Foods That Contribute to Arterial Plaque Buildup: A Health Guide

Clogged arteries are the number one cause of heart disease in the United States. The foods you eat can cause your arteries to become clogged with plaque, a dreadful mix of cholesterol, calcium, fat, cellular waste products and fibrin, which aids in blood clotting.

Animal Fats

• Cuts of meat that are high in fat are often high in unhealthy saturated fat and cholesterol that can clog arteries with plaque. Bacon, sausage, high-fat steak cuts like rib eye and chicken (with skin on) are big offenders.

Dairy

• Cheeses, cream, butter, whole milk and ice cream contain unhealthy doses of saturated fat and cholesterol, which can also clog arteries.

Baked Goods

• Baked goods are often made with partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils, which are high in artery-clogging trans-fats. Trans-fats are used to keep baked goods moist; they also cause arteries to clog and can contribute to heart attacks and strokes.

Fried Foods

• Many foods are fried in trans-fats and fats that are highly saturated because these types of fats last longer than more heart-healthy liquid varieties.

Cigarettes

• While not a food item, cigarette smoke has been shown to have a direct link to the degree in which arteries become plaque-lined and clogged, a condition known as atherosclerosis.