What is Atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries that is caused by deposits of fat, cholesterol, and other substances on the walls of the arteries. This buildup of plaque can lead to serious medical problems, including heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
What foods reduce atherosclerosis?
Eating a healthy diet is an important part of reducing your risk of atherosclerosis. There are several foods that can help reduce the buildup of plaque in your arteries. These include:
• Foods high in fiber, such as oatmeal, fruits, and vegetables.
• Foods low in saturated fat and trans fat, such as lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts, and seeds.
• Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, herring, and other cold-water fish.
• Foods high in antioxidants, such as dark chocolate, berries, and green tea.
• Foods low in sodium, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Foods high in magnesium, such as whole grains and legumes.
Eating a diet rich in these foods can help reduce your risk of developing atherosclerosis. It's also important to limit foods high in cholesterol and saturated fat, such as red meat and processed foods.