10 Plant Foods To Improve Blood Circulation

Blood circulation is what distributes all the nutrients and oxygen to different parts of the body. While good and healthy blood circulation leads to a healthy body, bad blood circulation invites disease and health problems.

Varicose veins and hypertension are believed to be the two most common problems caused by bad circulation. Varicose veins result due to the loss of elasticity in the walls of veins and the problem can be further escalated by lack of exercise, junk food consumption and increasing age. Hypertension usually affects middle-aged and elderly people. It is caused by hardening of cholesterol plaques along artery walls.

The good news is that blood circulation can be improved with the help of some super foods mentioned below.

Foods To Improve Blood Circulation

Oranges

Citrus fruits such as oranges that are loaded with Vitamin C act as blood thinners and make the capillary walls strong. This helps in the prevention of plaque build-up which is a common cause of bad circulation.

Cacao

Cacao has flavonoids, which are antioxidants linked with healthy blood circulation. These flavonoids are found in many fruits and plants. Studies have found that in comparison to white chocolate containing no flavonoids, dark chocolate with natural flavonoids improves circulation.

Cayenne pepper

This Indian spice does more than make meals spicy. Cayenne pepper works wonders in boosting blood circulation and heart health, if taken on a daily basis. Available as dried spice and pepper, cayenne increases metabolism and strengthens blood vessels and arteries. Cayenne pepper can also be used in salads.

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are a rich source of Vitamin E that prevents the formation of blood clots and helps in improving blood circulation. Pumpkin seeds, olives and nuts have the same effect.

Ginger Root

Ginger has multiple effects—it not only helps improve circulation but also relieves digestion problems and nausea. It can be consumed raw or added as flavouring to foods. It can also be added to tea.

Garlic

Garlic has been used for ages to give a healthy boost to the heart. It prevents the body from several heart ailments and is a commonly used element in herbal medicine. One of the many benefits of garlic includes cleansing of blood and prevention of plaque build-up. Radishes, leeks and onions are other bulb foods that are known to increase blood flow.

Ginkgo Biloba

By dilating blood vessels, Ginkgo biloba helps increase blood circulation. This tree species is also said to stimulate the flow of blood to the brain.

Goji Berries

Goji berries are rich in fibre, which strengthens the immune system and improves blood circulation. They resemble raisins and can be bought from natural health stores.

Watermelon

Rich in the antioxidant lycopene, watermelon improves blood circulation. Lycopene is a pigment that lends a reddish colour to foods. Other sources of lycopene are apricots, pink grapefruits and tomatoes.

Avocados & Hemp Seeds

Omega 3 fatty acids, which are known to be healthy for the heart, are found in both avocados and hemp seeds (not to mention chia seeds, almonds and coconut oil!). They strengthen the heart and improve circulation.

Stock your kitchen cabinets with these plant foods and lead a healthy life. Poor circulation is usually the result of plaque buildup in blood vessels. It can also be a result of a weak heart of thickening of blood. Most of these plant foods acts as blood thinners, prevent clotting and plaque build-up, and stimulate blood flow. What’s even better is the availability of all these food items. If any of these plant foods are not available at a fruit stall or herb store, a natural health store is sure to stock them.

So improve blood circulation with home remedies and herbs. There is nothing that the right use of super foods can’t help with. Do not panic and rush to grab your medicine pouch if you have a mild case of bad blood circulation. Try the plant foods mentioned above to keep your heart healthy, and promote good blood circulation in a fully natural way.