Human blood vessels are very fragile. With age or the development of unhealthy habits, they gradually face issues such as aging. Therefore, in daily life, we need to pay attention to cleaning and softening the blood vessels! So, how can we determine if our blood vessels are blocked? What foods can help clean up the garbage and soften the blood vessels?
As the saying goes, the feet are the extremities of the human body and also the furthest point from the heart. If there are issues with the blood vessels, the feet are the first to sense it. To know if you have blocked blood vessels, looking at the feet is the simplest way. The first sign is when one’s legs are particularly cold even though the feet are warm, the legs are unusually cold. The second sign is if one leg gets fatigued and sore more easily than the other when walking long distances, it’s very likely there is some blockage in the blood vessels.
There is a clear signal to verify: we can feel the pulse on our wrists. Similarly, at the highest point in the middle of the foot’s arch when gently touched, you can also feel a pulse. If you can feel this pulse on your foot normally, it means the arterial blood flows continuously to the foot. But after walking a distance and you can’t feel this pulse anymore, it indicates there might be a mild blockage in the arteries.
So, what methods can help clean and clear the blood vessels? The best way is to pay more attention to diet. Here are a few foods that are very beneficial for blood vessels, let’s take a look.
One: Blood pressure regulator – Green tea
Green tea contains a substance called catechin that lowers our own cholesterol and triglyceride levels and has an anti-oxidative effect, preventing high blood pressure and blood sugar increases, thus promoting smoother blood circulation.
Aside from brewing, green tea can also be used in cooking, by grinding it into powder and adding it to flour-based dishes. For example, making steamed buns or dumplings with green tea dough not only provides a new taste experience but also benefits the body. Give it a try.
Two: Blood lipid regulator – Oats
Oats are rich in beta-glucan and dietary fiber, which can inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the body and have a good regulatory effect on blood lipids. Oats also provide a strong sense of fullness and can be considered for breakfast instead of other options.
Three: Vascular strengthener – Buckwheat
Buckwheat is highly nutritious, containing essential amino acids like lysine and arginine needed for blood health. It’s even referred to as a “perfect food”. Especially the vitamins from the B complex found in buckwheat are necessary for our blood circulation, purifying the blood and strengthening the blood vessels.
Four: Blood immunity – Propolis
Propolis is a valuable substance with strong antibacterial properties due to its content of bee resin, known as a “natural vitamin”. It serves as a natural and effective immune enhancer, stimulating the body’s immunity and enhancing the activity of macrophages. This helps boost our immune system and prevent the oxidation of blood vessels, keeping them young.
Moreover, propolis contains rich and unique bioactive substances that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and itch-relieving effects, also helping to lower blood sugar and blood lipid levels. Whether consumed after meals or before sleep, it not only benefits the body but also aids in sleep.
Accumulation of garbage in blood vessels can lead to arteriosclerosis, thus it’s important to soften the blood vessels and keep them free of garbage to prevent diseases. Therefore, it’s advisable to drink more water or soup in daily diet. Drinking more soups is beneficial to our health. Here are some soups that are good for purifying the blood vessels.
[Corn and Wood Ear Mushroom Congee]
Ingredients: 150g corn, 10g black wood ear mushrooms.
Method: Soak the wood ear mushrooms in cold water until softened, tear into small pieces. Cook the corn until soft, then add the wood ear mushrooms and cook into a thin congee. This congee can be consumed regularly.
Health benefits: Corn oil contains unsaturated fatty acids that inhibit cholesterol absorption, promoting normal lipid metabolism, while wood ear mushrooms prevent cholesterol deposits and have antiplatelet aggregation effects.
[Sweet Potato and Sesame Congee]
Ingredients: 1000g sweet potatoes, an appropriate amount of rice, and sesame seeds.
Method: Wash and slice the sweet potatoes, cook them with washed rice into a thin congee. Roast sesame seeds with salt, then grind into powder and store in a jar. Take a spoon of sesame powder and mix it into the sweet potato congee before eating.
Health benefits: This congee can be consumed regularly. Sesame contains a good amount of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, which effectively lower cholesterol levels, while sweet potatoes provide 8 essential amino acids for the human body and supply a large amount of mucin protein, a great prevention against arteriosclerosis.
[Shiitake Mushroom and Winter Melon Soup]
Ingredients: 15g shiitake mushrooms, 500g winter melon, salt, and green onion as needed.
Method: Cut the winter melon into small pieces, boil it with shiitake mushrooms, add salt and green onions to taste, then consume the soup. Shiitake mushrooms contain a type of nucleic acid that can inhibit cholesterol elevation, exerting a preventive effect against arteriosclerosis.
Health benefits: Winter melon has cooling properties, acts as a diuretic, phlegm expectorant, and heat-clearing detoxifier. When used with shiitake mushrooms, it benefits spleen and kidney functions, reducing blood lipids.
