These Foods are Great for Circulation!
There may be plenty of factors you consider when keeping your legs looking and feeling their best, but promoting healthy circulation may not be at the top of your list. The fact is, a robust vascular system in the legs can prevent a host of potential problems, from aching and swelling in the lower legs to the formation of unsightly varicose veins. Fortunately, you can take steps right in your kitchen to ensure optimal vein health and circulation throughout your life. Check out these circulation-boosting nutrients to include in your daily diet and the foods that will deliver them in abundance.
Vitamin C
This powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory keeps your veins and your entire body in a healthier state. Specific benefits of vitamin C on circulation include:
- Promote healthy blood flow
- Reduce risk for hypertension and high cholesterol
- Strengthens vein and capillary walls
- Prevents fluid retention that adds pressure to vessels
- The best source of vitamin C lurking in your refrigerator is citrus fruit like limes, lemons, oranges and grapefruit.
Vitamin E
This important substance plays a key role in blood clot prevention, which may lower your risk for a potentially dangerous condition known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. Vitamin E also improves the elasticity of your veins, reducing the chance they will become damaged over time. A healthy dose of vitamin E can be found in a variety of foods, including:
- Raw seeds
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale, turnip greens)
- Avocado
- Papaya
- Broccoli
Vitamin K
This nutrient offers additional benefits in terms of healthy blood flow and proper clotting of the blood, especially after injury. When your goal is to improve circulation in your lower legs and minimize your risk for varicose veins, you simply cannot have too many of these essential substances in your daily diet. Vitamin K is abundant in these food selections:
- Celery
- Leafy greens
- Brussel sprouts and broccoli
- Meat and fish
- Eggs
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
You may be familiar with the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids on circulation, particularly if you have used them as a tool in managing your cholesterol levels. These healthy fats keep vessels unobstructed so that blood can flow freely through them. To get plenty omega 3 acids in your diet, enjoy daily servings of fish like salmon and mackerel, walnuts and avocados.
Fiber
Fiber is a beneficial substance to your body primarily because of the way it keeps your digestive system running smoothly. This is true of your lower leg veins as well, since constipation can increase pressure on the veins that leads to damage over time. A diet high in fiber also makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight, which enhances the health of the cardiovascular system overall. While whole grains are one of your best sources of fiber, they are not the only one. Other options include:
- Raw seeds
- Citrus fruits
- Peas, lentils and beans
- Broccoli and Brussel sprouts
- Berries
- Pears and apples
You may have noticed that many of the foods on this list do double and even triple duty, packing a potent punch of nutrition in every delicious bite. Choose these foods first each day, and your diet will be giving you the greatest value regarding your circulatory health.
While healthy food choices can go a long way in promoting healthy circulation, there is no way to prevent varicose veins from forming completely. If you do see a few of those swollen vessels develop over time, there are now effective, minimally-invasive treatment options to eradicate unsightly, uncomfortable veins with minimal downtime and discomfort involved. To learn more about your choices in varicose vein treatments, contact Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan today at 212-204-6501.