Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects the normal function of the heart and blood vessels and increases the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Long-term studies show that controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol by adopting a healthy lifestyle and diet may prevent about 80 percent of CVD.
CVD is the leading cause of death worldwide. However, an increasing amount of research has found that improving one’s diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce CVD risk. Therefore, we can protect our cardiovascular system by choosing foods that help to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and reduce peroxidative stress that damages blood vessels.
11 Foods That Soften Blood Vessels
Atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. Build-up of plaque on the walls of the arteries hinders the flow of blood, increasing the burden on the heart. Maintaining the elasticity and smoothness of blood vessels is key to preventing CVD. Choosing foods that are heart and blood vessel friendly is one key to a healthy heart.
1. Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are rich in potassium, which can balance the sodium in the body and reduce blood pressure. They contain folic acid and vitamin B3, which help to smooth the cholesterol deposits from the artery walls. Folic acid can participate in the methylation cycle, reduce homocysteine levels, and reduce myocardial ischemia.
Jingduan Yang
M.D.
Dr. Jingduan Yang is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in integrative and traditional Chinese medicine. He developed the ACES Model of Health and Medicine and leads clinical, educational, and research initiatives. As a principal founder of the Northern School of Medicine and Health Sciences, he advances whole-person care grounded in science, ethics, and humanity.
