To prevent life-threatening cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction, it is important to pay attention to blood health. Blood supplies oxygen and nutrients to every tissue and cell in our body and removes accumulated waste products. When blood becomes cloudy and sticky, blood clots can form, leading to narrowing or complete blockage of blood vessels. It is especially known that processed meats, refined grains, and foods containing trans fats can make the blood cloudy. So, what are some foods that help keep the blood clear?

Seaweed

Seaweed contains many components that help purify the blood, such as fucoidan and alginate. Fucoidan is a dietary fiber found in seaweed that prevents blood clots and helps keep the blood clear. The soluble fiber in seaweed, alginate, aids in the elimination of bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Therefore, it helps prevent hyperlipidemia (a condition caused by excess lipids or fats in the blood) and arteriosclerosis (a condition where arteries become thickened and hardened). However, fresh seaweed has a high sodium content, so it is advisable to soak it in water thoroughly before cooking to remove the salty taste.

◇Seafood

Eating seafood rich in taurine, such as conch, oysters, and tuna, is also beneficial. Taurine is well known as an ingredient in fatigue relief products, as it suppresses the sympathetic nervous system that raises blood pressure and helps pump blood through the heart muscle. In fact, taurine is used as a treatment for heart failure, a leading cause of heart attacks. It is utilized to facilitate blood flow through the heart and stabilize blood pressure.

In addition, omega-3 fatty acids found abundantly in bluefish such as mackerel and Spanish mackerel are also good for blood health. Omega-3 fatty acids help lower blood triglyceride levels and prevent blood clot formation. In particular, fish oil helps to dilate blood vessels and prevent inflammation, aiding in the recovery of damaged blood vessels.

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The sesame seed components sesamin and sesamol help keep the blood clean. Eating a high-fat diet causes cholesterol to accumulate in the blood, narrowing the blood vessels, but sesamin removes cholesterol and protects the vessels. Sesamin blocks the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine and promotes its excretion, thereby lowering blood cholesterol levels. However, since sesame seeds are high in calories, it is recommended to consume only about 10 grams, or a large spoonful, per day.

◇Citrus fruits

It is also good to increase the intake of tangerines, lemons, and oranges. The abundant potassium in these fruits helps eliminate unnecessary sodium from the body, preventing a sudden rise in blood pressure. In particular, citric acid, which gives tangerines their sour taste, filters out waste products in the blood, and vitamin P found in the white fibrous part inside the peel strengthens capillaries. Citrus fruits should be consumed without added sugar or other additives for optimal absorption in the body. About one cup of juice per day is appropriate.