Superfoods for a Spiffy Circulatory System

Circulation problems can be felt in a number of ways.  Some symptoms include fatigue due to poor circulatory function, which may bring on other symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. The inability to concentrate, coldness in the hands or feet, headaches, angina, and high blood pressure are also other signs there could be problems with the circulation system.  There are nutritionally-dense foods we can incorporate into our diets to ensure our circulatory system is functioning at its best.

If your circulation is poor, it is vital that the vitamin C content of the body is kept up, because it will help prevent hardening of the arteries and arterial ballooning.  Citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach are all great vitamin C foods sources, and it helps promote a healthy immune system and is required to help make collagen, which holds cells together, which is vital in maintaining the integrity and strength of the arteries and veins.

Leafy green vegetables, almonds, hazelnuts, and vegetable oils like sunflower, canola, and soybean are all great sources of antioxidants, which are widely recognized for their ability to ward off diseases such as cancer and heart disease.  Other great sources include broccoli, cabbage and kale.

Nuts are high in beneficial, unsaturated fatty acids and research shows a correlation between nut consumption and a reduced incidence of ischemic heart disease.  Walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts are very high in these needed fatty acids.

Fish oils as in sardines and may help to improve or reverse atherosclerosis, angina, heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Fish oils help maintain the elasticity of artery walls, prevent blood clotting, reduce blood pressure and stabilize heart rhythm.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects body tissue from damage caused by unstable substances called free radicals. Free radicals can harm cells, tissues, and organs can cause damage to the cell walls of the vessels in the circulatory system. Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells. Wheat germ, corn, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, and asparagus are all wonderful vitamin E food sources.