This is the time of year that your hands, feet, and ears tend to get a little cold. It becomes hard to get comfortable or even sleep when your extremities are always cold. Feeling cold around this time of year is something that comes with the territory, yet feeling cold in your extremities all the time is not a good sign. Consistently feeling cold in your hands and feet could potentially mean that you have decreased circulation in those areas. Any circulation issues should be consulted with a doctor first. If you feel that your circulation isn’t quite where you want it to be than try some of these foods out!

Dark chocolate

Always want to throw out the one that I know most people will love. Dark chocolate contains natural flavonoids that have been shown in studies to promote good circulation. Slide a bar in during a healthy snack and reap some good blood flowing results.

Garlic

It’s not only good for having a strong odor! Garlic contains Allicin, which is organosulfur compound that gives garlic blood thinning qualities. With addition to Allicin, garlic also has cholesterol lowering properties that makes it a smelly go-to vegetable.

Cayenne

Well, this will heat you up whether you like it or not! Have you ever noticed that after consumption your skin becomes flush and maybe even a little warm? Well that’s from the capsicum that’s pumping through your capillaries and also strengthening your capillaries at the same time. In addition, the capsicum also enhances the elasticity of the capillaries allowing your blood to move with force and speed.

Sunflower seeds

Many seeds (sunflower seeds) and nuts are high in niacin, which allows blood vessels to dilate, allowing for uninterrupted and seamless blood flow. In addition, many seeds contain vitamin E which aids in preventing blood from clotting. These qualities are great for someone that may have heart disease and are at high risk for strokes.

I challenge you to give these promoting circulation foods a shot and let me know about your results!

-Phil