Arteries do the heavy lifting of bringing blood toward the heart and smaller blood vessels to nourish all of your cells and tissue. However, some medical conditions, bad lifestyles, or simply aging can harm your arteries and put you at risk of heart disease and even stroke. Are there any natural supplements that can help you? Yes, but with so many options, it becomes hard to decide which are beneficial and which ones you can pass on.
So let’s explore some natural supplements To Unclog Arteries in the light of real scientific evidence, so you can choose what is best for you.
1. Krill oil
Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans that can grow up to 2 inches long and serve as food for whales, fish, penguins, and seals. Like fish oil, krill oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids; even better, it contains vitamin A and many antioxidants. There is much to love about krill oil, for your heart’s sake. It helps reduce triglycerides and total cholesterol while lowering the danger of plaque accumulation in arteries.
Moreover, it might also help in raising HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels, also known as “good” cholesterol. In a randomized control study taking 1 to 3 grams of krill oil reduced the level of LDL or bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar while increasing the HDL cholesterol even more than fish oil. It is well known for its blood-thinning properties. So for those who take blood thinners, consult your physician before taking omega-3 supplements.
2. Vitamin K2
Vitamin K comes in two main forms: vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and vitamin K2 (menaquinone). While a diet rich in leafy greens can give a lot of vitamin K1, the body does not effectively absorb this nutrient. However, research has shown that vitamin K2, also known as MK-7, can be absorbed by the body and helps prevent the buildup of calcium deposits in arteries. It transfers calcium from the arteries to the bones where it belongs.
Additionally, vitamin K2 improves blood pressure and other indicators of artery health. According to a study published in the American Society of Hypertension, 60 kidney transplant patients with low vitamin K levels were examined. They discovered that taking supplements containing 360 mcg of K2 for eight weeks reduced the risk of dying from heart disease by 57 percent and improved blood pressure and arterial stiffness.
3. Aged Garlic Extract
Garlic has long been associated with cardiovascular health, and for a good reason. The oxidation of LDL cholesterol, formation of calcium deposits in arteries, blood pressure, and inflammation all could be prevented by this aromatic herb. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, a unique form of garlic called aged garlic extract can reduce non-calcified plaque in arteries.
This soft plaque is especially dangerous due to its instability and high risk of rupture. For making aged garlic extract, slices of garlic are soaked for up to 20 months in ethanol. After that, the extract is concentrated and filtered. This process increases the antioxidant potential of garlic. It transforms harsh and unstable organosulfur compounds into odorless, non-irritating, and bioavailable compounds responsible for many health benefits.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient we must regularly consume in our diet. It is abundant in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and salad greens. According to studies, people with gum disease are more likely to experience cardiac issues. The dangerous bacteria that cause gum bleeding may spread throughout the body, causing inflammation and damage to the walls of arteries.
That’s where vitamin C comes in. It strengthens the collagen in your arteries and maintains their flexibility and healthy blood flow to stop the spread of this dangerous bacteria. Since vitamin C is water-soluble, it is best to take its supplements on an empty stomach. Please take it in the morning for optimal absorption 30 minutes before eating.
5. Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is extracted from the primrose plant’s seeds. It contains a good kind of fat called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). Studies have shown that GLA can heal the lining of arteries by reducing inflammation while also carrying arterial plaque to the liver for removal. Another study shows that evening primrose oil increases “good” HDL cholesterol levels and decreases platelet aggregation in arteries.
There is no established dosage for EPO, and most dosage recommendations are based on what has been used in research. Talk to your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits of taking EPO and determine the best dosage for you. Start with the lowest possible dose to reduce your chance of side effects. If you start having unusual or persistent side effects, stop using the supplement and visit your doctor.
6. Coenzyme Q10
You have probably seen CoQ10 in the vitamin aisle. CoQ10, also known as coenzyme Q10, is one of the top-selling supplements worldwide. It is an enzyme that your body naturally produces in small amounts. Foods including sardines, liver, chicken, and broccoli contain higher quantities than other foods. Your body’s capacity to produce CoQ10 declines with age, which could reduce the good cholesterol. Supplements can help restore those levels.
If you have a heart-related condition, the powerful antioxidant properties of CoQ10 can be helpful. Nitric oxide is produced by healthy blood vessels to ensure proper blood flow and avoid artery constriction. However, free radicals inactivate the nitric oxide, preventing blood vessels from widening and reducing circulation. Studies show that CoQ10, with its strong antioxidant qualities, neutralizes these free radicals, improves the health of blood vessels, and promotes smooth blood flow.
7. Vitamin E
When LDL or bad cholesterol combines with oxygen, it forms free radicals, one of the leading causes of heart disease. The lining of the arteries gets damaged by the oxidized LDL, which eventually leads to the formation of lesions or “plaques.” According to studies, vitamin E protects against LDL oxidation and prevents its accumulation in artery walls.
Another study shows that people with metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions that includes high blood fat levels—can lower their LDL and triglyceride levels by taking vitamin E and omega-3 supplements.
Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of heart disease and other diseases by increasing blood cholesterol levels.
Also, keep in that that the doses of vitamin E found in supplements vary greatly, with some giving considerably more than a healthy person needs each day. Therefore, make sure to read the labels of vitamin supplements thoroughly. According to NIH, the current Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for supplementary vitamin E is 1,000 mg daily.
8. Quercetin
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid in antioxidant-rich foods like apples, green tea, and berries. Scientists found that quercetin stimulates reverse cholesterol transport, which removes cholesterol from the artery wall towards the liver for safe disposal. Quercetin has additional benefits for endothelial cells. The cells inside the blood vessels come in direct contact with the blood and control blood pressure and flow. Quercetin has been found to restore normal nitric oxide production in endothelial cells.
It relaxes the arteries and promotes normal blood flow. You can purchase quercetin as a nutritional supplement available online and in health food stores. There are several different forms of it, including capsules and powders. The usual daily doses are 500–1,000 mg. Because quercetin has a limited bioavailability, your body doesn’t readily absorb it. The supplements often include other compounds like vitamin C or digestive enzymes like bromelain to increase absorption.
9. Magnesium
Though this mineral is frequently present in various food sources, including nuts, seeds, legumes, and some fruits and vegetables, research indicates that up to 50 percent of adult Americans are magnesium deficient. It has been proven that magnesium and cardiovascular health are closely related.
It uses the same pathway as statins (medications) to prevent inflammation, blood clotting, and plaque formation in the arteries.
Magnesium supplementation has been shown to lower blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart disease, which could otherwise disrupt the blood flow and damage arteries.
Magnesium is abundant in food sources; therefore, consuming a balanced diet reduces the risk of developing a magnesium deficiency. However, for those with dietary sensitivities, allergies, or strong aversions who may not be getting many nutrients from their diet, taking a magnesium supplement is a sure way to avoid a deficiency.
10. Artichoke
Artichoke leaf extract benefits the arteries by reducing cholesterol. An extensive study involving more than 700 patients discovered that taking artichoke leaf extract supplements daily for five to thirteen weeks decreased both total and LDL cholesterol levels. Another study shows that taking artichoke leaf extract daily for six weeks reduced total and “bad” LDL cholesterol by 18 percent and 23 percent, respectively. In addition, an animal study found that frequent feeding of artichoke extract reduced “bad” LDL cholesterol by 30 percent and triglycerides by 22 percent.
What’s more, regularly consuming artichoke extract boosts good cholesterol levels. There are two main methods by which artichoke extract reduces cholesterol. First, luteolin, an antioxidant that reduces cholesterol production, is found in artichokes. Second, artichoke leaf extract helps your body break down cholesterol more effectively, which results in lower levels overall.
Supplements come in many forms, including tinctures, pills, and capsule forms of artichoke extract. The suggested dosage varies depending on the kind you take. Although there are no known negative effects, it is always best to speak with your doctor before introducing any supplements to your diet. Your cells and tissues must receive oxygen-rich blood, which depends on healthy arteries. When combined with heart-healthy habits.
Bottom Line
These supplements will protect your arteries from damage and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, before taking any supplements, see your doctor because some may interact with the medications you are already taking. Also, it is important to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. And remember that the FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way as medications. As a result, the quality of each brand or even each bottle can differ greatly.
