antioxidants that reduce oxidative damage due to stress.
Studies found that it can lower blood sugar levels which reduces heart disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. It has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels which is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
2. Camellia Sinensis
Studies found that those who drink Camellia Sinensis (green tea) regularly tend to have a healthier cardiovascular system than those who don’t.
Green tea is loaded with polyphenols which researchers believe to offer multiple health benefits, of course, including your heart and blood vessels.
One study found that those who drink green tea were 20% less likely to experience heart disease or have a stroke. They were also 22% less likely to pass away from heart-related conditions.
3. Cinnamon
It’s native to the Caribbean, South America, and Southeast Asia, and has been used since ancient times for its medicinal properties.
It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that are responsible for improving cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
A study found that eating one-half teaspoon of cinnamon per day can decrease your blood sugar, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels. All, of course, is good for your arteries and cardiac tissue.
4. Arjunarishta
This is actually a combination of multiple different herbs and has traditionally been used as a natural remedy for treating heart-related issues.
Its properties have been shown to lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure levels. As we mentioned, these are the three key risk factors for heart disease.
It also contains antioxidant properties which can limit the free radicals that are linked to chronic cardiovascular conditions.
5. Hawthorn
Hawthorne has also been shown to decrease the fats found in blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
Less fat in your blood equates to less plaque buildup in your arteries so that oxygenated blood can flow freely to other parts of the body.
6. Rosemary
When it comes to the cardiovascular system, rosemary has actually been shown to lower blood sugar levels. Its compounds work to increase the absorption of glucose into your muscle cells which decreases the amount in your blood.
That can be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes and other risk factors of heart disease.
7. White Willow Bark
It’s often referred to as “Nature’s Aspirin” because it has similar effects when it comes to treating pain and reducing inflammation.
Aspirin works as an anticoagulant or blood thinner and keeps the platelets in your arteries from clumping together. This decreases the likelihood of a blood clot forming and reduces the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
More research is needed when it comes to the comparison of willow bark to aspirin. As always, be sure to speak with your doctor first before taking any new supplements or herbal remedies because they will know more about your individual condition.
8. Turmeric
It contains antioxidants that work to prevent fatty deposits from developing in the arteries. It contains anti-inflammatory properties as well that work to prevent the arteries from hardening over time.
Turmeric offers many other health benefits for the human body that we could talk about, but we’ll save that for another video.
9. Parsley
Parsley is an herb that is loaded with beneficial vitamins and nutrients that may actually work to improve heart health.
It’s especially high in folate which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease in certain populations.
Researchers believe that folate decreases levels of homocysteine in your body which is an amino acid that has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Thankfully, parsley is a tasty spice that can easily be incorporated into your diet.
10. Ginseng
It’s often known for enhancing cognitive functioning, but many don’t realize that it can positively affect the cardiovascular system as well.
Studies found that ginseng can lower blood sugar levels by improving pancreatic cell functionality and enhancing the uptake of glucose in body tissues.
Keeping your blood sugar levels in check is helpful for those with diabetes and reduces the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
11. Garlic
Unfortunately, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the primary risk factors that causes these types of cardiovascular impairments.
Studies found that the components found in garlic can actually lower blood pressure levels when consumed daily for up to six months.
Garlic has also been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels as well which reduces the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.
12. Thyme
Studies found that it can lower blood pressure, prevent tachycardia, and reduce levels of unwanted fats in the blood.
Thyme can be used as an alternative to table salt in order to keep your sodium intake down which is beneficial for the entire cardiovascular system.
13. Cloves
Most importantly, cloves are rich in antioxidants that reduce the oxidative stress that is linked to several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular impairments.
Researchers believe that cloves can also lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
14. Cardamom
It offers anti-inflammatory benefits as well which have been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
This spice is delicious when used in curries or stews and it’s also available as a supplement in capsule form as well.
15. Cayenne Pepper
This one is surprising to most people because they are unaware of the amazing health benefits that cayenne pepper has to offer.
One component in particular that we need to point out is capsaicin. It’s known for having vasodilator effects which can lower blood pressure levels.
Researchers believe that it also reduces LDL cholesterol levels which is the bad type of cholesterol that is known for causing blockages in the arteries. This explains why cayenne pepper consumption is believed to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Final Thoughts
To help, you can consider adding some of the amazing herbs and spices that were mentioned in this article to your diet.
For the best results, as always, please speak with your doctor first before making changes to your diet or routine because they will know more about your individual condition.
References
The following are the sources that were used while doing research for this article:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5805166/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271157
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-benefits-of-fish-oil
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465250/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33371588/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-brussels-sprouts
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20645129/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019938/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7272688/
Medical Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read in this article. Please consult with your physician before changing or adding any foods or supplements to your diet.