A dramatic claim circulating online says that one glass of a homemade drink can “open clogged arteries in six hours” and work many times better than expensive medications. Although the idea may sound appealing, there is no reliable basis for believing that a single drink can rapidly remove arterial plaque or reverse blocked arteries.
Arterial blockage usually develops gradually. Atherosclerosis occurs when cholesterol, fats, inflammatory cells, and other substances accumulate within the walls of arteries and form plaques. Over time, these plaques can narrow the space available for blood to flow. In some cases, a plaque can rupture and trigger a blood clot, potentially causing a heart attack or stroke.
This is very different from something that can simply be “flushed out” by drinking a particular tea, juice, or kitchen remedy.
A healthy drink can certainly be part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Water, unsweetened tea, and beverages made from nutritious ingredients can help replace sugary drinks and support overall health. Foods containing soluble fiber, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains can also contribute to healthier cholesterol levels when they are consistently included in the diet.
However, these benefits develop over time. They should not be confused with an instant treatment for an obstructed artery.
If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of cardiovascular disease, treatment may include lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, prescription medication. Cholesterol-lowering medicines such as statins can reduce LDL cholesterol and lower cardiovascular risk for people who need them. Stopping prescribed medication in favor of an unproven drink can be dangerous.
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