Want to maintain a healthy heart and body with optimal blood circulation? Use these meals to improve blood circulation in the body.

Impaired blood circulation is a relatively common problem nowadays. Obesity, smoking, diabetes, and Raynaud’s illness are all possible reasons. Inadequate blood flow can also cause discomfort, muscle cramps, digestive problems, and numbness and coldness in the hands and feet.

Medication can be used to treat such problems if they become severe. But, there are several foods and lifestyle changes you may do to improve blood flow in your body.

Dr. Vijay Ramanan, M.D. (Med), DM (Clin, Haemat) Sr. Consultant Clinical Haematologist, was contacted by Health Shots to learn about foods that enhance blood circulation in the body.

You can rely on these foods to improve blood flow in the body. Besides from consuming the correct meals, you can also make lifestyle changes that can yield long-term benefits. Quitting smoking, reducing stress, avoiding fried foods, drinking enough of water everyday, eating fiber-rich meals, and exercising in moderation can all assist improve circulation.

Here are some products to consider:

Aside from the aforementioned adjustments, you can count on the following food options:

1. Consume foods high in flavonoids.

Foods high in flavonoids, such as onion and pomegranate, aid in circulation improvement. Onions are proven to help heart health and circulation by expanding arteries and increasing blood flow. You can also drink pomegranate juice, which dilates the blood vessels and allows for better blood flow. Also, it prevents the arteries from getting thick and rigid.

2. Consume foods high in nitric oxide.

“Foods high in nitric oxide, such as red chillies, garlic, cinnamon, beetroot, and green leafy vegetables, are essential for boosting circulation.” Turmeric, via curcumin, also improves blood circulation,” says the specialist.

3. Vitamin C in any form is always beneficial.

Vitamin C is derived from flavonoid-rich citrus fruits such as oranges, and sweet lime is usually beneficial in dilation of blood vessels. They also serve to reduce inflammation in the body and can help lower blood pressure and artery stiffness while improving blood flow. Watermelon, on the other hand, is believed to enhance blood flow because it includes lycopene, a natural antioxidant that improves circulation.

4. Nuts

Almonds and walnuts help to improve blood flow by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. According to the expert, L-arginine is a precursor of nitric acid and is contained in walnuts.

5. Berries and tomatoes

According to the expert, tomatoes and berries suppress Angiotensin-converting enzyme, which lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. Tomato lycopene protects the body against cardiovascular disease. Tomatoes include vitamin K, which helps to control bleeding and blood clotting while also increasing circulation. Blueberries and strawberries also contain flavonoids, which widen arteries, reduce plaque development, and improve blood flow.

6.Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to blood circulation

Fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help to prevent atherosclerosis and enhance circulation. A diet high in these fatty acids also lowers the risk of heart attack and improves blood flow.

Also, remember that WWW stands for water, walking, and controlling your diet/lifestyle in order to live a healthy life. Your health is the outcome of your choices, therefore make better eating and lifestyle choices to live a healthier life.