Many people believe that arteriosclerosis is a “silent” disease, and having arteriosclerosis is nothing to be surprised about. Why do they have this perception? This is because after people develop arteriosclerosis, in general, several years or even more than a decade may pass without any clinical symptoms appearing. Hence, arteriosclerosis is also referred to as the “silent disease” in the medical field.
In reality, arteriosclerosis is a “gentle killer.” It may not suddenly strike one day but can rapidly lead to fatal consequences in a short period of time, medically known as “sudden death.” More than 540,000 people in China die annually from diseases related to arteriosclerosis. The cause of this situation is the lack of attention to the prevention and treatment of arteriosclerosis, leading to the uncontrolled progression of arteriosclerosis.
Currently, high blood lipids have been globally recognized by the medical community as the “primary culprit” causing atherosclerosis and various cardiovascular diseases. The lipids contained in human plasma are called blood lipids, mainly composed of cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and free fatty acids, which are essential nutrients for the human body. However, if there is an excess of blood lipids, causing disruption in lipid metabolism, increased blood viscosity, and deposition of lipid substances within the vascular wall, gradually forming small “plaques,” medically known as “atherosclerosis.”
As these plaques increase and enlarge, they gradually obstruct blood vessels, leading to narrowing of the blood vessel lumen and inefficient blood circulation. Inadequate blood supply to vital organs can result in severe consequences. Typically, severe atherosclerosis of the cardiovascular arteries can cause coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, cerebral thrombosis, cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, and even life-threatening situations.
In conclusion, to soften arteries, the foremost step is to lower blood lipids. Below are some natural food ingredients that are high in blood lipid-lowering properties and can be consumed regularly:
Corn is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, and various vitamins and substances, also containing abundant dietary fiber which can prevent and reduce blood lipids.
Consuming corn flakes with milk is nutritious, delicious, convenient, and significantly aids in lowering cholesterol, softening blood vessels, and reducing blood lipids.
Fig is the fruit of the mulberry family fig tree, rich in nutrients, containing lipase and hydrolase substances that contribute to lowering blood lipids.
Fig is rich in nutrients, has medicinal value, and dried figs retain the nutritional value of figs, providing significant assistance in lowering blood lipids.
Raisins contain resveratrol, a substance that effectively reduces cholesterol and blood lipids, making it a good choice for individuals with high blood lipids, convenient and affordable.
Raisins can be consumed as snacks, tasty, rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that help lower cholesterol and blood lipids.
Sweet potatoes, also known as Ipomoea batatas, yams, etc., are rich in various minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorous, potassium, offering abundant nutrition, with effects on lowering blood lipids and blood pressure.
Black garlic contains substances like alliin and allicin, which play a role in reducing high cholesterol due to excessive fat intake, aiding in lowering cholesterol. It also contains powerful allicin with antibacterial properties, effective in reducing blood lipids and blood sugar.
Shiitake mushrooms contain over 30 enzymes, 18 amino acids, known for cholesterol reduction, blood pressure reduction, and cancer-fighting effects. Shiitake mushrooms also regulate the body’s metabolism, aiding in digestion.
Hawthorn contains pectin, a soluble dietary fiber that lowers cholesterol, prevents arteriosclerosis, and has blood pressure-lowering effects. Consuming hawthorn regularly can help soothe the stomach, promote digestion, and benefit the body.
White fungus is rich in dietary fiber, enhances gastrointestinal motility, reduces fat absorption. White fungus polysaccharides belong to plant polysaccharides, with effects on lowering cholesterol, boosting immunity, anti-tumor, anti-aging, and skin beautification.
Coix seed has effects on lowering blood lipids and blood sugar, promoting metabolism, diuretic effects. Coix seed contains abundant water-soluble fiber, improving constipation, eliminating accumulated toxins in the body.
Apples contain abundant pectin, a water-soluble dietary fiber with excellent blood lipid-lowering effects, effectively preventing high cholesterol. Besides, apples are rich in potassium, providing protection to blood vessels.
Kelp contains various organic substances and elements such as calcium and iron. Regular consumption of kelp can effectively reduce cholesterol levels and assist in treating symptoms of hypertension and arteriosclerosis.
