2. Pomegranates
While not everyone is a fan of the pomegranate’s slightly acidic, yet wonderfully sweet taste, this fruit is masterful at removing plaque buildup according to many studies. Rich in polyphenols including tannins and anthocyanins, drinking pomegranate juice is even shown in one study to reduce arterial plaque by as much as 30 percent.
(Polyphenols are micronutrients from plant-based foods that are packed with antioxidants and potential health benefits.)
It also lowers blood pressure and increases total antioxidant status (TAS) by 130 percent (7). Another study published in the American Journal of Cardiology shows it can slow the oxidation that causes plaque buildup (8).
3. Fermented Cabbage
There is no doubt fermented foods are good for you. They contain numerous probiotics that promote a healthy gut; something researchers agree goes a long way to overall health.
When it comes to heart health and atherosclerosis, kimchi, a traditional Korean dish made with fermented cabbage, is the perfect food to help show arterial plaque buildup.
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that kimchi is actually better than Simvastatin, a popular statin also marketed as Zocor, for preventing plaque buildup and lowering LDL cholesterol (9).
Kimchi’s high probiotic count also help to destroy any harmful toxins and chemicals in your gut.
These truly amazing friendly bacteria are shown in countless studies to prevent and treat the symptoms of over 200 different diseases (10).
4. Sesame Seeds
The tiny seed has a distinctive taste and is chockfull of vitamins and minerals, including copper and manganese, as well as a healthy dose of iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B1, zinc, molybdenum, selenium, and even fiber.
The heart healthy properties of sesame come from two amazing substances called sesamin and sesamolin (11). Known as lignans, they also have some potent cholesterol-lowering properties that can further help to prevent high blood pressure and even increase vitamin E supplies.
A 2006 study published in The Yale Journal of Biological Medicine reveals that ingesting sesame seeds oil every day for 45 days can naturally lower your blood pressure (12). Another study further found sesame oil can prevent atherosclerosis (13). Other studies show sesamin can also protect your liver from oxidative damage (14).
Remarkably, studies even show this little seed is more effective than Tylenol for knee pain caused by arthritis (15). Not bad for a little seed!