* foods that naturally lower lipid levels include sesame oil, olive oil, walnuts, sea weed, hawthorn, carrots, celery and spirulina.
* [[Arginine]] is an amino acid that has been shown to help improve blood vessel functions as it is a precursor to nitric oxide, an agent that causes widening of the blood vessel thereby promoting smoother blood flow.
* Cherries : There are many proofs showing that cherries are excellent in protecting the health of the arteries. First, cherries strengthen collagen of the tissues. Second, cherries are rich in antioxidants. In an article published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, cherries are found out to be rich in anthocyanin. Not only is anthocyanin a powerful antioxidant, it is also a potent anti-inflammatory. Foods rich in antioxidants can protect the tissues from degradation since it captures and eliminate the free radicals that cause damage to arterial cells. By eating ample amounts of cherries, the enzymes that are causing inflammation are prevented to continue its function and therefore stop the inflammatory process not just in any parts of the body but particularly on the arteries. Lastly, studies has shown that cherries’ anthocyanin prevent the build-up of plaques at the arterial walls that causes several diseases of the heart.
*Grapes are popular eaten as is or as dried fruit called raisins or drank as wine. There have been several debates about the benefits of drinking wine made of grapes, but studies have shown that it has indeed plenty of benefits than disadvantages. Yes, it makes one woozy because of its alcohol content, but grapes have more health benefits, particularly for the arterial health. A cup of grapes is only 60 calories, but it is rich in manganese, vitamin K, C, B1, B6 and potassium.In a review published in Nutrition Research 2008, scientists discovered that drinking grape extracts, juice or wine can actually prevent the development of chronic degenerative diseases, which are largely due to inflammation. This is due to the polyphenols contained in grapes. Polyphenols are the resveratrol, anthocyanin, phenolic acid and flavonoids. These polyphenols either slows down or prevent oxidative stress that may occur at the arteries. The constant relaxation and contraction of the arteries produces stress due to oxidation. With increased polyphenols in the body, arteries are protected from inflammation and therefore degradation, such as in the case of arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.
== Warnings ==