Plaque is a hard substance that forms and grows
inside arteries, causing blood vessels to become clogged and hardened.
Arterial plaque formation often leads to heart attacks and strokes by
slowly cutting off the blood supply to vital organs. Blood clots formed
by "sticky" platelets and soft plaque that breaks free of the artery
walls can block blood flow and cause death. Arteriosclerosis is a
disease that involves plaque buildup in the arteries and is also
commonly called "hardening of the arteries." Plaque is formed by fat,
cholesterol, calcium and other substances in the blood.
Garlic
Garlic can prevent and treat plaque buildup in the
arteries. It is typically taken in capsules, but fresh garlic is also
effective. Clinical trials have found that consuming fresh garlic or
garlic supplements can "lower cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots
and destroy plaque," says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Garlic might be most beneficial to women in preventing and treating atherosclerosis, according to studies cited by the University of Michigan Health System. Both the main active component of garlic called allicin and the constituent ajoene are responsible for preventing blood clots by reducing the "stickiness" of blood platelets, the University of Michigan points out. Also, taking aged garlic extract instead of raw garlic might prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol, or "bad cholesterol," which can prevent the development of atherosclerosis and plaque buildup in arteries, the University of Michigan says. The University of Maryland recommends taking 900 mg per day of garlic powder supplements that are standardized to contain 0.6 percent allicin.
Garlic might be most beneficial to women in preventing and treating atherosclerosis, according to studies cited by the University of Michigan Health System. Both the main active component of garlic called allicin and the constituent ajoene are responsible for preventing blood clots by reducing the "stickiness" of blood platelets, the University of Michigan points out. Also, taking aged garlic extract instead of raw garlic might prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol, or "bad cholesterol," which can prevent the development of atherosclerosis and plaque buildup in arteries, the University of Michigan says. The University of Maryland recommends taking 900 mg per day of garlic powder supplements that are standardized to contain 0.6 percent allicin.
Psyllium
Taking psyllium, an herb composed mostly of a type
of soluble fiber, can also help to lower cholesterol, a key cause of
plaque growth in arteries. Multiple double-blind clinical trials have
found that psyllium can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the
blood, says the University of Michigan Health System. Taking 10 to 30 g
of psyllium daily, divided into separate doses taken 30 minutes to one
hour after meals, can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels,
notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Guggul
Although scientific studies have found "mixed
results," taking 3 to 6 g of guggul per day might help to lower high
cholesterol levels, thus reducing plaque buildup in the arteries, says
the University of Maryland Medical Center. The University of Maryland
notes, however, that guggul has been most effective at lowering
cholesterol in populations of people who eat traditionally low-fat diets
and not so much in Western-style diets that are high in fat. Evidence
from double-blind clinical trials suggest that taking guggul can
"significantly improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels in people,"
says the University of Michigan Health System.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn has been used in traditional medicine to
treat cardiovascular disease. Taking 160 to 1,800 mg per day, divided
into two or three doses, can help prevent plaque formation in arteries,
lower high cholesterol and lower high blood pressure, says the
University of Maryland Medical Center. The polyphenols called rutin and
quercetin contained in hawthorn have antioxidant properties that can
improve cardiovascular health and stop plaque buildup, according to
animal and test tube studies cited by the University of Maryland.
Hawthorn also helps regulate the heartbeat, dilate blood vessels and
decrease peripheral vascular resistance, says the Herb Growing &
Marketing Network. Hawthorn is found in most herbal remedies for
treating hardening of the arteries, angina and heart weakness, the
Network notes.
Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed historically has been used to
treat hardening of the arteries or the disease's associated symptoms.
This herb might improve symptoms and electrocardiogram findings in
people with hardening of the arteries, according to studies cited by the
University of Michigan Health System.
Turmeric
The active compound in turmeric---curcumin---can
prevent blood platelet coagulation and help rid arteries of plaque
formation, according to animal and preliminary human studies cited by
the University of Michigan Health System. In traditional Chinese
medicine, turmeric has been used to invigorate the blood, says the Herb
Growing & Marketing Network. Turmeric's strong antioxidant actions
can protect LDL cholesterol from being oxidized, thus lowering blood
cholesterol and preventing plaque buildup.
Ginger
Taking 10 g, or 1 heaping tsp., or more of ginger
root per day can reduce platelet stickiness and help clear arteries of
plaque, says the University of Michigan Health System. Taking either dry
ginger or fresh ginger can affect blood platelets, but the dosage must
be at least this much. Ginger contains more than 12 antioxidants and can
help reduce serum cholesterol levels, improve circulation and lower the
risk of blood clots, says the Herb Growing & Marketing Network.
Bilberry
Like turmeric, bilberry can also prevent blood
platelet aggregation, which causes clots and plaque formation, says the
University of Michigan Health System. Studies have shown that bilberry
can affect heart contractions and blood vessels as well as prevent blood
clots, the Herb Growing & Marketing Network says.
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