The #1 Food to Unclog Your Arteries Naturally

When it comes to heart health, one of the biggest goals is keeping your arteries clean and flexible. Clogged arteries increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious cardiovascular problems.

For decades, aspirin has been the go-to remedy for thinning the blood and reducing clot formation. But while aspirin can be helpful in certain cases, it also carries potential side effects — especially when used daily. Fortunately, nature provides a safer and equally effective alternative: omega-3 fatty acids, particularly the kind found in cod liver oil.

Let’s explore why this traditional remedy is considered the #1 natural food to support healthy arteries, reduce clot risk, and promote long-term heart wellness.

Key Takeaways

• Aspirin helps reduce blood clots but can cause side effects such as stomach bleeding or ulcers.

• Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), reduce inflammation and clotting without negative side effects.

• Cod liver oil is the most effective natural source of EPA and also provides vitamins A and D, both essential for arterial health.

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Understanding Heart Attacks and Strokes

It’s commonly believed that heart attacks and strokes occur mainly because of cholesterol buildup. However, research shows that about 80% of these events are actually triggered by blood clots, not just blocked arteries.

Here’s what happens: when arterial plaque becomes unstable and ruptures, the body rushes to form a clot to “seal” the damaged area. Unfortunately, that clot can block blood flow entirely — leading to a heart attack or stroke.

Interestingly, nearly half of all heart attacks happen in the morning. Scientists believe this is due to higher levels of cortisol and adrenaline upon waking. These hormones increase blood pressure and make platelets “stickier,” raising the risk of clot formation.

So, protecting your arteries isn’t just about lowering cholesterol — it’s about preventing inflammation and excessive clotting in the first place.

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The Role of Aspirin

Aspirin has been used for thousands of years in some form — even ancient Egyptians used willow bark, a natural source of salicylic acid, for pain and inflammation.

Modern medicine adapted this into acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), which works by inhibiting platelet aggregation — in other words, it makes your blood less likely to form clots.

However, regular aspirin use isn’t risk-free. Common side effects include:

• Stomach or intestinal bleeding

• Ulcers

• Increased risk of brain bleeds in some people

In 2022, medical guidelines changed to recommend that daily aspirin use should be limited to those with existing heart disease or under a doctor’s supervision. For healthy adults, the risks may outweigh the benefits.

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The Natural Alternative: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, found mainly in fatty fish and certain marine oils, are powerful compounds that support heart and brain function. Among the different types of omega-3s, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) stands out as the true heart protector.

How EPA Supports Arterial Health

1. Reduces Inflammation
   Chronic inflammation can destabilize arterial plaque, increasing the risk of rupture. EPA helps reduce inflammation and stabilize these plaques, making them less likely to burst and trigger a clot.

2. Prevents Platelet Stickiness
   While aspirin thins the blood chemically, EPA does it naturally by keeping platelets flexible and “slippery.” This means blood flows smoothly, reducing the likelihood of dangerous clots.

3. Lowers Stress Hormones
   EPA can also help balance cortisol and adrenaline levels, improving your body’s stress response and indirectly protecting your heart — since stress hormones are major triggers for morning cardiovascular events.

4. Improves Cholesterol Balance
   EPA raises “good” HDL cholesterol and can help lower triglycerides, improving your lipid profile overall.

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The Best Food for Artery Health: Cod Liver Oil

While salmon, sardines, and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3s, cod liver oil is a step above the rest. It’s often referred to as “liquid gold for your arteries.” Here’s why.

1. Rich in EPA

Cod liver oil is naturally high in EPA, which helps prevent blood clots, improves circulation, and supports smooth arterial walls. This makes it one of the most effective foods for reducing arterial stiffness and promoting elasticity.

2. Contains Vitamin A

Cod liver oil provides retinol, the active form of vitamin A, which aids in cell repair and the regeneration of blood vessel tissues. It also acts as a potent anti-inflammatory nutrient, helping reduce oxidative stress that contributes to plaque buildup.

3. Packed with Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a critical role in heart health and arterial function. It enhances nitric oxide production, which relaxes blood vessels, improves circulation, and reduces blood pressure.

Moreover, research has shown that people with vitamin D deficiency are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. By combining vitamin D with omega-3s, cod liver oil delivers a powerful, synergistic effect for heart protection.

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How to Incorporate Cod Liver Oil Into Your Diet

Adding cod liver oil to your daily routine is easy and effective — but choosing the right type and dosage is important.

Tips for Use

• Choose Wild-Caught Sources: Always opt for wild-caught, cold-processed cod liver oil to ensure maximum purity and nutrient content.

• Liquid or Capsule: If you dislike the taste, go for capsules. If you prefer the traditional method, mix a teaspoon of the liquid into your morning smoothie or juice.

• Follow Proper Dosage: Typical recommendations range from 1 to 2 teaspoons daily, but always follow the label instructions or consult your healthcare provider.

• Pair with Food: Taking it with meals that contain fat improves absorption of vitamins A and D.

Bonus tip: look for fermented cod liver oil, which retains more natural nutrients and is easier to digest.

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Additional Foods to Support Clear Arteries

While cod liver oil is the star of the show, you can further enhance your heart health with:

• Leafy greens (rich in nitrates that boost nitric oxide)

• Garlic and onions (natural blood thinners and cholesterol reducers)

• Turmeric (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant)

• Berries (packed with anthocyanins that strengthen blood vessels)

• Olive oil (rich in monounsaturated fats that reduce LDL cholesterol)

These foods, when combined with regular physical activity and stress management, create a powerful foundation for long-term cardiovascular health.

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The Bottom Line

For decades, aspirin has been praised as the gold standard for heart protection. But now, we know there’s a natural, nutrient-rich alternative that supports the same goal — without the side effects.

Cod liver oil provides omega-3 EPA, vitamin A, and vitamin D — a trio that works together to reduce inflammation, prevent clots, and strengthen the arteries from within.

By making cod liver oil part of your daily health routine, you can naturally unclog your arteries, improve circulation, and dramatically lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Your heart and arteries will thank you for it.