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Five festive foods to help improve blood circulation

Updated - November 29, 2024
02:00 Minute read

It may come as a surprise to you that there are certain foods that are renowned for their circulation-boosting properties.

Along with using your Revitive regularly, if you include these foods in your diet this festive season, it could make a difference to your leg health.

5 festive foods to help improve blood circulation

Oranges

Oranges and other citrus fruits, high in Vitamin C, are natural blood thinners and are said to strengthen capillary walls, preventing plaque build-up which leads to poor circulation.

Recipe idea: Try topping a cheesecake with juicy orange segments, not only will it look gorgeous, but it will also be a refreshing end to a hearty festive meal.

Dark chocolate

Studies have shown that dark chocolate, rich in natural flavonoids, improves blood circulation when compared with white chocolate, which lacks flavonoids.

Swap: Trade classic chocolate treats for a dark chocolate bar with a high cocoa percentage. If it’s too bitter for you, try salted dark chocolate – the salt enhances the sweetness. Yum!

Ginger

Root ginger is known for helping with nausea and digestion, as well as increasing blood circulation. Ginger can be eaten raw or added to meals.

Warming delights: A ginger tea after dinner can help settle you into a cosy evening in front of the TV, watching your favourite festive film. Or you could make yourself a zingy carrot and ginger soup with a crusty roll for when you are meat and two veg’d out!

Salmon

Both salmon and avocados contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which research has shown to support the cardiovascular system and increase blood circulation.

Avocados

Dinner party dishes: A side of salmon on the table is a showstopper to be proud of – and easier than you think to cook! Serve it with new potatoes, green beans, and a vinaigrette to make a wholesome feast for a family get-together.

Irresistible nibbles whilst you’re preparing dinner, you can keep everyone occupied with a homemade guacamole and tortilla chips (just remember to keep some in the kitchen for yourself!).

Other foods that can also improve blood circulation

  • Garlic
    Garlic has many uses, and one of them is that it cleanses the blood and helps prevent plaque build-up in the circulatory system. Other foods in the bulb group, such as radishes, onions, and leeks, are also good at stimulating blood flow.
  • Cayenne pepper
    Cayenne has been associated with increasing the metabolic rate and strengthening arteries and blood vessels. It's best eaten raw in salads or juiced.
  • Sunflower seeds
    Sunflower seeds are rich in Vitamin E, which is shown to help prevent blood clots from forming. They are great for improving circulation, as are pumpkin seeds and nuts.
  • Ginkgo Biloba
    It's one of the world's oldest surviving tree species, which dilates blood vessels and, in doing so, increases blood flow. It is also thought to increase blood flow to the brain.
  • Goji berries
    Readily available in natural health stores, they are high in fibre to help boost the immune system, as well as increase blood circulation.
  • Watermelon
    Watermelons are rich in lycopene, which is a natural antioxidant linked to improving circulation. Lycopene is a natural pigment that gives certain foods their reddish colour. Tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and apricots also contain lycopene.

We’d love to hear from you. Share your festive favourite meals that could help boost circulation, and tag us #Revitive #RevitiveMovement.

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