There are several reasons for the poor circulation of blood in the body. These include peripheral artery disease, diabetes, obesity, etc. If the blood flow in the body is not proper, many visible symptoms like muscle cramps, numbness, digestive problems, cold hands or feet, pain appear.
In such a situation, people resort to physical exercise or medicines to maintain proper blood flow in the body. Apart from this, one more thing a person can try is improvement in diet and addition of certain foods to it. Here is the list of 7 such foods which can optimize your blood flow and can cure blockages in veins.
POMEGRANATES
This juicy, sweet fruit is loaded with polyphenol antioxidants and nitrates that are potential vasodilators. Consumption of pomegranate can improve blood flow and consequently oxygen flow to muscle tissue.
BERRIES
Berries have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which have a positive effect on blood flow. Any damage to blood vessels due to chronic inflammation can raise blood pressure, which may cause circulatory issues. As per reliable research, berries can lower blood levels of inflammatory markers like IL-6 and also improves artery dilation.
GREEN VEGGIES
Green veggies like spinach, broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, etc. are rich in nitrates that are potential vasodilators. Eating nitrate-rich foods may help improve circulation by dilating blood vessels and allowing your blood to flow more easily.
Onions are an excellent source of flavonoid antioxidants, which are beneficial to cardiovascular health. This vegetable improves circulation by helping arteries and veins widen when blood flow increases. With their anti-inflammatory properties, onions can reduce inflammation in blood vessels, thereby boosting the flow of blood through them.
Garlic is well known for its beneficial impact on circulation and heart health. According to studies, the sulfur compounds in garlic, especially allicin can increase tissue blood flow and lower blood pressure by causing blood vessels to relax. In fact, diets rich in garlic indicate better flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), which is used to measure blood flow efficiency.
TOMATOES
Tomatoes may help reduce the activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). This enzyme causes blood vessels to constrict to control blood pressure. Research shows that tomato extract works in the same way as ACE-inhibiting drugs. It opens up the blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Studies conducted in test tubes reveal that tomato extract can inhibit ACE, reduce inflammation, and impedes platelet aggregation, all of which improve circulation.
GINGER
Ginger is a staple traditional medicine in India. Studies suggest that ginger works by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
BEETS
Beet juice or beet powder is a form of supplement for many athletes. It is high in nitrates. Nitrates are converted into nitric acid which helps in relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to muscular tissue.
TURMERIC
Since ancient times, turmeric is used for making various Ayurvedic medicines. It opens blood vessels and improves blood circulation. Research suggests that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric increases nitric oxide production, reduces oxidative stress, and decreases inflammation.
In studies done on animals, it was found that cinnamon improved blood vessel dilation and blood flow in the coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart. In addition to this, research also shows that cinnamon can effectively reduce blood pressure in humans by relaxing your blood vessels. This improves circulation and keeps your heart healthy.
WALNUTS
Walnuts are ladened with beneficial compounds, such as l-arginine, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), and vitamin E. All these stimulate the production of nitric oxide and improve the functioning of blood vessels.
Besides changes in diet, one can also bring about changes in lifestyle to improve blood circulation. This includes reducing stress, staying hydrated, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, etc.