The modern western diet, especially that of Americans, is composed of too many calories and too much fat. This, combined with sedentary lifestyles, has resulted in the current epidemic of obesity and its related illnesses such as diabetes and heart problems. One of the contributory factors to heart disease is the build-up of plaque along the walls of the arteries, the vessels which supply blood to all tissues of the body. This arterial plaque is composed of various substances including fat, cholesterol and triglycerides. Herbal treatments formulated to assist the body in cleaning out the arteries may help clear out the plaque over time. Using herbs to control cholesterol and aid in heart disease should only be done under the direction of a licensed health care practitioner.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an herb commonly used as a spice. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it also contains medicinal value. In herbal healing methods such as Ayurveda, it is a treatment for lowering cholesterol levels and fats in the blood, helping to clean out arteries and preventing heart disease. Fenugreek also shows promise for treating diabetics by controlling blood sugar levels. Fenugreek is a food substance and generally considered safe, but it may interact with other medications. As such, talk to your doctor before ingesting fenugreek as part of a treatment plan.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed comes from the flax plant, whose fibers are sometimes used to weave cloth. Flaxseed is also known as linseed, the main ingredient used in manufacturing linoleum. Flaxseed has therapeutic uses as well, being known for its laxative effects. The University of Utah states that flaxseed also contains substances that help lower total blood cholesterol. Flaxseed is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, which converts to omega-3 fatty acids in the body. Omega-3s decrease triglyceride levels, prevent blood clots and decrease the growth rate of arterial plaque. Flaxseed can hinder the absorption of certain nutrients and medications, so ensure that your physican has approved its use for your condition.
Psyllium
Psyllium comes from the Plantago ovata plant, and is well known as an ingredient in laxative preparations, such as Metamucil. Another benefit to psyllium is that it helps clean out the arteries by reducing cholesterol in the blood. In “Cholesterol and Coronary Heart Disease,” V. Vermuri reports that this is because fiber-rich foods like psyllium contain pectin. The pectin in psyllium chemically joins calcium in the body to form a new compound called calcium pectate. Calcium pectate affects the bile and stimulates cholesterol removal from the blood for use in digestion. Ask your doctor for more information on how psyllium can be incorporated into treatment for arterial plaque.
