Adding nutrient-rich superfoods to your diet may offer important health benefits (Image: Getty)
A health expert has highlighted one food he says may help support clearer arteries and could be more effective than aspirin in certain respects. Arterial blockages can contribute to serious conditions, including heart attacks and strokes, making cardiovascular health an important priority.
When arteries become narrowed or clogged, blood flow can be restricted. Clearer arteries allow blood to transport oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to the body’s vital organs, while reducing the risk of heart disease and related complications. A balanced, heart-healthy diet is central to helping protect the cardiovascular system.
Dr Eric Berg, DC, a ketosis specialist and health educator whose YouTube channel has 13.5 million subscribers, has drawn attention to one food that may help support healthy blood flow and artery function.
Anyone concerned about their cholesterol should speak to their GP, according to NHS advice (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 a video titled “#1 Best Food to Unclog Arteries”, which carried the thumbnail claim “Better than aspirin”, Dr Berg said he was explaining “the number one best food in the world” for helping to unclog arteries and reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
He described the food as a natural way to support artery health, without the adverse effects associated with some medications.
What does Dr Berg say?
Dr Berg points to eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, as a potentially beneficial omega-3 fatty acid. EPA can lower triglyceride levels — a type of fat carried in the blood — and high triglycerides are linked with an increased risk of heart disease.
EPA may also help reduce non-HDL cholesterol, a category that includes LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, along with other potentially harmful 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,” Dr Berg said.
He added: “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.”
Salmon, mackerel and other oily fish, as well as fish oil, are among the foods Dr Berg identifies as sources of EPA. However, he believes one option may be even better. “Cod liver oil or cod liver is the best food to unclog your arteries naturally,” he said.
The British Heart Foundation lists oily fish, including salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and anchovies, as excellent sources of EPA. Cod liver oil, oysters and some white fish and shellfish also contain the omega-3 fatty acid.
For people following a plant-based diet, flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts provide alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. The body can convert ALA into EPA, although this process is less efficient than obtaining EPA directly from fish.
Dr Berg said: “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.”
Anyone considering fish oil or cod liver oil supplements should first consult a healthcare professional. Medical advice is particularly important for people with existing health conditions or those taking medication, as supplements may not be suitable for everyone.
Can aspirin aid in unclogging arteries?
Aspirin may be used to lower the risk associated with narrowed arteries, but it does not remove the blockage itself. As an antiplatelet medicine, it helps prevent blood clots from forming in restricted arteries — clots that could trigger a heart attack or stroke.
The medicine does not dissolve the plaque responsible for arterial narrowing. Instead, aspirin is used to help reduce the likelihood of serious complications caused by existing blockages.
Doctors may prescribe aspirin to people with established heart disease or those considered at high risk of a heart attack or stroke, including some patients following procedures such as angioplasty. However, it is not appropriate for everyone, particularly people with no history of heart disease or those who face a higher 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)
