Boost your blood flow! Shake up your diet and improve circulation
Shake up your diet and help improve circulation ‘This golden spice is used in ayurvedic medicine and can be added to curries and stews, but also to warm beverages such as lattes,’ says Valentina. Its active compound is curcumin, which has antioxidant prop
If you regularly have cold hands and feet, get tingles and cramps, and suffer with digestive problems, it could be due to poor circulation. Age, lack of exercise, general health, and hereditary conditions can all be major causes. You can help boost blood flow in the body by staying at a healthy weight, being physically active and getting enough sleep. But that’s not all – adding certain foods to your diet has also been shown to improve circulation.
‘For optimal health, you should aim for a variety of different foods and colours in your diet,’ says Valentina Cartago, nutritional therapist at Bio-kult probiotic dietary supplements. However, if your goal is supporting healthy blood flow, some foods may be better than others, based on the type of nutrients they provide.’ Here’s what to add to your plate…
Turmeric Walnuts
These are a plant source of anti-inflammatory omega-3, and can be added to many dishes for an extra crunch and nutty flavour. ‘Walnuts are rich in circulationsupporting compounds and studies have shown they are beneficial for reducing high cholesterol,’ says Valentina.
Cayenne pepper Berries Fermented foods Leafy greens Fatty fish
Oily fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory benefits, in addition to improving blood vessel function and lowering blood pressure. ‘If you can’t remember what fish is considered oily, think of the acronym SMASH: salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and herring,’ says Valentina.
Cinnamon Onions Citrus fruits
Rich in anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, citrus fruits can be a great addition to your morning breakfast in the form of a freshly squeezed orange juice, or added to dressings and fruit salads. ‘Their vitamin C and flavonoid content can also help support a healthy blood flow,’ says Valentina.
Garlic