Healthy Beat

Each year over 600,000 Americans die of heart disease. More than $109 billion is spent annually on health care services, productivity loss and pharmaceuticals related to heart disease.

Arteries are the highways of the human body that transport oxygen from the heart to  every other part of the body. This highway, like any highway, works best when it is not jammed up. The best way to keep this from happening is by watching your diet. Like all other lifestyle-induced conditions, heart disease can be averted by making healthy choices.

Rather than turn to pharmaceuticals, consider some of these artery unclogging foods first. This way you avoid the side effects of harsh drugs and provide the body with vital minerals and nutrients at the same time.

Organic Asparagus

Organic chemist and author Shane Ellison wrote a book called Over-The-Counter Natural Cures, and in it states that asparagus relieves pressure in the body’s 100,000 miles of veins and arteries and keeps blood clots at bay.

Turmeric

Hardening of the arteries, or arteriosclerosis, is caused by inflammation. Just a little bit of the Eastern spice turmeric helps to reduce this inflammation. A 2009 study demonstrated that the curcumin in turmeric reduces fat deposits in the arteries by more than 25%.

Organic Cranberries

There is mounting evidence supporting the fact that cranberries, rich in potassium, help to lower harmful cholesterol (LDL) in the body and raise good cholesterol (HDL). Data states that consumption of this holiday favorite can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 40%.

Spirulina

Spirulina is known as a superfood that help artery walls relax while normalizing blood pressure. This blue-green algae can be found in supplement or powder form, which makes it easy to add to smoothies or other foods. A daily dose of 4,500mg will decrease LDL cholesterol by 10% and raises HDL cholesterol by 15%, according to a new study.

Organic Watermelon

Watermelon has a reputation of being a perfect snack food. A study conducted at Florida State University discovered that people who took a 4,000mg supplement of the amino acid (L-citrulline) found in watermelon had a reduction in blood pressure, in as little as six weeks. The research notes that this amino acid helps your body produce nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels.

Cinnamon

A dash of cinnamon in your morning coffee is enough to reduce fats in the blood and keep plaque from building up. Cinnamon also reduces bad cholesterol by over 25% and boosts metabolism.

Organic Pomegranate

Antioxidants such as those contained in organic pomegranates protect the inside walls of the arteries from damage. According to the National Academy of Sciences, drinking natural pomegranate juice encourages the body to produce nitric oxide, which keeps the arterial highway open and flowing.

Other Tips

In addition to consuming a healthy diet, incorporate the following into your life:

• Don’t smoke
• Exercise at least 3 hours per week
• Keep within a healthy weight range
• Manage stress
• Keep company with healthy people who will encourage you to stay healthy