Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts and other foods high in vitamin C—including broccoli, tomatoes, oranges, and berries—all help with circulation. “Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant on the lining cells of our arteries to assist in dilation and therefore blood flow,” says Rachel Carlton Abrams, MD, a physician specializing in family and integrative medicine in Santa Cruz, California, and author of BodyWise: Discovering Your Body’s Intelligence for Lifelong Health and Healing.
Garlic
Eating more garlic may make your breath smell, but it could be worth it if you’re serious about improving your blood flow. Studies, such as this 2016 study in the Journal of Nutrition, show that aged garlic extract may help prevent clogged arteries by reducing blood pressure and total cholesterol—risk factors of heart disease. Note: The researchers do caution that further research including larger studies is needed to see if these effects are still applicable. “Two to three cloves daily is ideal,” says Dr. Carlton Abrams. You’ll get the most benefits from garlic cloves if you smash or press them prior to cooking. (Next, beware of these signs of an unhealthy heart.)
