Blood is the life force of our bodies, essential for keeping us alive. We depend on blood to transport nutrients, oxygen, and other substances to the cells throughout our body, as well as provide immunity and protection from sickness and disease, in addition to regulating the maintenance of body temperature, pH balance and so much more.
Blood is made of five primary components: water, plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. For optimal function of your circulatory system, there are a few foods to be sure to incorporate into your regular diet.
Water is the primary constituent of blood and makes up over 90 percent of its total volume, with platelets, cells, and plasma accounting for the rest.
Because water makes up such a large percentage of not only our blood but all of our body tissue, it is one of the most important substances in maintaining optimal function and the first step in improving your blood health.
Cruciferous vegetables are another great source of nutrients that help to improve blood flow and health. Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower have been shown to reduce artery thickness, thus reducing the likelihood of atherosclerosis and other circulatory diseases.
Foods rich in iron are also very valuable in the maintenance of blood health, and healthy red blood cells in particular. Almonds, lentils, and oatmeal are all plant-based rich sources of iron.
Fresh fruits are also high in nutrients that support optimal function of the circulatory system. Blueberries are rich in nitrogen, a chemical that allows for the relaxation and opening of blood vessels, ultimately resulting in decreased blood pressure.
Cranberries are another fruit that has shown promising results in studies. Research shows that drinking cranberry juice increases the level of antioxidants in the blood, enhancing cancer-fighting ability.
Additionally drinking cranberry juice also reduced levels of low-density lipoproteins in the blood, also known as the “bad” type of cholesterol.
Another key nutrient to increase in your diet to optimize your blood health is the B vitamin known as Folate or Folic Acid. Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid plays a vital role in the production and maintenance of new blood cells.
Insufficient levels of folic acid lead to a condition known as megaloblastic anemia, where the red blood cells are larger than they should be and are also produced at a lower number.
Foods to increase your folate/folic acid levels include dark leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale, beans, lentils, peas, and nuts to name a few.
Other B vitamins that are essential to proper blood and circulatory functions include vitamins B6, B12, and B3. Vitamin B6 plays a role in the building of new blood cells and may even reduce the risk of heart disease. Vitamin B6 can be found in a variety of foods from spinach and carrots to bananas, salmon, and whole-grain flour.
Vitamin B12 is another key nutrient in the prevention of blood anemia and plays a vital role in the production of healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B12, as well as B3, are found in animal food products such as dairy, fish and meat. Additionally, Insufficient levels of vitamin B3 has been linked to the death of red blood cells as well as a variety of other problems.
Dr. Kevin Kinney, board certified and licensed Chiropractic Physician featured on INSIDER.com, TheTodayShow.com & BlackDoctorsMatter.org. Connect with Dr. Kev at drkevinkinney.com or @DrDuval904
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