Can a Drink Clean Your Arteries? Myth vs. Reality

Introduction

The idea of an "artery cleansing drink" is a popular topic online, but is it medically accurate? Let's explore how artery health works and what you can do to maintain clear arteries based on real scientific evidence.

Understanding Artery Health

Your arteries are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Over time, they can develop plaque – a buildup of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances. This process is called atherosclerosis. If left untreated, it can lead to serious heart diseases, including heart attack and stroke.

Can a Drink Remove Plaque from Arteries?

There is no scientific evidence that any drink alone can dissolve or cleanse plaque from your arteries. While some drinks, like green tea, citrus juice, or apple cider vinegar, are often advertised as "artery-cleansing," they do not physically remove plaque. Instead, a healthy diet and lifestyle changes can help prevent or slow down plaque buildup.

What Can Truly Help Keep Your Arteries Healthy?

Here are the most proven ways to support arterial health:

1. Healthy Eating

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Include healthy fats like Omega-3s (found in fish, nuts, and olive oil).
• Reduce intake of trans fats, saturated fats, and processed foods.
• Limit salt and added sugars.

2. Regular Exercise

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
• Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming improve blood flow and reduce cholesterol levels.

3. Managing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol contribute to artery damage.
• Control them through diet, exercise, and medications if prescribed by a doctor.

4. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol

• Smoking damages arteries and increases plaque buildup.
• Excess alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems.

5. Medical Treatments When Necessary

• In some cases, medications like statins or medical procedures may be needed to manage severe artery blockage.

Conclusion

Instead of searching for an "artery cleansing drink," focus on scientifically proven methods such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and managing risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure. These strategies are the real keys to keeping your arteries clear and your heart healthy.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cholesterol

1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol
2. https://professional.heart.org/en/
3. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/what-your-cholesterol-levels-mean
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000625
5. https://professional.heart.org/-/media/PHD-Files-2/Science-News/h/Highlights-of-the-2018-Guideline-on-the-Management-of-Blood-Cholesterol.pdf

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-Prevention-Guidelines
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
5. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678