There are plenty of superfoods out there that claim to have all kinds of health benefits and while some of those claims that overstate it a bit, the food we consume really has the potential to really influence how well our bodies function and how we feel.
What Exactly is a Superfood?
These days superfoods are quite the buzz word. There’s just too many people waiting for the next big superfood trend. A superfood is essentially just a food with an extraordinary nutritional value known for its health-enhancing ability. This could be because they have a vital combination of nutrients that we need to function, or because they have a high concentration of some type of antioxidant, which can help you get healthier and stay healthier.
Why is Good Blood Circulation So Important?
The blood supplies all the cells in your body with oxygen and nutrients, and when it moves efficiently, those cells are better suited to perform the tasks for which they are created. Blood circulation not only brings essential things to the far reaches of the body, it also carries away the waste that certain cells throw out, like carbon dioxide. The circulatory system and all the other body systems it supports are quite complicated, but simply put, the circulatory system provides cells with food, which makes up the whole body, and takes up the garbage on its way out. Good circulation greatly contributes to your overall health, which is important in a SHTF situation.
Potential effects of poor circulation can be outright fatal (such as increased risk of stroke), but the most common signs are tingling, numbness, throbbing, stinging or muscle cramps in extremities. Many people with poor circulation find their hands and feet cold too.
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Superfoods that Support Good Circulation
1. Garlic – Garlic is known to help keep the blood free from build-up, thus making it flow more efficiently. This is also taken in the form of an additive to reduce the very pungent odor.
2. Watermelon – Apart from being a delicious summer treat, watermelon has potential properties for healing. The lycopene it contains is good for circulation, just like the large amounts of water you eat it in.
3. Ginger – Besides containing some vitamins and minerals that your body requires pumping blood well, ginger is known to improve blood flow in your skin.
4. Cayenne Pepper – This flavorful, vivid chili pepper contains capsaicin, which is what makes these peppers hot and what also allows them to increase circulation. The other vitamins found in cayenne can also contribute to its ability to improve circulation.
5. Avocados – These common mushy, green fruits contain healthy fats that help when eaten in moderation keep the circulatory system going strong. This is wonderful news as they are decadent and delicious, they even add a number of different types of recipes, even desserts!
6. Sunflower seeds/oil – The oil found in the beautiful (and rather invasive) sunflower seeds contains plenty of vitamin E, a vitamin not necessarily easy to get through. Vitamin E also just so happens to be good for circulation, so baseball and softball players around the world can rejoice with less guilt and continue to enjoy their favorite snack.
7. Pumpkin seeds- These also contain heart healthy vitamin E which can lead to better overall circulation.
8. Salmon – Same as avocados, salmon have loads of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids to help the circulatory system do its best. You may go for Wild Alaskan salmon if you are just in it for the health benefits because it contains the highest levels of these fats.
9. Goji berries – The high levels of antioxidants present in these quintessential superfood berries are perfect for circulation enhancement.
10. Pink grapefruit – Grapefruit is excellent for raising cholesterol numbers, this can contribute to better circulation in effect.
11. Blackberries – This delicious, tender berry contains high levels of antioxidants that help you circulate well through your blood.
12. Walnuts – Walnuts are another perfect omega-3 source helping the heart work at its best. Also, that kind of fat is healthy for the brain, as well.
13. Turmeric – This spice is a superfood powerhouse, proclaimed to help just about every ailment you may think of. Improving blood flow is one of the related almost supernatural properties.
14. Coconut oil – The healthy fats in coconut oil are known to help reduce inflammation in the body which in turn can help increase blood flow.
15. Green tea – Although green tea has plenty of antioxidants, its stress-relieving powers are also thought to boost circulation.
16. Dark chocolate – This decadent treat is more than beautiful to taste. It is known to help open up your blood vessels, which in turn gives more space for blood to flow through, and can improve circulation.
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What Else Can You Do to Improve Blood Circulation
Although superfoods are a good way to help you get healthier and stay healthy, they are not going to do the trick themselves. Much exercise is one of the best ways to keep your blood flowing, as well as maintaining a healthy weight. Overweight itself can lead to poor circulation and it also often comes along with several comorbid conditions that don’t do any favors to your circulatory system. Additionally, drinking plenty of water will help, along with physical therapy, reducing sodium intake, and leading a balanced lifestyle.
Maintaining Good Blood Circulation Can Contribute to Overall Health
You may wonder why that’s exactly true. I’ll tell you: being healthy and staying healthy is one of the best things you can do to get ready for a SHTF situation. It can help you become more physically competent, so you can handle the future hard work that you need and reduce your dependence on medications that might not be available. Knowing which foods are good for circulation in the blood will help you prepare your meals properly, as well.
