Welcome to another video!
In today's video, we're going to talk about the top 13 herbs and spices that may unclog
your arteries of cholesterol plaque, and help prevent heart attack and stroke.
First, do you know what causes clogged arteries, or atherosclerosis?
You may think it's "bad" LDL cholesterol, but did you know there's more than one type
of LDL cholesterol?
These include large buoyant, intermediate and small dense LDLs.
The type that is harmful to our health is small dense LDL cholesterol particles, as
they are more likely to lodge themselves in your arterial walls.
When that happens, the small dense LDL particles trigger an inflammatory response, which leads
to plaque buildup.
And the biggest culprit that increases the levels of small dense LDL?
A diet high in sugar, refined carbs and trans fats!
That's why, to avoid damage to your heart, it's important to pay attention to what you
eat!
Back to the herbs and spices that hold a special place in your kitchen.
These dietary ingredients can do a lot more than just add flavor to your foods!
In this video, we’ll be going over the best herbs and spices you can combine in heart-friendly
meals to cleanse your arteries and keep them healthy.
Make sure you watch until number 1, cause we have more than one surprise in store for
you!
So, if you’re ready, let’s get into it.
As always, this video is educational and does not construe medical advice, we are not doctors.
Number 13.
Parsley.
If you already eat parsley, don't stop!
Parsley is rich in vitamin C and B12 that can help your blood flow.
It also has nutrients that help protect you from heart conditions like atherosclerosis.
Parsley contains nitrates, which makes your blood vessels open up for more blood flow.
Parsley is also rich in folate, which has been found to lower the homocysteine levels
in your body that are commonly associated with higher risk of heart disease.
Number 12: Tarragon.
Tarragon is popular in French cooking and is known as the "king of herbs".
Studies have shown that it prevents blood clot formation, while also reducing plaque
buildup.
Adding this herb to your meals can help improve the blood total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglyceride,
and glucose levels, as well as lower the amount of atherosclerotic lesions in your arteries
and fat in your liver.
Number 11.
White Willow Bark.
Did you know that modern aspirin was originally derived from an extract found in the bark
of the willow tree?
This extract, whose main compound is salicin, has been used to relieve pain and inflammation
going back as far as 3000 BC.
Like aspirin, white willow bark acts as a blood thinner and helps prevent the formation
of blood clots in your arteries.
White willow bark may help lower your risk for a heart attack or stroke by improving
blood circulation.
Number 10.
Saffron.
People living in Spain, where saffron is eaten often, have lower rates of heart disease.
That’s why, when it comes to reducing inflammation and hardening of the arteries, saffron is
a must.
The active compound Crocetin found in saffron may help improve blood levels of lipids and
prevent atherosclerosis.
Saffron contains vitamins like thiamine and riboflavin, that strengthen the blood circulation
system, and has antioxidant properties that keep your blood vessels healthy.
From its cholesterol-lowering benefits to its anti-inflammatory properties, saffron
may be one of the best spices for a healthy heart.
Number 9.
Rosemary.
Another herb that’s good for your heart is rosemary.
It contains a natural compound called rosmarinic acid, which has been found to prevent the
progression of atherosclerotic plaque formation, due to its beneficial effects on lipid metabolism
and inflammation.
Rosemary is also rich in vitamins B and C, which act as antioxidants and help reduce
oxidative stress and blood clots.
Number 8.
Hawthorn.
Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers have been used traditionally to treat heart problems
including irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, hardening of the arteries,
and heart failure.
One reason why it is so good for your heart is because it has oligomeric procyanidins,
which may widen blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Other antioxidants found in hawthorn include quercetin and flavonoids.
Studies have found that hawthorn lowers blood pressure, which helps protect your arteries,
and reduce the risk of plaque buildup.
Number 7.
Ginger.
We often forget how useful ginger truly is, when it comes to keeping your heart healthy.
Ginger is a vasodilator, which means that it helps your blood vessels to open up, so
more blood can pass through them.
Ginger has many bioactive molecules and antioxidants that help protect the heart from attacks and
atherosclerosis.
Many studies have shown that adding ginger to your diet is helpful in preventing plaque
from forming in your arteries.
Number 6.
Ginseng.
Ginseng is a natural blood thinner.
Studies have shown that this herb can reduce the risk of heart attack, and other heart
conditions by reducing artery stiffness and unclogging heart arteries.
Ginseng improves your cholesterol, thins your blood, prevents platelet adhesion in heart
arteries, and acts as a natural vasodilator.
Number 5.
Black Pepper.
Black pepper has antioxidants that cleanse your arteries and improve blood circulation
by decreasing triglycerides and LDL.
Studies show a compound called piperine found in black pepper, can help atherosclerosis
by inhibiting the adhesion of cells that contribute to clogged arteries.
Number 4.
Garlic.
Your heart loves garlic!
Garlic is rich in allicin, which is a compound that may help reduce plaque buildup in arteries.
Additional studies have also found that garlic can help slow down the hardening of arteries
in patients with coronary artery disease.
Number 3.
Cinnamon.
Third on our list is Cinnamon, a spice with heart healthy benefits.
Cinnamon contains the active compound cinnamaldehyde, which helps prevent blood clots.
One study found that eating cinnamon daily can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol and
triglycerides levels.
Number 2.
Turmeric.
This video would be incomplete without mentioning turmeric.
Turmeric is loaded with curcumin which prevents your arteries from hardening and developing
fatty deposits.
Adding turmeric to your diet helps reduce inflammation and damage to your arterial walls,
which is the leading cause of plaque buildup and blood clots.
Number 1.
Chili Peppers.
Not many people know this, but chili peppers are great for your heart and arteries.
The health benefits of chili peppers come from capsaicin, the same compound that makes
them so spicy.
Many studies have found that capsaicin can help prevent the formation of blood clots,
lower blood pressure and reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol.
In addition, capsaicin has also been found to block a gene that makes arteries contract,
which can lead to dangerous blockages of blood flow.
There you have it!
The top 13 herbs and spices that unclog your arteries and may prevent heart attack and
stroke.
Please be sure to consult your doctor, if you plan to take any of these herbs and spices
along with your medications.
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And now over to you: Which herbs or spices do you regularly add to your foods?
Let us know in the comments.
We'd love to hear from you!
And be sure to check out our other videos!