Adding superfoods to your diet can have major health benefits (Image: Getty)
A health expert has identified a specific superfood that he claims clears arteries “better than aspirin”. Blockages in your arteries can lead to strokes, heart attacks or other health issues – it’s crucial to keep them clear for your health.
Clogged arteries restrict blood flow. When arteries are unobstructed, blood circulates more efficiently, delivering oxygen and nutrients to vital organs and reducing the risk of various health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related complications. Maintaining a healthy diet is key to overall heart health.
Now, Dr Eric Berg, DC, a ketosis specialist and renowned health educator with 13.5 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, has shared the benefits of one food to help keep arteries free-flowing.
For anyone worried about their cholesterol, the NHS advises seeing your GP (Image: Getty)
The main causes of arterial blockages include:
An abundance of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) can lead to worrying plaque formation in our arteries.Elevated blood pressure, notorious for its damaging effects on arterial walls, creates fertile ground for further plaque buildup.Smoking pushes toxins into the bloodstream, injuring artery walls and fuelling inflammation, which, in turn, encourages plaque to form.Diabetes’s impact on blood vessel health is profound, with high sugar levels increasing the danger of plaque accumulation.Obesity adds fuel to the fire, sparking high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes—all of which contribute to the menace of clogged arteries.A sedentary lifestyle can trigger a cascade of issues, including weight gain and elevated cholesterol and blood pressure, all of which are enemy agents in the fight for arterial health.If your immediate family members have been diagnosed with heart disease, you may be at a higher risk.As you age, the probability of developing atherosclerosis increases.Persistent stress can trigger inflammation, which can exacerbate plaque accumulation.
In his video titled: “#1 Best Food to Unclog Arteries”, accompanied by a thumbnail proclaiming: “Better than aspirin”, Dr Berg told viewers: “Find out about the number one best food in the world to help unclog arteries and prevent a heart attack or a stroke.”
He highlights that one superfood is a natural artery cleaner without adverse effects.
What does Dr Berg say?
Dr Berg recommends eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, as a natural alternative. EPA is recognised for its ability to reduce triglyceride levels, a type of fat found in the blood. High triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease.
EPA can help decrease non-HDL cholesterol, which includes LDL (the harmful kind) and other detrimental cholesterol particles.
“EPA helps prevent blocked arteries by making your platelets less sticky. Research has shown that EPA can thin the blood comparably to low-dose Aspirin,” says Dr Berg.
“EPA can stabilise vulnerable arterial plaques by decreasing inflammation. A 2019 study found that individuals who consumed EPA saw a significant reduction in plaque, decreased inflammation, and fewer cardiovascular events. It can also positively influence your mood by reducing cortisol and adrenaline.”
Dr Berg cites salmon, mackerel, fatty fish, and fish oil as some of the best sources of EPA. However, he suggests there’s an even superior source. “Cod liver oil or cod liver is the best food to unclog your arteries naturally,” he said.
The British Heart Foundation highlights oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and anchovies as excellent sources of EPA. Cod liver oil, oysters, and certain white fish and shellfish also contain EPA.
Plant-based alternatives like flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts provide ALA, which the body can convert into EPA, albeit not as efficiently as obtaining EPA directly from fish.
Dr Berg adds: “Along with EPA, cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D. The active form of vitamin A, retinol, aids in repairing the body’s internal tissues. It’s also a potent anti-inflammatory and can help decrease atherosclerotic plaque.”
Consulting your healthcare provider before starting fish oil supplements is critical to confirm their safety and appropriateness for you, particularly if you have any health complications or are under medication.
Can aspirin aid in unclogging arteries?
Aspirin can help with clogged arteries, but it doesn’t directly treat the blockage. It’s an antiplatelet medication that prevents blood clots from forming in narrowed arteries, which could lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Aspirin doesn’t eliminate the plaque causing the blockages. Instead, it helps manage the risk of complications resulting from these blockages.
Doctors often recommend aspirin for people who already have heart disease or are at high risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, particularly after undergoing procedures like angioplasty. Aspirin isn’t suitable for everyone, especially those without a history of heart disease or those at an increased risk of bleeding.
It’s crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional before starting aspirin therapy, as it can cause side effects such as stomach bleeding.
Cod liver oil is one of Dr Berg’s top picks (Image: Getty)