Foods That Clog Arteries

As much as possible, we should avoid the intake of harmful fats that can clog our arteries, and opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Some foods clog the arteries when we eat them excessively and constantly. Although the clogging of the arteries can result from the accumulation of various factors, it seems that the diet plays an important role here. Do you want to know them? Read on if this is the case.

Why are the arteries blocked?

N e are in the presence of a disease known as atherosclerosis name the hen arteries s’ o bstru ent . According to a publication from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, this is a health problem that develops specifically in the blood vessels.

There are different risk factors that increase the chances of suffering from heart problems due to blocked arteries. For example, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity.

However, there are also other triggers related to our habits:

• To smoke
• To drink alcohol
• Do not exercise
• Eat fatty foods

Gradually, fat (or plaque) accumulates on the artery walls, narrowing them and making them more rigid. When this happens, the blood flow cannot travel properly.

Clogged arteries often have no symptoms (as with cholesterol). So we realize the problem when a cardiovascular crisis occurs.

It is therefore very important to eat a balanced diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables, to avoid processed foods and to exercise regularly.

What foods to avoid for healthier arteries?

Diet is a fundamental pillar of our well-being. So we should maintain a healthy diet, according to our needs.

According to research published in the  Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics ,  certain foods, especially of animal origin, could cause arterial blockage. On the contrary, foods such as vegetables would be beneficial.

So what foods clog arteries? It is important to know which foods can be harmful so that you can take care of your health. We will detail them below.

Also discover: 6 great benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables every day

Meats

Meat is a staple food that provides significant amounts of protein, iron, zinc, and other nutrients. Too much, especially if it is red meats, can nevertheless lead to higher levels of bad cholesterol. 

On the other hand, as research shows, processed meat products, such as sausage or cold cuts, bacon or bologna, not only contain a high dose of saturated fat, but also added salt.

Consuming these products more than twice a week therefore contributes to the development of heart disease.

Poultry skin

Research published in  Food and Nutrition Research  argues that consuming poultry is one way to improve the quality of the diet. It is nevertheless advisable to consume the lean parts, such as the breast, should be consumed.

Those who are used to eating chicken or turkey skin, especially fried, are at greater risk of atherosclerosis. Although there is no evidence to prove this fact as such,  some studies link fried foods and foods high in fat with cardiovascular difficulties.

Trans fats

Most of the foods we eat daily contain trans fats or partially hydrogenated fatty acids. They are one of the main culprits of clogged arteries and cardiovascular disease, study supports  published in the  Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences .

• We find them primarily in processed foods, margarine, baked goods, and icings.

When shopping, we recommend that you take a look at the label to find out what hydrogenated oils have been used for that particular product.

Oils and salty snacks

Most of the oils used in cooking (corn, sunflower, etc.) are high in saturated fat. They therefore do not benefit our cardiovascular health.

We also use this type of oil to prepare the typical snacks we eat during an aperitif (French fries, peanuts, etc.). For cooking, we also recommend using oils that contain unsaturated fats, such as olive oil or rapeseed oil.

Junk food

In this section we can name the pizzas and burgers, but there are also many other examples. Research published in  Health Promotion Perspectives further pointed out that in addition to increasing cardiovascular risks, they also cause obesity.

These foods have a lot of fat and cholesterol. Also, in many cases, they contain chemical and artificial ingredients to make them more palatable and increase their business performance.

Foods that clog arteries also harm the rest of the body

The foods that clog the arteries are the same foods associated with other metabolic problems, such as obesity and diabetes. It is important to always moderate your consumption and choose to eat fresh and healthy foods every day.

If in doubt, consult your nutritionist. The professional will be able to explain to you how you can develop a good diet, depending on your needs and goals.