Arteriosclerosis is also known as hardening of the arteries. If you are interested in arteriosclerosis diets, it means you are concerned about maintaining a healthy cholesterol level and keeping your arteries elastic and healthy. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle which includes eating a healthy diet is often the first line of defense in treating arteriosclerosis. You can make diet changes that include eating foods classified as heart-healthy by the American Heart Association (AHA).
More Lean Proteins
An arteriosclerosis diet should focus on the lean proteins. Foods classified as lean protein need to be included in an arteriosclerosis diet, says the AHA. Lean protein contains fewer calories and fat than do other sources of protein known for being rich in saturated fat. Included in this category are fatty fish, such as mackerel, salmon, herring, trout, sardines, cod, halibut and albacore tuna. Low-fat dairy foods, legumes and skinless poultry are other lean protein sources.
Avoid Trans Fats
An arteriosclerosis diet should also avoid trans fats. To prevent arteriosclerosis, you need to limit fats that are known for harming cardiovascular health. These include trans fats, cholesterol and saturated fats. Trans fats are found in shortening and/or partially hydrogenated oils. Trans fat is known for increasing harmful LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels while also lowering beneficial HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, says the Mayo Clinic. This is why trans fats are considered "double trouble" by the Mayo Clinic. Trans fats are commonly found in commercially prepared foods, such as baked items. Baked items include snack cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, bagels, croissants, breads, crackers, cakes, muffins and biscuits. Other foods known for containing trans fat are boxed cereals and other boxed foods, frozen foods, deli foods, deep-fried items and fast foods.
Low in Saturated Fats, Cholesterol
Look for an eating plan that is low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Saturated fats and cholesterol are known for increasing LDL cholesterol levels, says the AHA. These sources of harmful fats are found in animal-based products, such as beef, veal, pork, venison and poultry--including the animal itself and any meats or byproducts made from that meat. These include sausages, canned meats, sandwich spreads and deli cuts. Whole-fat dairy foods contain large amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic.
More Healthy Fats
Your arteriosclerosis diet should include plant-based fats, which contain heart-healthy unsaturated fats, says the AHA. These fats may help lower total cholesterol levels and are found in nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, flax seeds, pistachios, almonds and peanuts. Nut butters made from these sources are included in this category. Unsaturated fats are also found in the oils of canola, olives, corn, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
More Soluble Fiber
An arteriosclerosis diet needs to include foods rich in soluble fiber. The Mayo Clinic says your total and LDL cholesterol can be reduced with 10 grams (g) daily of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber can help remove harmful plaque from arterial walls, thereby lowering levels of harmful cholesterol in the bloodstream. Whole grains are rich sources of soluble fiber. Whole grains include barley, brown rice, quinoa, millet, triticale, whole wheat, wheat bran and oatmeal. The Mayo Clinic, in particular, recommends eating oatmeal. A 1 1/2-cup serving of cooked oatmeal contains 6g soluble fiber. Adding a sliced banana to this will add 4g. Other foods rich in soluble fiber include apples, pears, prunes, psyllium seeds and kidney beans.
