Statistics show that atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death on the planet. The good news is that there is a way to prevent and sometimes even reverse this complex condition, which is influenced by many factors, including dietary incompatibilities, infection, and autoimmunity.
1. B-Vitamins
Interestingly, something as simple as boosting your B-complex intake can prevent the onset of heart disease.
According to a double-blind, randomized study published in the journal Atherosclerosis in 2005, taking 2.5 mg folic acid, 25 mg Vitamin B6, and 0.5 mg Vitamin B12 over the course of a year reduced arterial thickness, as measured by intima-media thickness. In fact, even folic acid or niacin alone has been found to provide the same effect in patients.
It is worth mentioning that you should aim at getting B-Vitamins from natural sources, such as whole food extract or probiotic supplementation. On the other hand, synthetic or semi-synthetic versions should be avoided.
2. Garlic
Garlic provides numerous life-saving health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol and regressing plaque buildup in the arteries. Therefore, it is now widely acknowledged as both preventative agent and treatment of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
3. Pomegranate
Similarly to garlic, pomegranate also regresses plaque buildup in the arteries. It was also found to work as alternative hormone therapy which reverses the symptoms associated with reversed ovaries.
4. Fermented Cabbage
Have you ever heard of Kimchi? This traditional Korean side dish is made of fermented cabbage and hot pepper has been found to show anti-atherosclerotic effect. Specifically, it was found to attenuate atherosclerotic process in animal model. In addition to this, kimchi has been shown to degrade toxins which may cause further damage.
5. L-Arginine
L-arginine, an amino acid, is able to prevent arterial thickening by up to 24 percent in the animal model.
According to an extensive review on over 30 studies done on arginine supplementation, this amino acid provides 150 health benefits, such as addressing underlying dysfunction associated with cardiovascular disease.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric`s active ingredient called curcumin shows potent cardioprotective proprrties and this fact is backed up by more than 30 studies. One study found that it prevented damage to the arteries linked to blockage.
7. Sesame Seed
Sesame seed is often undermined, despite its potent pain-relieving and cardioprotective properties. This is what makes it effective at preventing the progression of atherosclerosis and even preventing the formation of atherosclerosis lesion.
This is only a short list of the many substances capable of reducing the risk of heart disease and heart-related conditions.
Although the risk for atherosclerosis heavily depends on family history, our daily diet is has critical role, too. Besides the heart-healthy foods above, there are other lifestyle changes which significantly prevent or delay atherosclerosis, such as physical activity, giving up smoking, and weight control.
source: http://wisemindhealthybody.com/
