5 Common Foods That Clog Arteries

Clogged arteries or atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque in arteries. Plaque is a mixture of fibrous and fatty accumulation that can narrow your arteries. Clogged arteries restrict the movement of oxygen and blood throughout your body. Certain foods, especially those that elevate your blood sugar or have a lot of bad cholesterol, can increase your risk of clogged arteries.

Read More: 10 Heart Healthy Foods That Aren't

Clogged arteries can be dangerous. If you have clogged arteries, you may experience pain in your limbs or poor circulation. Clogged arteries can lead to conditions like heart attacks, heart disease, peripheral artery disease and stroke. Even though they're best known for negatively affecting the health of your heart, clogged arteries can occur anywhere in your body.

Clogged arteries are thought to be caused by various factors, including high blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. Certain foods can increase your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol and consequently also lead to clogged arteries. Other factors, like whether you exercise and smoke, can also increase your likelihood of having clogged arteries.

Read More: The Effect of Diet on the Circulatory System

Foods that clog arteries are typically high in saturated fats and cholesterol. They may also contain a lot of sugar and simple carbohydrates, like white bread. Usually, it's not just one type of food but the combination that negatively affects artery and heart health.

According to an interview with Time Magazine, Hofstra University and St. John Episcopal Hospital cardiologist Dr. Regina Druz says that "saturated fats from animals, especially when combined with carbohydrates, appear to have a deleterious effect on heart health."

Previously, foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol were thought to be the primary culprits behind clogged arteries. A 2017 editorial in the British Journal of Sports Medicine discusses how other foods, like carbohydrates and sugar, can also contribute to clogged arteries. Some examples of these foods include:

• Fast-food products, like french fries, fried chicken and pizza. You should consume these in moderation. Also, try healthier variations like baked sweet potato fries instead of deep-fried french fries.

• Refined grain products, like cereals, bread, pasta and pastries. You can opt for healthier whole-grain versions of the same products instead.

• Saturated fats are the main type of fat that clogs arteries. However, not all saturated fats are the same. Saturated fats from meat are more likely to cause cardiovascular disease than those from dairy products, for instance. Lean meats and low-fat dairy products can be the best versions of these products to consume. Always try to use olive oil and other healthy fats instead of butter when possible.

• Sugary foods, like candy, soft drinks, sweetened juices and cookies. Even certain breakfast products, like sugary cereals, can be harmful in excess. Instead, try to eat more natural sugars, like those found in mangoes or pineapple.

• Too many eggs. Eggs are healthy foods but should be eaten in moderation. The American Heart Association recommends one egg per day as part of a healthy diet. Much more than one egg per day could be harmful to your heart's health.

Most people can eat these foods in moderation; it's too much of them that can contribute to clogged arteries. If you're worried about your heart health or clogged arteries, make sure that you're a healthy weight and try to exercise every day. You can also try certain diets, like the Mediterranean diet, which are known to improve heart health.

Read More: The 14 Best Foods for Your Heart