Foods for Blood Flow Circulation: A Comprehensive Guide
Good blood flow and circulation are essential to health.
We need good blood flow and circulation to keep our muscles, brain, organs, and other tissues functioning at optimal levels, which is why problems with it have been associated with heart disease, diabetes, chronic pain, poor digestion, and even obesity.
One of the best ways to ensure good blood flow and circulation throughout your body is by making sure you’re getting enough of these 10 foods that improve blood flow and circulation.
Plus, these foods also provide you with essential vitamins and minerals to help you stay healthy in many other ways as well!
What Is Blood Circulation and Why Is It Important ?
Blood circulation is an essential part of our body’s delivery system, a major part of our survival.
In fact, there wouldn’t be any life without blood circulation.
It carries oxygen and nutrients to all parts of our body and takes away harmful waste products.
When it works well, we feel healthy and energetic but if it stops working properly or becomes damaged in some way, it can cause problems that are potentially deadly.
If an area of the circulatory system is impaired, you could experience symptoms such as:
No. 1 – Almonds
Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, which is necessary for strengthening your body’s arteries and veins.
This in turn helps improve blood flow throughout your body.
Eating almonds will give you higher levels of a chemical called HDL, which stands for high-density lipoprotein.
HDL carries cholesterol through your bloodstream and removes it from your body – so having more HDL is always a good thing!
Almonds are also rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats that all promote heart health as well.
No. 2 – Cinnamon
Consuming a tablespoon of cinnamon powder each day will help improve your blood circulation by stimulating capillaries.
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals that damage capillaries and cause them to harden and narrow.
As cinnamon improves blood flow, it helps prevent varicose veins, hemorrhoids and spider veins from forming.
By increasing blood flow to your muscles, cinnamon enhances athletic performance.
No. 3 – Dates
Dates are very high in fiber, so they help you feel full more quickly and for longer.
They also have a ton of potassium, which is good for heart health.
They also contain chromium, which can lower blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.
This combination makes dates effective at improving blood flow.
No. 4 – Ginger
Ginger is a spice that many associate with warm, tropical locales and delicious gingersnaps.
It is a staple of Chinese and Indian cuisines, and it also happens to have some pretty impressive health benefits.
One of ginger’s most notable effects on health is its positive impact on blood circulation.
Ginger is a great supplement when it comes to aiding blood circulation and relieving tiredness.
It has properties that help improve blood flow and clear up your skin, too.
Take a thin slice of ginger before you go to bed and leave it there until morning you’ll feel like a new person after just one night!
No. 5 – Garlic
Garlic is a powerful herb that improves circulation and helps to lower blood pressure.
Garlic contains Allicin, which has antibiotic properties that help fight infection.
It’s also known for its anti-cancer and antioxidant properties, helping to prevent illness while improving immunity and overall health.
Additionally, garlic provides heart benefits by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides in your body.
One of my favorite ways to use garlic is by putting it into tea!
If you have any kind of respiratory infection or cold I recommend steeping three cloves of crushed garlic in a quart of hot water overnight with some raw honey added.
The next morning drink up!
No. 6 – Grapes
One of top 10 foods that improve blood flow is grapes.
The phytonutrients in grapes, called proanthocyanidins, have been shown to promote vasodilation and reduce inflammation, both of which improve circulation.
In addition, many phytonutrients found in grapes also function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
Add them to your smoothies for an extra boost!
No. 7 – Beets
The root vegetable has long been used in Chinese medicine to improve blood flow and circulation.
Rich in antioxidants that help prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing (clogging arteries), they also help reduce blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Roast beets with olive oil and thyme, sprinkle them on salads or serve them alongside your meal.
Beets are low in calories and high in fiber, so you can fill up on more than just their amazing health benefits.
No. 8 – Kiwi Fruit
One of my favorite fruits, kiwi fruit is not only incredibly delicious but also packed with blood-circulating nutrients.
These include high levels of vitamin C and potassium.
Potassium helps remove excess fluid from your system, which not only reduces bloating but also contributes to better blood circulation.
Of course, you should consult a doctor before starting any new diet or exercise regimen.
But if you’re looking for foods that improve blood flow and circulation on a daily basis (and happen to love kiwi in smoothies or salads), add it to your shopping list!
No. 9 – Berries
Eating foods rich in antioxidants is a great way to maintain good blood flow and circulation.
Berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are filled with these nutrients.
In fact, studies have shown that people who consume large amounts of berries have a reduced risk of developing heart disease and strokes.
Eating a few servings of berries each week can keep your blood flowing freely all day long.
No. 10 – Bananas
Bananas are high-potassium fruit that may help lower blood pressure.
They’re also rich in magnesium, which can relax and widen blood vessels to promote circulation.
Bananas also contain folate, which some studies have shown helps prevent the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis).
Finally, bananas provide a healthy dose of vitamin C—another nutrient thought to reduce atherosclerosis by keeping artery walls flexible.
There’s one caveat: eat them frozen! When you freeze bananas, their cells rupture and allow for even more nutrients to seep into your bloodstream.
There you go! Ten food items that will make your blood flow freely through your body and will hopefully increase its vitality!
Always remember, you are what you eat as they say…literally!
