Home - Health - Superfoods That Help Improve Blood Circulation
Superfoods that help improve blood circulation

Superfoods that help improve blood circulation

Blood circulation is an essential function of the body. Organs would cease to function without the heart pumping fresh oxygenated blood to all body extremities. This is done by an intricate system of arteries and veins that carry the blood. However, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy BMI, and even health complications can affect blood circulation. Doctors usually recommend incorporating the following foods daily to promote better circulation naturally.

Beetroot
Beets are superfoods highly recommended for improving blood circulation. This root vegetable is a rich source of nitrates. The body processes nitrates into nitric oxide, which helps expand blood vessels and simultaneously lowers inflammation. Beetroot also helps widen the arteries and lowers blood pressure. More importantly, it allows the blood vessels to absorb more oxygen and promotes better endurance as O2-rich blood keeps circulating in the system.

Citrus fruits
Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are popular citrus fruits that should form part of daily foods for increased blood flow. These fruits contain vitamin C and antioxidants that lower the risk of oxidative stress to healthy cells, boost immunity, and lower the risk of inflammation. Certain citrus fruits contain active flavonoids that increase nitric oxide production to promote efficient circulation.

Assorted berries
Blueberries, bilberries, cranberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and currants (red, white, or black) are the richest natural source of antioxidants. Berries also contain essential polyphenols, namely anthocyanins and phenolic acids with anti-inflammatory markers. These chemicals promote the release of nitric oxide and protect the walls of the arteries from getting damaged.

Pomegranates
This is another excellent fruit that promotes the release of nitric oxide and antioxidants to regulate favorable blood pressure levels. The nutrient-rich red seeds mainly help dilate the blood vessels to absorb oxygen better and improve circulation. Active oxygen-rich circulation counters muscle and tissue fatigue and boosts energy levels throughout the day.

Spices
The capsaicin found in peppers and spices must also be included in foods for increased blood flow. This compound helps relax blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and promotes better blood flow to improve circulation. Additionally, turmeric is rich in a compound called curcumin that boosts the production of nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels carry more oxygen.

Onion & garlic
These vegetables belong to the allium species of plants and are rich in anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Regular consumption of onion and garlic lowers the risk of inflammation in the arteries and veins that carry the blood throughout the body. These veggies also help dilate the blood vessels to improve circulation further.

Assorted nuts and seeds
Nuts are a nutritious source of vitamin E and compounds like L-arginine. Walnut is the most popular choice among nuts, rich in compounds like omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. The good fats combined with these compounds help relax the blood vessels and improve their elasticity. This helps regulate blood pressure and improve blood circulation.

Seafood
Fatty fish is also a rich source of omega 3 acids. These healthy fats help maintain cholesterol levels and lower the risk of arteries clogging up due to an excess buildup of plaque. Fish like tuna, salmon, mackerel, trout, and herring also help lower blood pressure levels to promote better circulation. Improved vascular health also means a lower risk of strokes or heart attacks.

Kovaltry® support for hemophilia
Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder triggered by insufficient clotting factors to bind the red blood cells. Foods, to some extent, naturally promote proteins in the blood to improve clotting. However, doctors may prescribe clotting factor supplements like Kovaltry® to promote factor VIII clotting responses that curb the bleeding.

Kovaltry® is an expensive prescription without copay insurance. So, it is better to opt for loyalty programs offered by pharmaceutical companies like Bayer™ with a $0 copay program. Such places also provide patient assistance regardless of current income. Additionally, patients can utilize $12,000 for out-of-pocket expenses charged for hemophilia treatment.