6 Foods to Enhance Circulation in the Body,Blood is a vital nutrient that transports oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body. It also helps heal wounds, keep your heart healthy and gives your skin a natural flush.
A few dietary and lifestyle changes can help optimize blood circulation in the body. These include drinking plenty of water, eating more fruits and veggies, exercising regularly and refraining from smoking.
- Blackberries
Blackberries are one of the best foods to enhance circulation in your body. These berries are a rich source of various nutrients, such as vitamin C and anthocyanins that can improve your blood flow by stimulating the formation of new blood cells.
They also contain a high amount of fiber, which can help prevent the absorption of fat and sugar into your bloodstream. This can also aid in managing your cholesterol levels.
Blackberries are also rich in antioxidants, which can protect your body from oxidative stress. This can reduce your risk of diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper, with its zingy spice, is an excellent natural blood thinner and can help dissolve the calcium deposits in your arteries that lead to hardening. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the chances of heart disease and high cholesterol.
As an added benefit, the phytochemical capsaicin promotes blood flow to tissues by lowering blood pressure and stimulating the release of vasodilators — or compounds that help expand your blood vessels.
It also helps prevent Raynaud’s disease, which causes cold hands and feet because it increases circulation in your veins and arteries. Plus, it can reduce pain from nerve damage in your feet and legs caused by diabetes, lower back injuries and neuropathy.
- Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is an incredibly delicious treat, but it also provides the body with some incredible health benefits. This is because dark chocolate is high in antioxidants, which help combat free radical damage that can cause disease in the body.
Several studies have shown that dark chocolate can reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress. This can lead to healthier blood pressure, cholesterol and overall heart health.
The antioxidants in dark chocolate also reduce the risk of blood clots, which are often associated with cardiovascular disease. And the flavonoids and polyphenols in dark chocolate can also help prevent cancer.
- Oats
Eating a diet high in soluble fiber (such as that found in oats) can help lower cholesterol levels. The soluble fiber in oats, called beta-glucan, reduces the absorption of bad cholesterol into your bloodstream.
Oats also contain bioactive compounds such as vitamin E, phytic acid, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, sterols and avenanthramides. These antioxidant compounds protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Oats also increase the production of nitric oxide in the body, a hormone that relaxes blood vessels and promotes healthy circulation. This helps prevent the formation of plaques in arteries that can lead to heart disease.
- Avocados
Avocados have a high content of monounsaturated fat, which reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. They are also rich in potassium, which is important for regulating blood pressure and protecting against kidney failure.
They are also a good source of vitamin C, which helps to slow the rate of LDL-cholesterol oxidation. This may lower the risk of heart disease and vascular inflammation.
They are also a great source of folate and vitamin K, which are essential nutrients for women of childbearing age. Folate prevents birth defects like spina bifida and improves the health of newborn babies. It also enhances the ability to absorb calcium, which is needed for strong bones.
- Garlic
Garlic is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory that can also help relax and widen blood vessels. It also has antioxidant properties and may help prevent clots from forming in the bloodstream, which can increase your risk of heart disease.
Researchers found that taking a garlic powder supplement twice daily for 24 months reduced hardening of the arteries in people with heart disease. They also found that higher doses of the supplement provided more benefits in women than men.
Consuming garlic in its raw form also helps cleanse the body of toxins, and reduces your risk of contracting colds and the flu. The anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties of garlic also help prevent autoimmune diseases like arthritis.