Atherosclerosis sets in when cholesterol and fat build up in the blood to such an extent that they get deposited on the walls of the arteries. This process actually starts from when a person a child and ends up becoming a problem when the child turns into an adult and reaches the age of 50 or 60 years. The cholesterol and fat turn into plaque and make the channels of the arteries smaller. Sometimes, the build up is so great that the entire artery can get blocked. When this happens, it ends up cutting blood supply to the heart or brain leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Besides unhealthy eating habits, smoking, stress, obesity and sedentary lifestyle can also lead to atherosclerosis. Usually this is a hereditary condition. In other words, if there is a family history of the condition, the chances are high that you too can get the condition. Also, men are more prone to the condition than women.
However, you can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by eating sensibly. You should make an effort to eat food that is low in saturated fats. Fish is one such food that can help you combat atherosclerosis. Fish that contain polyunsaturated fats and Omega 3 fatty acids should be consumed. These include tuna, salmon and mackerel. In fact, you can eat any fatty fish to help you fight this condition. You should try and have at least two fish meals each week.
The Omega 3 helps to remove fats and triglycerides that build up in the arteries. Also, the acid helps to avoid clumping of blood platelets. This ensures that the blood flows smoothly without taking on a sticky texture. Also, Omega 3 fatty acids help to lower blood pressure. Besides fatty fish, other sources of Omega 3 fatty acids include wheat germ, green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach and flaxseed.
Another thing that you should try to incorporate in your food is garlic. It contains a compound known as ajoene, which keeps the blood from clotting and forming clumps. It also lowers the bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
Antioxidants should be part of your daily diet plan. These help to prevent the free radicals from oxidizing the bad cholesterol. Once LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, gets oxidized, it immediately attaches itself to the walls of the arteries. Therefore, you should eat food that contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta carotene which are all antioxidants. Concentrate on eating peppers, strawberries, oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, mangoes, collard beans, wheat germ, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils to get your daily dose of antioxidants.