Blood circulation is essential for a healthy and functional body. If it is bad, it causes, among other things, numbness, pain and muscle cramps. And research shows that there are several different causes of poor circulation, including peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, obesity, etc.
There are many ways to improve blood circulation, including adding foods known to their circulation-enhancing properties to your diet, such as the 10 superfoods listed here. And there are many other things you can do to improve your circulation, just a daily exercise – a heel lift that you can do at home, go for a walk, or swim – quit smoking, stay warm in winter and avoid wearing restrictive clothing. Here are 10 super foods to help improve blood circulation :
1. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are a very good source of vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C can also help you build a strong immune system. Citrus fruits also have anti-inflammatory properties. All of these citrus properties can help purify the blood and improve poor blood circulation.
2. Salmon
Salmon, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for overall health. The American Heart Association recommends consuming two servings a week. Research shows that a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids causes poor circulation, according to the National Institutes of Health.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as “the golden spice of India”, is a gem to keep the arteries clogged and improve circulation, thanks to the chemical curcumin which gives it its color.
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4. Sun-flower seeds
Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E which helps prevent blood clots from forming. They are excellent for helping to improve circulation. The same goes for foods such as olives, nuts and pumpkin seeds. Vegetables in general that can be grown from seeds are obviously incredibly healthy anyway, and sites like Happy Valley Seeds allow you to buy seeds online.
5. Dark chocolate
Cocoa contains flavonoids which are found naturally in plants and fruits and which are well linked to improving blood circulation. A study published in the Circulation Journal has shown that dark chocolate rich in natural flavonoids improves blood circulation compared to white chocolate without flavonoids.
6. Ginger root
Ginger is known to relieve nausea and digestion problems as well as to increase blood circulation. It can be eaten raw or added to food or why not try ginger tea.
7. Garlic
Garlic has many uses and one of them is that it cleanses the blood and helps prevent plaque buildup. Other foods from the bulb group such as radishes, onions and leeks are also good for boosting blood circulation.
8. Beet juice
You may have read that beets are great for athletes because they increase nitric oxide levels, which help increase blood flow and get oxygen to the muscles faster. Drinking beet juice is a great way to improve circulation, even if you’re not an athlete.
9. Watermelon
Watermelons are rich in lycopene which is a natural antioxidant linked to better circulation. Lycopene is a natural pigment that gives certain foods their reddish color. Tomatoes, pink grapefruit and apricots also contain lycopene.
10. Goji berries
Goji berries can be found in natural health stores and look like raisins. They are rich in fiber to boost the immune system and increase blood circulation.