Home / Health / 18 Foods To Improve Blood Count And Circulation

18 Foods to Improve Blood Count and Circulation

18 Foods to Improve Blood Count and Circulation

Poor blood circulation can result in several health conditions, such as peripheral artery disease and Raynaud’s disease. It can also cause digestive issues, numbness, muscle cramps, a cold sensation in the feet and hands, and pain. While one can treat circulatory issues with therapies, proper nutrition is also essential. The foods listed here not only optimize blood flow but also improve a person’s blood count—the vital cells in the blood.

Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper gets its spiciness from a phytochemical called capsaicin that reduces blood pressure and promotes blood flow by triggering the release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a popular compound that ensures blood flows seamlessly through the arteries and veins by relaxing the tiny muscles in the blood vessel walls and expanding the blood vessels. Studies suggest that cayenne pepper also improves blood vessel strength and lowers plaque buildup in the arteries. Interestingly, this spicy pepper is a typical inclusion in pain-relieving creams because it amplifies blood flow to the affected area.

Beetroot
Beetroots are a powerhouse of healthy nutrients like nitrates, which help improve blood flow and regularize blood pressure. Beetroot juices are an absolute hit among health fanatics as they are also a great immunity-boosting food.

Nuts
Nuts can shield a person against cardiovascular diseases, especially when supplemented with other healthy foods. Many nuts have high levels of amino acids like L-arginine that form nitric acid. Nitric acid, as discussed, helps regulate blood pressure and widen the blood vessels. Nuts are also an excellent source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which collectively help reduce blood pressure. Almonds, walnuts, and cashews are some of the best nut varieties for better health.

Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium, a nutrient that helps improve blood flow and lower blood pressure levels. Excessive sodium intake is a prevalent cause of high blood pressure, and adding bananas and other potassium-rich foods to meals helps the kidneys eliminate excess sodium from the body via urine.

Garlic
Garlic helps maintain a robust immune system and lower blood pressure. It has sulfur compounds that cause vasodilation and improve blood flow in body tissues. Studies reveal that people who consume 1,200 mg of allicin (a compound obtained from garlic) twice daily depicted a 50 percent better blood flow.

Berries
Berries are a rich source of anthocyanin, an antioxidant that gives them their purple and red hues. Anthocyanin guards the artery walls and makes blood vessels flexible. They also release nitric oxide, which aids in reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow.

Avocado
Avocados are rich in potassium and monounsaturated fats that can reduce blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, making it easier for the blood to circulate. The fruit is a storehouse of other essential vitamins, too, like vitamins E, C, K, and B6.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a sweet flavored bark that can make any dish delicious. It is a must-have spice for anyone looking to better their blood circulation. Cinnamon improves the blood flow in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. It also helps with blood vessel dilation in other body parts.

Citrus fruits
Besides being an excellent vitamin C source, citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids are healthy compounds that positively impact blood pressure and nitric oxide production, helping improve blood flow.

Radish
Radish is a helpful inclusion for enabling the circulatory system to work effectively. It is rich in nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide in the body, improving blood flow to the organs and tissues by loosening the blood vessels.

Pomegranate
This red, juicy fruit is rich in nutrients, nitrates, and antioxidants that amplify blood circulation. Pomegranates dilate the blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, allowing more nutrients and oxygen to travel to the muscles and other tissues. A healthy blood oxygen level is a must for an active lifestyle as it brings a significant performance boost.

Turmeric
Turmeric is a herbal ingredient widely discussed for its health and therapeutic benefits. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties accentuate blood circulation and open blood vessels. Studies suggest that curcumin in turmeric amplifies nitric oxide secretion, reduces inflammation, and helps fight oxidative stress.

Onions
Onions contain flavonoid oxidants that boost blood circulation and improve heart health by helping the veins and arteries widen. One can add onions to their meals or try onion juice to enjoy their benefits.

Leafy greens
Green leafy vegetables like collard greens and spinach have a high nitrate level. Like the other nitrate-rich foods on our list, they help with blood circulation and ensure better blood flow by dilating the blood vessels. Research suggests that people who regularly add spinach and Chinese cabbage to their meals have a lower blood pressure than those who avoid meals with many vegetables.

Sweet potatoes
A rich source of iron and other essential minerals, sweet potato helps with red and white blood cell production. It is a healthy and delicious addition to the nutrition regimen for improving blood circulation.

Cherries
Cherries are a good source of vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption in the body. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Cherries can be used in various recipes or eaten fresh after washing and removing the stem.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes lower the functioning of specific enzymes in the body to help control blood pressure. They also help widen blood vessels to improve blood flow. Further, tomatoes disrupt platelet aggregation and lower inflammation, which betters blood circulation.

Grapes
Deep purple-hued grapes are a rich source of antioxidants, which boost blood flow by relaxing the blood vessel walls. They also ensure the blood vessels work properly. Further, grapes contain compounds that reduce inflammation and make the blood less sticky, reducing the susceptibility to blood clots. So, adding these sweet treats to meals can go a long way in lowering circulation issues.

Recommended

Top 3 types of mattresses to relieve back pain

Top 3 types of mattresses to relieve back pain

An extremely soft or firm mattress or one that is worn out can affect sleep quality and make one feel tired the next day. Further, if used for a long period, it can lead to issues with spine alignment and even strain the back muscles. If suffering from back pain, it is important to pick a mattress that helps relieve the ache and provides adequate support to the spine. So here are the best options: Latex Latex is a natural rubber that can be combined with other natural and even synthetic products to create a comfortable and durable mattress. Latex is naturally elastic and buoyant, and in mattresses, it can help support the sleeper’s lower back, weight, shape, and different sleeping positions. It facilitates adequate spine alignment and helps take the pressure off the heavier parts of the body. Latex mattresses bounce back to their original shape pretty quickly, and this factor ensures good support for all sleeping positions, making it ideal for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. What makes this one of the top mattresses for back pain is that its springy nature enables smoother movement, and sleepers can change their positions without difficulty. The mattress can retain its shape for many years.
5 foods that help improve lung health

5 foods that help improve lung health

Our lungs help us receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide through breathing. The body’s natural defense system protects the lungs from infections, germs, and other pathogens. But you can also improve lung health by making specific lifestyle changes like following an active lifestyle and breathing fresh air. Further, the right nutrition plan is crucial. The following foods have essential nutrients that keep the lungs healthy and lower the risk of diseases: High-fiber foods Inflammation is among the leading causes of lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fiber can help fight inflammation. A molecule in the blood called C-reactive protein (CRP) indicates inflammation in the body. Fiber-rich foods can contain CRP levels and protect the lungs. Fiber can also improve gut health by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids. Some fiber-rich foods that promote healthy lungs are apples, artichokes, beans, berries, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, peas, cereal, and whole-grain bread. Vitamin C-rich foods Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that protects our cells from oxidative stress. It also has properties that protect the lungs from free radicals. Research shows that people who lack vitamin C may have decreased lung function, which may lead to infections.
6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

If you want to invest in a pair of good-quality running shoes, choose one from a brand that specializes in making them for professional and casual runners. Look for a manufacturer that offers good arch and pronation support that matches the shape and size of your feet. Generally, a pair of running shoes cost between $110 and $150, while some iconic and popular shoes may cost higher. To help you choose from the top brands, here are the leading running shoe brands that are popular among runners: Brooks Brooks is originally from Canada and operates in the U.S. The brand has been making shoes since 1914 and started making running shoes after the Olympics in 1972. The collaboration of Jerry Turner from Brooks, David Schwaber of a rubber company, and Marty Liquori, a long-distance runner, created a cushiony midsole material from ethylene vinyl acetate. Using this, they introduced the Brooks Villanova in 1975. Their pioneering innovation then became the norm for other brands making sneakers. Some of its other innovations of Brooks include a removable sock line, silicone fluid, GORE-TEX, diagonal rollbar, use of pods on the outsole, and use of flexible material under the ball of the foot. Some of the most well-known running shoes from Brooks include the MOGO series, Green Silence, PureProject, Transcend, and the DNA series.
4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

Every woman, irrespective of age, uniquely expresses her fashion style. And accessories play an important role in the manner of expression. If you think that classic metal or gemstone jewelry is expensive or unsuitable for everyday use, it’s time to change your opinion. Some must-own timeless jewelry pieces can never go out of style. They instantly amp up your look no matter the outfit and garner eyeballs wherever you go. Make these exquisite jewelry options yours now.  Stud earrings Stud earrings are dainty yet elegant pieces of jewelry. They fit quite well on the top of your ear, emitting the right amount of sheen. It has a singular point with a post that passes through the pierced ear, connected through a backing or a clutch behind the ear. The stud, the main part of the earning, can be made of bare metal like gold, silver, or platinum and/or hold a gemstone like a diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, coral, or pearl. The size of the stud and the type of stone could determine the price of the pair of earrings. While stud earrings made with precious stones can be expensive, you can opt for those affordable options with semiprecious stones like turquoise, rose quartz, or garnets.
5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, have come a long way from being mere large-family vehicles to one of the most versatile and in-demand passenger cars. They are safe, well-designed, spacious, and fun to drive. The large-SUV market segment’s revenue is estimated to reach $148.60 billion in 2022. With increasing interest and demand, many new or redesigned models have entered the market. Here are a few leading SUVs to look for: Hyundai Tucson Hyundai has redesigned the Tucson completely. The 2022 version has multiple trim levels, including a sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model. It also has three different powertrain options: hybrid, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid. Further, the 2022 Tucson has upgraded infotainment systems, multiple rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, top-class safety features, and driver-assistance technologies like cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning. The price of the 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,350. Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-sized SUV. The 2022 variant, redesigned to offer a smoother ride, can accommodate five passengers in its top-class interiors with comfortable and supportive seats. The car has three powertrains: the existing V-6 and V-9 and a 4xe plug-in for the hybrid variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all models with V-6.
Top 5 electric cars to consider in 2022

Top 5 electric cars to consider in 2022

The sale of plug-in electric vehicles is expected to rise to 20.6 million in 2025, making up 23% of new passenger car sales. Battery, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid are the three main types of electric vehicles currently being rolled out. You can choose one from either of these car types on the basis of your driving requirement and budget. Here are some of the top suggestions for electric cars to consider this year: Kia EV6 The EV6 has a stylish exterior and classy interior with hi-tech features like smart parking and vehicle loading capabilities. This five-seater offers 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space even when the seats are not folded. The car’s engine has a 77.4 kWh all-wheel-drive powertrain, 321 bhp, 605Nm of torque from twin motors through a single-speed automatic transmission, and a range of 310 miles. It is quick to power up as a 350kW charger can charge the car from 10%-80% within 18 minutes. The driver assistance feature includes an augmented reality head-up display and remote smart park assist, which helps you park into a narrow space and pull out again when you are back by pressing a few buttons. Nissan Leaf Nissan’s Leaf is one of the cheapest electric cars in the market, costing under $20,000 after taking the tax credit of $7,500.