Magnesium and Clogged Arteries

Research suggests that there is a link between a magnesium deficiency and atherosclerosis. If you have clogged arteries then you must know what atherosclerosis means. But for those who don't it is hardening of the arteries, a build up of a plaque in blood vessels, specifically arteries.

Magnesium is another one of those minerals that is good for the heart. Good for lots of other things too. Migraines. Sleep. Muscle cramps. But when it comes to the heart, it is especially good. The man who wrote Dead Doctors Don't Lie categorically said that magnesium is an essential heart mineral that is now missing from today's common diet...a diet of processed foods with fruits and veggies grown in soil that is over used, leached of important nutrients. Crops grown in leached soil are equally devoid of nutrients. This is a prime reason for buying organic (and isn't it irritating that organic costs more? Revolt. Grow your own.)

You can take magnesium supplements but it is better and safer to get magnesium naturally from a good healthy diet. I could go into a long discussion about the danger of taking supplements but I'd rather focus on the positive step of eating healthy foods to prevent the buildup of plaque in your arteries.

Eat foods rich in magnesium. Here is a list.

Oatmeal, millet, kamut, amaranth, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, prawns, oysters, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, wheat germ, nuts (brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews), sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seed, salba, bananas, black currants, rhubarb, ginger, cider vinegar, honey, and dark green veggies (spinach, watercress, swiss chard, parsley, wheatgrass, alfalfa sprouts).

Learn also about foods high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are also an important ingredient in the battle against heart disease.


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Foods Good for the Heart

The technical term for clogged arteries is atherosclerosis. Before you can unclog existing blockages of the arteries, you must take steps to stop the clogging. Exercise is a key component as discussed in previous posts.

The next step is to change the eating habits that caused the clogging in the first place. I could focus on what you should not eat. In future posts I'll get to an enlightening discussion on cholesterol and hydrogenated fats, the single biggest contribution to heart disease and other ailments. But I prefer to start you on a positive note with action that you can take. Start eating healthy, wholesome, raw foods.

Here are three key nutrients for the heart and the foods you can eat to get them.

In addition to preventing memory loss, Vitamin E protects the heart. Foods high in Vitamin E include mango, kiwi Fruit, blackberries, avocado, asparagus, parsnips, kale, tomatos, sweet potato, mushrooms, brazil nuts, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, sesame seed, sunflower seeds, oats, barley, quinoa, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), oysters, eggs, green tea, wheatgrass, alfalfa sprouts, wheatgerm, coconut oil (use cold pressed only), olive oil.

Potassium reduces high blood pressure and maintains a regular heartbeat. Foods high in Potassium include grapes, papaya, oranges, lemons, bananas, prunes, kiwi fruit, blackcurrant, canteloupe, grapefruit, figs, cherries, rhubrab, avocado, beetroot, cucumber, celery, parsnip, cabbage, tomatos, sweet potato, radishes, mushroom, asparagus, swiss chard, almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, millet, lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, sardines, prawns, chicken, yoghurt, parsley, fennel, dandelion leaves, cayenne pepper, wheatgrass, alfalfa sprouts, cider vinegar (like Braggs).

Essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) provide many anti-aging benefits but in particular protection against heart disease. Foods high in essential fatty acids include avocados, brazil nuts, walnuts, cashews, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, sardines, salmon, herring, wheatgerm.

Essential fatty acids prevent and combat inflammation, a major factor in heart disease. Read more about inflammation here.

Source: Top 100 Foods for a Younger You, Sarah Merson. Every food listed in this book is good for the heart.