Atherosclerosis, or clogged arteries, is a condition that occurs when fatty deposits accumulate along artery walls. This leads to the narrowing of the arteries and restriction to the blood flood to the heart and other body parts, thus causes coronary heart disease.
The symptoms of clogged arteries depend on the arteries affected.
Carotid arteries: carotid artery disease occurs when the arteries in the brain get clogged. This increases the the risk of stroke. During a stroke, the brain is left without oxygen and brain cells begin to die. Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability in America.
Coronary arteries: CHD or coronary heart disease happens when the arteries in the heart are clogged. When this happens, the heart muscle fails to receive enough blood, which can lead to chest pain, or angina.
Renal arteries: clogged renal arteries in the kidneys can lead to chronic kidney disease which can impair kidney function over time.
Peripheral arteries: Peripheral arterial disease is a result from plaque buildup in the arms, legs, and pelvis.
If you are diagnosed with atherosclerosis, the treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications, procedures or surgeries.
When it comes to prevention and improving the symptoms, changing the lifestyle is a must.
Additionally, what reduces the risks is opting for healthier food options, keeping a healthy weight, limiting the alcohol consumption, stopping smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as taking medications prescribed by your doctor, such as those for high blood pressure and diabetes.
Further, some foods that help with clogged arteries are:
Curcumin (in Turmeric): Curcumin, found in turmeric, can help lower inflammation in the body and prevent LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized. As the primary active polyphenol in this vibrant golden spice, curcumin behaves like a targeted molecular strike against the hidden, underlying triggers of cardiovascular disease.
Garlic: People have used garlic as a natural medicine for treating various health conditions for centuries. Its consumption helps lower the high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. At the same time, it can improve C-reactive protein (CRP) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) levels, linked to inflammation and plaque buildup in the arteries. With that, it can help prevent atherosclerosis.
Ginger: Ginger is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, as well as heart-protective compounds like shogaols and gingerols. These unique bioactive components make this pungent root a heavy hitter when it comes to keeping your blood flowing smoothly and shielding your blood vessels from long-term damage.
Cayenne pepper: Capsaicin is a component of the cayenne pepper that can help reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood. A study from 2009 shows that capsaicin could potentially prevent the vascular and pulmonary complications caused by the combination of HAART drugs – highly active antiretroviral therapy – and the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir.
Lemon: Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, high doses of which “strengthen arteries, reduce total cholesterol, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), inhibit platelet aggregation, and reduce inflammation.”
This potent micronutrient—properly known as ascorbic acid—acts as a comprehensive defense system for your blood vessels. Clinical insights reveal that the therapeutic impact of vitamin C goes far beyond basic nutrition, directly altering the biomechanics of your circulatory system to keep your arteries clean and resilient.
Cinnamon: While often celebrated for its culinary warmth, cinnamon is a potent metabolic regulator that plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in protecting your vascular system. Rather than working directly on arterial plaque, cinnamon targets two of the primary systemic drivers of cardiovascular decline: chronic high blood sugar and elevated blood pressure.
When these two conditions go unmanaged, they cause microscopic damage to the inner lining of your blood vessels, creating the perfect environment for cholesterol to accumulate and clog the arteries. Cinnamon acts as a shield against this damage through several distinct pathways: blood sugar regulation and blood pressure management.
Ground flaxseed: Though small in size, flaxseeds are a nutritional powerhouse when it comes to keeping your arteries clear and resilient. They are one of the richest plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid that directly combats vascular inflammation and helps prevent the stickiness in blood vessels that leads to plaque formation.
Fermented cabbage: Fermented cabbage and hot peppers makes a well known Korean drink known as kimchi. Further, an active compound in this probiotic drink, 3-94-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl, prevented the development of aortic atherosclerosis in high-cholesterol-fed rabbits, a 2009 study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed. Kimchi can also help break down harmful substances, such as bisphenol A and the insecticide chlorpyrifos.
Walnuts: Study shows that walnuts are rich in PUFAs, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid known for its ability to improve cholesterol profiles. Further, they pack a dense nutritional punch of dietary fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals like potassium and calcium, which play a critical role in regulating blood pressure. As such, they help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Avocado Oil: As per a recent study, avocado oil is rich in healthy fats and its consumption promotes a healthy heart. Much like the fruit it is pressed from, avocado oil is exceptionally rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)—specifically oleic acid, which accounts for roughly 70% of its fat content.
*This information serves for informational purposes only and not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider with any medical concerns or questions.
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