Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Clogged arteries restrict the blood flow throughout the body and thus raise the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

The main causes of the raised number of heart attacks include unhealthy diet, stress, and physical inactivity.

Therefore, to cleanse the arteries and lower the risk of heart disease, you should focus on more heart-healthy foods, like the following 18:

1. Green Tea

Green tea is high in catechins which calm the body and provide energy. Moreover, it has antioxidants which help metabolism and regulate cholesterol. You should drink 1-2 cups daily for best effects.

2. Seaweed

Seaweed is extremely high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and proteins, and its regular consumption leads to better circulation, balanced blood pressure levels, widened blood vessels, and lower the cholesterol levels by 15%.

3. Cranberries

Cranberries are high in potassium, and thus increase the good cholesterol levels, and lower the bad, LDL cholesterol. The daily consumption of 3 glasses of cranberry juice lowers the risk of heart attack by 40%.

 4. Salmon

Salmon is abundant in healthy fatty acids which prevent and lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels and soothe inflammation. You will also benefit from the consumption of tuna, herring, and mackerel.

5. Olive Oil

The Olive oil has been used by the Greeks and Italians for centuries, as a way to promote optimal health. It is rich in healthy fats which lower cholesterol and reduces the heart attack risk by 41%.

6. Nuts

Nuts are rich in unsaturated and omega-3 fats which have potent memory-boosting effects, regulate cholesterol levels and treat joint pain.  Almonds and walnuts are among the richest sources of healthy fats, so you should consume a handful of them on a daily basis.

7. Persimmon Fruit

It is abundant in fibers and healthy sterols and fiber, which reduce the bad cholesterol levels.

8.Turmeric

The active compound of turmeric, curcumin, is responsible for most of its medicinal properties. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties and prevents overactive fat storage. Turmeric can be added to various meals, or you can drink it in the form of tea.

9. Coffee

2-4 cups of coffee a day lower the risk of heart attack by 20%, according to many studies.

10. Cheese

You have probably heard that cheese is not so good when it comes to cholesterol levels, but moderate consumption does help reduce the levels of cholesterol, and blood pressure.

11. Broccoli

It is abundant in vitamin K, which prevents the accumulation of calcium in arteries, lowers cholesterol levels, and regulates blood pressure.

12. Pomegranate

Pomegranates have phytochemicals which promote the production of nitric oxide, which has beneficial effects on the blood circulation.

13. Spinach

Spinach cleansing arteries and lowers blood pressure, and is rich in potassium and folic acid, which support the health of muscle tissues and reduce the heart attack risk.

14. Whole Grain

Whole grain flour is high in fiber which balances cholesterol, as it binds with cholesterol and prevents its buildup in the arteries. These foods also break down cholesterol.

15. Avocado

Avocados are extremely rich in nutrients, and the fats they contain regulate the levels of good and bad cholesterol, keeping the arteries clean.

16. Asparagus

Asparagus is extremely effective in the fight against high cholesterol levels, as it has potent compounds which soothe inflammation and prevent the blockage of veins.

17. Watermelon

It supports the nitric oxide production and widens the blood vessels, and offers numerous other health benefits.

18. Orange Juice

The orange juice is rich in antioxidants which regulate blood pressure and support the health of blood vessels. The consumption of 2 glasses of this juice on a daily basis will provide the recommended daily amount of vitamin C, and numerous other vitamins and minerals.