12 foods to increase blood flow and circulation
Joy Onuorah
Reduced blood flow can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as pain, muscle cramps, numbness, digestive issues and coldness in the hands or feet.
Here are the 14 best foods to optimize blood flow:
Cayenne pepper
Research indicates that ingesting cayenne pepper increases circulation, improves blood vessel strength and reduces plaque buildup in your arteries.
More so, more, these spicy peppers are frequently included in pain-relieving creams because they can encourage blood flow to the affected area.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are juicy, sweet fruits that are particularly high in polyphenol antioxidants and nitrates, which are potent vasodilators.
Consuming pomegranate as juice, raw fruit or supplement may improve blood flow and oxygenation of muscle tissue, which could especially aid active individuals.
Onion
Onions are an excellent source of flavonoid antioxidants, which benefit heart health.
This vegetable improves circulation by helping your arteries and veins widen when blood flow increases.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a warming spice that has many health benefits including increased blood flow.
Garlic
Garlic is well known for its beneficial impact on circulation and heart health.
Fatty fish
Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
These fats are especially beneficial for circulation because they promote the release of nitric oxide, which dilates your blood vessels and increases blood flow
Beets
Many athletes supplement with beet juice or beet powder to help improve performance.
This is because beets are high in nitrates, which your body converts into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to muscle tissue.
Turmeric
Increased blood flow is one of turmeric’s many health benefits.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens like spinach and collard greens are high in nitrates, which your body converts into nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator
Walnut
Eating walnuts may reduce blood pressure, improve blood vessel function and decrease inflammation, which may be particularly helpful for those with diabetes.
Tomatoes
Research reveals that tomato extract works similarly to ACE-inhibiting drugs opening up your blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Ginger
Ginger, a staple in traditional medicine in India and China for thousands of years, can likewise lower blood pressure and improve circulation.