What foods have been proven to reduce coronary artery plaque levels?

From the Guidelines

Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, have been proven to reduce coronary plaque levels due to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol profiles, as supported by the most recent study in 2024 1. To effectively reduce coronary plaque, it is recommended to consume fatty fish 2-3 times weekly for omega-3 fatty acids.

• Include a handful of nuts daily, such as walnuts and almonds, which provide healthy monounsaturated fats that lower LDL cholesterol.
• Use olive oil as your primary cooking oil, which provides healthy monounsaturated fats that lower LDL cholesterol.
• Eat oatmeal regularly for soluble fiber, which helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• Incorporate plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet, which are rich in antioxidants and fiber that help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol profiles. These foods work through various mechanisms to reduce coronary plaque levels, including:
• Omega-3s reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol profiles
• Nuts and olive oil providing healthy monounsaturated fats that lower LDL cholesterol
• Soluble fiber in oats and beans helping remove cholesterol from the bloodstream
• Plant sterols competing with cholesterol for absorption For maximum benefit, these foods should be part of a comprehensive Mediterranean-style diet pattern rather than isolated additions to an otherwise unhealthy diet, as recommended by the American Heart Association 1. Regular physical activity and avoiding smoking will further enhance the plaque-reducing effects of these dietary changes. The most recent study in 2024 1 found that those with an omega-3 fatty acid index ≥4% had prevention of progression of noncalcified and regional calcified coronary plaque, and those with an omega-3 fatty acid index of 8.4% had regression of noncalcified plaque. This study also found that triglyceride reduction was associated with coronary plaque regression and lower rates of cardiac events, highlighting the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing coronary plaque levels.

From the Research

Foods to Reduce Coronary Plaque Levels

Foods that have been proven to reduce coronary plaque levels include:

• Fruits and vegetables, due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties 2, 3
• Whole grains, which are a good source of healthful complex carbohydrates 2
• Low-fat dairy products, which can help lower cholesterol levels 2
• Fish or other omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to prevent coronary plaque progression 2, 3, 4
• Nuts, such as almonds, which are a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids 5
• Plant sterols and stanols, which can help lower LDL cholesterol levels 4, 6
• Soy protein, which can help lower cholesterol levels 5, 6
• Dietary fibers, such as guar gum, which can help lower total cholesterol and LDL levels 6

Key Nutrients

Key nutrients that can help reduce coronary plaque levels include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which have been shown to prevent coronary plaque progression 2, 3, 4
• Polyphenols and flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties 3
• Monounsaturated fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol levels 5
• Plant sterols and stanols, which can help lower LDL cholesterol levels 4, 6

Diets

Diets that have been shown to be effective in reducing coronary plaque levels include:

• The Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats 2, 3
• A diet low in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats 2