If you're concerned about your blood being cloudy, here are four foods that will help clear it up.

To prevent life-threatening cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction, you must pay attention to blood health. This is because blood supplies oxygen and nutrients to every corner of our body's tissues and cells, and removes accumulated waste products. If blood becomes thick and sticky, there is a risk that blood clots will form, narrowing or completely blocking blood vessels. In particular, frequently consumed processed meats, refined grains, and foods containing trans fats are known to thicken the blood. So, what foods can help purify the blood?

◇ Seaweed

Seaweed contains many components that purify the blood, such as fucoidan and alginic acid. Fucoidan is a dietary fiber found in seaweed that is effective in preventing blood clots and cleansing the blood. Alginic acid, a water-soluble fiber in seaweed, helps eliminate bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Therefore, it helps prevent dyslipidemia (a disease caused by an excess of lipid or fat components in the blood) and arteriosclerosis (a disease caused by the thickening and hardening of arteries). However, since raw seaweed has a high sodium content, it is recommended to soak it thoroughly in water before cooking to remove the salty taste.

◇ Seafood

It is also beneficial to consume seafood rich in taurine, such as conch, oysters, and tuna. Taurine is well-known as an ingredient in fatigue relievers; it inhibits the action of the sympathetic nervous system, which raises blood pressure, and helps the heart muscle pump blood. In fact, taurine is used as a treatment for heart failure, a leading cause of heart attacks. This utilizes its properties of facilitating blood flow through the heart and stabilizing blood pressure.

In addition, omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in oily fish such as mackerel and Spanish mackerel, are also beneficial for blood health. Omega-3 fatty acids lower blood triglyceride levels and prevent the formation of blood clots. In particular, fish oil helps repair damaged blood vessels by promoting vasodilation and preventing inflammation.

◇ Sesame

The sesaminol and sesamin components found in sesame seeds help keep the blood clean. A high-fat diet causes cholesterol to accumulate in the blood, narrowing blood vessels; however, sesaminol protects these vessels by removing cholesterol. Sesamin lowers blood cholesterol levels by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine and facilitating its excretion. However, since sesame seeds are high in calories, it is recommended to consume only about 10 grams (about a tablespoon) per day.

◇ Citrus fruits

It is also beneficial to increase your intake of tangerines, lemons, and oranges. The potassium abundant in these fruits helps expel unnecessary sodium from the body, preventing a sudden rise in blood pressure. In particular, the citric acid responsible for the sour taste of tangerines filters out waste products from the blood, while Vitamin P, found in the white fibers inside the peel, strengthens capillaries. Citrus fruits are best absorbed by the body when consumed without added sugar. About one cup of juice per day is an appropriate amount.