There is no substitution for healthy diet and exercise when it comes to blood and heart health, but when you’re grocery shopping for your weekly meals, there’s something about food you should keep in mind: not all foods are created equal.
In addition to smart substitutions to lower your carb and sugar intake, there are also foods generally regarded as ‘smart foods’ because they contain high levels of the nutrients you need to protect your blood health- as well as the fund of Circulating Stem Cells that repair your veins and arteries. Smart foods have a function above providing energy and nutrients, they have concentrated levels of ingredients that can actually help your circulation (way more than just feed you!).
Here’s a quick list you might want to throw onto your grocery list, and what’s so special about each one:
Blueberries
Blueberries contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium (good for decreasing blood pressure), as well as fiber, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 (good for warding off cholesterol and improving heart health).
Goji Berries
Goji berries contain vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, beta-carotene (for skin health), antioxidants that protect cells from breaking down, plus their seeds contain fiber.
Green Tea
Green tea and green tea extract contain antioxidants including the compound EGCG which benefits the blood and the brain—that means help for blood sugar control, cancer patients, people with neurodegenerative diseases, and those with cholesterol concerns.
Red Wine (primarily resveratrol)
Resveratrol is the component in the skins of red grapes that reduces bad cholesterol, prevents damage to blood vessels, and helps prevent blood clots. The resveratrol compound is what makes red wines more beneficial than the others.
Green Leafy Vegetables
It’s always smart to eat a variety of vegetables, but for heart and blood health: spinach, lettuce, and kale all have vitamin K (think of it like vitamin Kale), which benefits the bones, kidneys, and blood stream. These greens also have fiber which helps your body keeps cholesterol levels low. Leafy greens also benefit clear vision, bone health (with calcium), and your energy level.
Each of these foods and drinks carry more than one benefit and can serve more than one purpose when they’re part of your body’s regular intake. They are still tasty and filling, but instead of accomplishing that with sugars and carbs, they give you a treat along with valuable doses of vitamins, fiber, and nutrients.
Smart foods fill your bloodstream with the right tools to support your health, and like your own Circulating Stem Cells, these nutrients help to clean up your blood and restore your body to full strength.
