Reduce Plaque Buildup: Plaque buildup in the arteries, consisting of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances, can lead to atherosclerosis. Eating foods that support arterial health can help prevent or reduce the accumulation of plaque, which in turn lowers the risk of blocked or narrowed arteries.
Lower LDL Cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. A diet rich in heart-healthy foods can help lower LDL cholesterol levels, which is essential for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events.
Increase HDL Cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries and transport it to the liver for excretion. Eating certain foods can raise HDL cholesterol levels, promoting a healthier cholesterol balance.
Improve Blood Vessel Function: Certain nutrients found in healthy foods, such as antioxidants and nitric oxide, can improve blood vessel function by reducing inflammation, promoting vasodilation (relaxation of blood vessels), and enhancing endothelial health.
Lower Blood Pressure: A heart-healthy diet can help regulate blood pressure, reducing strain on the arteries and lowering the risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure), a major risk factor for heart disease.
Plaque is a buildup of substances that can form within the walls of arteries. It is a significant factor in the development of heart disease, specifically a condition known as atherosclerosis. Plaque is composed of various components, including:
The presence of plaque narrows and stiffens the arteries, reducing blood flow and making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.
Most of the time calcium is a result of biofilms. Biofilms are a colony of microbes that build calcium "shells" to protect themselves. So if you see plaque in the arteries there may be microbes beneath.
Biofilms tend to accumulate on roughen edges, so what causes them to become stuck in your arteries and on the walls? Some form of lesion or oxidation / damage from:
and many other things...
When you see this plaquing occur you're also going to see a very specific kind of LDL that is a small, dense particle size which is correlated to a high sugar / high carb diet.
Vitamin K2: One of the controlling vitamins with Calcium is Vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 drives the Calcium into the bone. Without enough K2, Calcium tends to develop in a lot of the soft tissue in the body.
Vitamin C: Bacterial Translocation is where bacteria is moving through the wall because there's an increase in "leakiness" or permeability. A lot of the time this leakiness comes from a vitamin C deficiency.
Vitamin E: Helps prevent lesions on the inside of the artery wall (called endothelium tissue). If you are deficient in Vitamin E you can get a lot of oxidation and inflammation. It's also important in the heart muscle itself, keeping the oxygen levels high and helps prevent heart attacks.
It is also important to keep your Omega 6 fatty acids very low and keep your Omega 3 acids very high.
A great meal that would cover all of the necessary vitamins required to slow down or prevent plaque would be an Arugula salad with the following ingredients:
[2:20] The best way to prevent, slow down or reverse plaquing in the arteries:
[5:13] The best foods for blocked arteries: