Category: Atherosclerosis

Cholesterol crystals are a hallmark of advanced atherosclerosis, the process of plaque buildup in the arteries. This discovery fundamentally shifted the understanding of plaque instability, revealing a physical mechanism in addition to biochemical processes. So, can cholesterol crystallize, and what does it mean for your heart health?

Research has consistently shown a correlation between higher dietary flavonoid intake and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, suggesting flavonoids play a beneficial role in heart health. This has led to the common question: do flavonoids clear arteries, or is their effect more preventative? The answer lies in their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to combat the key processes that lead to plaque buildup.

Despite a widespread belief that antioxidants can "clean out" arteries, major clinical studies on patients with advanced atherosclerosis have shown that vitamin E supplementation does not dissolve plaque. This misconception often arises from conflating the vitamin's preventative antioxidant properties with a curative effect on established disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with arterial plaque buildup being a major culprit. A common misconception circulates that high doses of vitamin C can reverse or unclog arteries, but this claim is not supported by robust scientific evidence.

For decades, eggs were viewed with caution due to their high cholesterol content, particularly for those with heart conditions. However, a groundbreaking July 2025 study found that eating two eggs daily as part of a low-saturated-fat diet can actually help lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol. For individuals asking, 'should you eat eggs if you have atherosclerosis?', the answer lies in understanding the shift in nutritional science away from dietary cholesterol as the main concern.