Healthy blood vessels are the foundation of vitality, but also the part of the body that suffers the most from the consequences of bad habits. Improper diet, prolonged standing or sitting, hypertension, diabetes, constant stress – these are the causes that can lead to cardiovascular diseases and slowed metabolism.
Doctors recommend that we act when the level of total cholesterol is close to the upper limit of 5.5 mmol/l or higher.
All blockages of blood vessels, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications, heart attacks and strokes.
Foods that protect against atherosclerosis
However, there are ways in which we can stop or prevent the development of the disease. Dietitian Ivana Đurović says for the eKlinika portal that with a little effort we can prepare auxiliary medicinal products rich in vitamins and protect ourselves from atherosclerosis in time.
Cabbage kvass
Cabbage kvass is a drink that normalizes intestinal microflora, regulates the gastrointestinal tract and cleanses blood vessels, explains Đurović.
“It also improves metabolism, normalizes blood pressure, is useful for preventing stomach and duodenal ulcers, and is especially recommended in conditions of vitamin deficiency, as it contains many vitamins and trace elements,” she adds.
Preparation method
Cut 1 kg of cabbage into small slices, then finely chop. Pour 1.5 liters of water into a three-liter jar, add the cabbage and cover with gauze. Let it ferment for three to four days at room temperature. Stir several times a day. Drink 2 dl per day.
“Stir the kvass regularly because it tends to spoil quickly, since it does not contain any preservatives. You can also prepare a proportionally smaller amount, so you can use up the drink faster,” she recommends.
Cabbage Juice
You will need:
1/4 head of fresh cabbage
1 cup cold water
freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice (optional, for a refreshing taste)
Wash the cabbage well and cut it into smaller pieces to make it easier to combine. Place it in a blender, add water and blend until you get a smooth, thick juice texture.
You can add a little freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice for a refreshing taste.
If you want, strain the juice through a strainer or cloth to remove any pieces of pulp.
“The juice is drunk on an empty stomach, about 1 hour before the main meal. This juice has similar effects to the previous one and may be easier to use and is consumed immediately after preparation,” says the dietitian.
For blood vessel health with a garlic mixture
Onions and chives are very powerful foods that are used against the formation of blood clots and help dissolve blood clots and atherosclerotic fatty deposits. Garlic also helps reduce high blood pressure. It should be consumed crushed, and onions work both cooked and fresh.
Garlic and apples against atherosclerosis
The benefits of apples and garlic in the fight against atherosclerosis have long been known. Apples are a source of almost all biologically active substances necessary to fight “bad” cholesterol.
Garlic is a leader among both fruits and vegetables in its antisclerotic properties, says Đurović.
“If you mix these ingredients, the benefits double. If you add fresh grated carrots to this mixture, you improve the antioxidant effect and improve the quality of the diet. Combine the grated apple with 2 to 3 cloves of crushed garlic.
To improve the taste, you can add grated carrots and a little lemon juice.
Eat as a mid-morning snack – advises the dietitian.
Blood vessels are primarily protected through good prevention, experts emphasize that the most important thing is to ensure that plaque does not accumulate, which is sometimes difficult to remove.