The superfood has been shown to work well at keeping arteries clear, similarly to aspirin (Image: Getty)
A health expert has identified a specific superfood that he claims clears arteries “better than aspirin”. Dr Eric Berg DC, a ketosis specialist and renowned health educator with 13.5 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, has shared the benefits of this ‘number one’ food.
Maintaining clear and healthy arteries is crucial. Clogged arteries restrict blood flow. When arteries are unobstructed, blood circulates more efficiently, delivering oxygen and nutrients to vital organs and reducing the risk of various health problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related complications.
Atherosclerosis is a condition characterised by an excessive buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to complete blockage. If this occurs in the coronary arteries, it can trigger a heart attack, while blockage in the brain’s arteries can cause a stroke.
The substance accumulating in blocked arteries is referred to as atheroma or plaque. It primarily consists of surplus ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), fatty substances, cellular waste, calcium, and fibrin (a clotting aid), reports Surrey Live. This accumulation occurs within the artery walls and can cause them to narrow or obstruct blood flow.
Approximately 40% of heart attacks occur between 6am and noon. This period is inherently riskier due to a surge in cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase blood clotting. It’s the body’s natural morning changes like higher blood pressure and heart rate, coupled with an enhanced chance of clotting, that amplify the threat.
In his video titled: “#1 Best Food to Unclog Arteries”, accompanied by a thumbnail proclaiming: “Better than aspirin”, Dr Berg told viewers: “Find out about the number one best food in the world to help unclog arteries and prevent a heart attack or a stroke.”
He highlights that the one superfood is a natural artery cleaner without adverse effects.
The main causes of arterial blockages include:
- An abundance of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) can lead to worrying plaque formation in our arteries.
- Elevated blood pressure, notorious for its damaging effect on artery walls, creates a fertile ground for further plaque buildup.
- Smoking pushes toxins into the bloodstream, injuring artery walls and fuelling inflammation, which, in turn, encourages plaque to form.
- Diabetes’ impact on blood vessel health is profound, with high sugar levels increasing the danger of plaque accumulation.
- Obesity adds fuel to the fire, sparking high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes—all of which contribute to the menace of clogged arteries.
- A sedentary lifestyle can trigger a cascade of issues, including weight gain and increased cholesterol and blood pressure, all enemy agents in the fight against arterial health.
- If your immediate family members have been diagnosed with heart disease, you may be at a higher risk.
- As you age, the probability of developing atherosclerosis increases.
- Persistent stress can trigger inflammation, which can exacerbate plaque accumulation.
Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that helps prevent blood clots (Image: Getty)
Can aspirin aid in unclogging arteries?
Aspirin can help with clogged arteries, but it doesn’t directly treat the blockage. It’s an antiplatelet medication that prevents blood clots from forming in narrowed arteries, which could lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Aspirin doesn’t eliminate the plaque causing the blockages. Instead, it helps manage the risk of complications resulting from these blockages. Doctors often recommend aspirin for people who already have heart disease or are at high risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, particularly after undergoing procedures like angioplasty.
However, aspirin isn’t suitable for everyone, especially those without a history of heart disease or those at an increased risk of bleeding. It’s crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional before starting aspirin therapy, as it can cause side effects such as stomach bleeding.
What does Dr Berg say?
While aspirin is known to prevent heart attacks by thinning the blood and reducing clot formation, it does have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Dr Berg recommends eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, as a natural alternative that doesn’t carry the same negative impacts.
EPA not only suppresses atherosclerotic development but also stabilises atherosclerotic plaque (Image: Getty)
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EPA is recognised for its ability to reduce triglyceride levels, a type of fat found in the blood. High triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease. EPA can help decrease non-HDL cholesterol, which includes LDL (the harmful kind) and other detrimental cholesterol particles.
“EPA helps prevent blocked arteries by making your platelets less sticky. Research has shown that EPA can thin the blood comparably to low-dose Aspirin,” says Dr Berg.
“EPA can stabilise vulnerable arterial plaques by decreasing inflammation. A 2019 study found that individuals who consumed EPA saw a significant reduction in plaque, decreased inflammation, and fewer cardiovascular events. It can also positively influence your mood by reducing cortisol and adrenaline.”
Dr Berg cites salmon, mackerel, fatty fish, and fish oil as some of the best sources of EPA. However, he suggests there’s an even superior source. “Cod liver oil or cod liver is the best food to unclog your arteries naturally,” he said.
The British Heart Foundation highlights oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, and anchovies as excellent sources of EPA. Cod liver oil, oysters, and certain white fish and shellfish also contain EPA.
Plant-based alternatives like flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts provide ALA, which the body can convert into EPA, albeit not as efficiently as obtaining EPA directly from fish.
Blocked arteries put you at high risk of various medical conditions (Image: Getty)
Dr Berg adds: “Along with EPA, cod liver oil contains vitamins A and D. The active form of vitamin A, retinol, aids in repairing the body’s internal tissues. It’s also a potent anti-inflammatory and can help decrease atherosclerotic plaque.”
A 2015 animal study titled: “Aspirin enhances protective effect of fish oil against thrombosis and injury‐induced vascular remodelling,” notes: “Although aspirin is commonly used to prevent ischaemic events in patients with coronary artery disease, many patients fail to respond to aspirin treatment.
“Dietary fish oil (FO), containing ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), has anti‐inflammatory and cardio‐protective properties, such as lowering cholesterol and modulating platelet activity.”
Another study concludes that EPA can be more beneficial, stating: “EPA+DHA has more pronounced down-regulatory effects on inflammation and angiogenesis than aspirin.”
While recent studies indicate optimistic outcomes, the efficacy of omega 3 has garnered varying results, thereby necessitating more research. Some authorities argue that omega 3 hasn’t yet matched aspirin’s effectiveness, and they caution against discontinuing aspirin without the go-ahead from your cardiologist or alternate recommendations.
Dr Berg added to the discussion, emphasising vitamin D’s merit based on research: “In one study, out of 1000 compounds, vitamin D was the most effective at preventing damage to the internal layer of the arteries. Vitamin D increases nitric oxide and the stiffness of the arteries. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory, stabilises plaque, prevents rupture, and decreases arterial calcification.”
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) fish oil is generally deemed harmless for the majority when ingested in recommended doses. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential adverse effects and drug interactions, especially concerning certain medications or pre-existing medical conditions.
Consulting your healthcare provider before starting fish oil supplements is critical to confirm their safety and appropriateness for you, particularly if you have any health complications or are under medication.