Arteries

Arteries are the vessels that carry blood rich in oxygen content away from the heart to the farthest reaches of the body.  Since the blood in arteries is full of oxygen, the hemoglobin in the red blood cells is oxygenated. This high-oxygen form of hemoglobin (oxyhemoglobin) makes the arterial blood look bright red.

Arteries are part of what is known as the efferent wing of the circulatory system. The efferent wing of the circulatory system is responsible for taking blood away from the heart.  Arteries work in conjuction with the veins, which are blood vessels that carry blood low in oxygen content from the body back to the heart.                

Keeping healthy arteries is crucial in avoiding problems like heart disease.  The primary cause of coronary heart disease is arteriosclerosis—a build up of fatty materials within the walls of arteries.  These build ups are usually caused by fatty deposits along the innermost layer of the arterial walls which narrow the space that blood can flow through, which in turn makes blood more prone to clotting.  The fatty deposits can also block the delivery of nutrients to artery walls causing them to lose their elasticity, which can lead to high blood pressure, which also increases the risk of heart disease. 

Everyday Nutrient Nutraceuticals: Essential Seven

Everyday Nutrient Related Topics: Arteries, Blood Vessels, Cellular Health, Choline, DNA, Essential Amino Acids, Essential Seven, Folic Acid, Free Radicals, Healthy Cells, Heart Supplements, Immune System, Methionine, Methyl Donors, Methyl Groups, Vitamin B12