Amazing Foods That Increases Blood Circulation and Blood Flow
For the body to function well, one of the processes that must not be lacking is blood circulation. A number of health conditions have been suspected to be the cause of poor blood circulation in the body. Some of these health conditions include; diabetes, peripheral artery disease, Raynaud’s disease, and obesity. There are the major triggers or causes of poor blood circulation.
When blood does not get to have a free passage in the body, you might begin to experience symptoms like muscle cramps, pain, numbness, cold feet and hands, and digestive issues.
In addition, asides from those who might want to improve the blood flow and circulation in their body as a result of one health condition or the other, athletes as well as people who are physically active and engage in different exercises might want to increase the flow and circulation of blood in their body, in order to improve their endurance as well as their performance during sporting and physical activities.
Poor blood flow and circulation can be treated through various means, some of which include medications, dietary changes, and changes to lifestyle habits. This article elaborates on the foods that can best improve the flow and circulation of blood throughout the body. Some of these foods include;
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is rich in a content known as capsaicin. Usually, people refer to this compound as a phytochemical. The function of this compound in the body is the stimulation of the production and release of some vasodilators like nitric oxide as well as the lowering of blood pressure, both of which are aimed at promoting your blood flow. It also ensures that the compounds that help in the expansion of your blood vessels are activated.
Vasodilators ensure that blood is able to flow freely through the body by relaxing the vessel walls and the muscles therein.
According to medical experts, consuming cayenne pepper will not only help in the improvement of blood flow throughout your body but also strengthen your blood vessels and reduces the number of plaques that might have accumulated itself in your arteries.
In addition, pain relief creams producers also include cayenne pepper in their products because it will promote easy blood flow to the affected area, thereby speeding up the healing process.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates are sweet fruits that are packed with antioxidants known as polyphenol, as well as nitrates, both of which have been identified to be effective vasodilators.
When you consume pomegranates in any form, be it as fruit, blended into a paste, added to smoothies, or pressed as juice, you will enjoy the benefits of improved blood flow plus enough supply of oxygen to the muscle. Both of which will keep you active all day.
A survey of 19 active people showed that they experienced a higher level of endurance and strength when they consumed 100 mg of pomegranate juice 40 minutes before the start of their exercise. Consuming the extract helped increase the diameter of their blood vessel, thereby giving the blood enough room to flow and circulate. They also experienced improved performance in their sporting or physical activities.
Further studies showed that consuming 500 ml of pomegranates extract while engaging in physical exercise, especially the ones specialized in weight loss, can help reduce muscle damages, soreness of the muscle, and inflammations.
Onions
Onions are rich sources of compounds known as flavonoid antioxidants. This compound has been discovered to be effective in the protection of heart health. In addition to this, onions help in the widening of the arteries and veins to promote the free flow of blood.
The research found that adult men who consumed 4 g of onions per day experienced a significant improvement in the flow of blood throughout their bodies.
Onions also have been grouped among foods that have anti-inflammatory properties, which is healthy to the heart, as it reduces vein and arteries inflammation.
Cinnamon
One of the known health benefits of cinnamon is the improvement or the boost of blood flow through the veins and arteries. According to research, consuming cinnamon has been linked with the dilation of the artery, which plays a vital role in the supply of blood to the heart.
In addition, cinnamon has been discovered to help in the reduction and regulation of blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and regulating the pressure at which the heart pumps blood. This does not only help in the circulation of blood, but it also provides for you a healthy heart.
According to research, people who consumed 1,200 mg of cinnamon daily for 12 weeks experienced a reduction in their systolic blood pressure by up to 3.4mmHg.
Garlic
Garlic is known for not just its culinary benefits but also for its medicinal and health benefits. One of the most popular functions of garlic is the improvement of blood flow within the arteries and the veins. It is rich in a Sulphur substance known as allicin. Allicin is effective in the increment of blood flow in the tissues, and relaxation of the blood vessels, thereby regulating blood pressure.
People who add garlic to their diets have over the years experienced a better flow of blood into different parts of their bodies.
In addition, a survey carried out on 40 people suffering from coronary heart disease showed that they experienced a 50% improvement in the flow of blood through their body after consuming at least 1,200 mg of garlic two times daily for 2 to 3 months.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fishes are known to be healthy carriers of healthy fats. They provide a range of health benefits across the body, one of which includes the free flow of blood in the body. Mackerel and salmon are two good types of fatty fish. However, it is important to eat them with caution, as overeating them might lead to what is known as lead poisoning.
Fatty fishes are also great sources of omega 3 fatty acids, the omega fat that the body needs to function properly.
These fats are recognized to be effective in the free flow and circulation of blood in the body because they boost the release of nitric oxide that increases blood flow through the dilation of blood vessels.
In addition, consuming fatty fish can also reduce the rate or eliminate the clumping of platelets in the blood, which can be dangerous, as it can lead to the unnecessary formation of a blood clot. Fatty fishes are also known to help in the regulation and reduction of blood pressure, as well as the flow of blood into the muscles during exercises and even after exercises.
10 healthy people who were fed fatty fish daily for 4 weeks showed improved blood flow to their legs and other parts of their bodies during and after exercises.
Beets
Beet juice is one of the favorite drinks of athletes. This is because it helps improve their performance during and after sporting activities. Beets have high nitrates contents, which the body automatically converts to nitric oxide. This new nitric oxide ensures that the blood vessels are relaxed enough to improve the flow of blood to the muscles and tissues.
In addition, beet juice can also supply oxygen to the muscle tissues. It can also increase the level of nitric oxide in the body and stimulate the flow of blood to the muscles, all of which contribute to the improvement and boosting of performance.
Asides from being used by athletes, older adults are advised to consume beet juice as it can help with the flow of blood throughout their bodies and eliminate every form of pain in the joints and muscles. In fact, it is best for older adults who are experiencing circulatory issues. In addition, beet juice also reduces blood pressure and inflammation.
Turmeric
One of the main health benefits of turmeric is the boosting and improvement of blood flow in the body. Turmeric has a compound identified as curcumin, which ensures the healthy production and release of nitric oxide. This compound is also known to help reduce the risks of inflammation as well as oxidative stress.
Consuming turmeric, in other words, will not only help improve your blood flow and circulation I will also help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
In conclusion, there are many ways to improve the circulation and flow of blood in the body. Some of these ways include drugs, supplements, diets, or lifestyle adjustments. The natural and best way of improving blood circulation and flow is by consuming foods that can ensure the free passage of blood through your veins and arteries by dilating them and increasing their diameter, thereby boosting blood circulation and flow.
