by Melissa Chichester
The circulatory system moves oxygenated blood throughout your body. It consists of your heart, arteries, blood vessels, and capillaries. This system is responsible for transporting nutrients, hormones, and more throughout your body. The lymphatic system is also part of the circulatory system, which circulates lymph. Lymph circulates more slowly in the body than blood does.
Supporting your circulatory system starts with eating a nutritious diet, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and regularly stretching. Massage and yoga can also support circulation.
There are some nutrients that naturally support circulation as well, including six that are available as supplements.
The Japanese diet has long been known as heart-healthy because it contains substantial amounts of soy-based nutrients. Nattokinase is a beneficial enzyme derived from the fermented Japanese soybean natto. Many people say it’s an acquired taste – it also has a stringy and slimy texture. In Japan, natto is usually served with rice and topped with soy sauce, mustard, and a garnish.
However, if you don’t want to eat nattokinase and still want to receive its benefits, it is available as a supplement that supports heart and circulatory health.* It also supports blood pressure levels already within a normal range.*
The ginkgo tree is the world’s oldest living species of tree and individual trees can have a lifespan of 4,000 years. It is native to China and has many uses in traditional wellness practices. Today, it is used in culinary and health practices.
As a supplement, ginkgo biloba assists in maintaining circulatory health.* Not only does ginkgo help maintain circulation to the extremities, but it also maintains circulatory perfusion in cerebral tissue.* It also helps support memory, especially occasional mild memory problems associated with aging.*
>>Shop all ginkgo biloba supplements
Vitamin B-12 is part of the B-complex group of water-soluble vitamins. This means it should be replenished daily. One of the main benefits of Vitamin B-12 is that it supports energy metabolism.* Vitamin B-12 aids in normal development and the regeneration of red blood cells.*
It is also essential for the normal formation of blood cells. Vitamin B-12 also contributes to the health of the nervous system and helps maintain circulatory health.*
Cholest Wise is an innovative supplement that also works to promote cardiovascular and circulatory wellness.* It contains several ingredients, including niacin, garlic, fish oil, and plant sterols (or plant sterols).
Phytosterols are found in unrefined vegetable, nut, and olive oils; and nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. They are premium sources of phytosterols. Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 2g per day of plant sterols eaten with meals or snacks may reduce the risk of heart disease through the intermediate link of blood total and LDL cholesterol. One serving of Cholest Wise supplies 0.6 of plant sterols.
Niacin is a B vitamin that promotes a healthy heart and circulatory system.* Niacin aids in maintaining proper metabolic functioning, supporting energy metabolism as well as carbohydrate and protein metabolism.* Niacin capsules also contribute to nervous system health and help maintain healthy skin.* Niacin also promotes healthy circulation.*
>>Get to Know Niacin: An Essential Nutrient
The Les Landes de Gascogne forest in southwestern France is home to a special species of pine trees. Pycnogenol® is an extract from the bark of these pine trees with a complex of naturally occurring flavonoids called proanthocyanidins. This French Maritime pine bark extract is a potent antioxidant that also supports circulatory health.*
Pycnogenol has been clinically studied for more than a decade and supports healthy heart and blood circulation.* It also supports glucose levels already within a normal range.* Pycnogenol even supports joint function.*
Healthy circulation is a health goal for many people. It’s essential to discuss this with your doctor – and if supplements are a good choice for you.
