Anthocyanins and polyphenols - how do they support vein health?
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the diseases which occur relatively frequently in Poles. This is connected, among other things, with a sedentary lifestyle, but also with a specific diet rich in fat, and often also with stimulants and stress. The mixture of these factors acts as a magnet for vein diseases.
However, there are plenty of chemical compounds contained in fruit and vegetables that promote health and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular disease. Particular attention should be given to anthocyanins and polyphenols. These are substances that have a protective and strengthening effect on the veins. The fact that they are found in plants also means that their inclusion in the daily diet will result in weight loss, and thus a reduction in blood pressure.
Polyphenols - what are they?
Polyphenols are organic compounds of plant origin. They are strong antioxidants that protect against the formation and harmful effects of free radicals. In addition, polyphenols show anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial activity. An additional benefit for the cardiovascular system is also the anti-coagulant properties. These compounds protect against ischaemic heart disease, but also slow down the cell aging process and strengthen the body's immunity.
Polyphenolic compounds support the production of nitric oxide. This substance influences the expansion of blood vessels and thus reduces the risk of their damage. It improves the elasticity of arteries and at the same time protects against atherosclerosis. Products rich in polyphenols are mainly fruit and vegetables, including apples and leguminous vegetables, but also cocoa or green tea and the recently popular yerba mate.
Polyphenols in green tea and yerba, on the other hand, are associated with a strong detoxifying effect, which is generally beneficial to the body. Polyphenols support the treatment of hypertension, angina, diabetes, atherosclerosis, but also protect against heart attacks.
Anthocyanins
These are pigments found in the plant world and are responsible for the colours purple, blue, and red. For humans, they are of significant importance in terms of health. They support vision, but also have an excellent effect on the cardiovascular system, improving the elasticity of blood vessels and reducing their fragility. They reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
They can be found, among others, in aubergines, beets, red onions, and cabbage, as well as in all red and purple fruits such as chokeberries, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, or cherries, strawberries or cranberries.
They are used not only for health purposes. Anthocyanins are valued in cosmetics for their ability to protect against sunlight, but also for their anti-inflammatory activity, which reduces skin irritation and allergic reactions. They also support the healthy appearance of nails and hair. Both polyphenols and anthocyanins present in the daily diet reduce the risk of cancer.
Healthy diet - healthy veins
It is worth introducing vegetables and fruit into your diet, not only because of the content of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and other components valuable to cardiovascular health. Introducing such changes in your diet will certainly result in weight loss after some time.
This is important for the health of the heart, veins, and the entire circulatory system. Heavy loads are not good for your heart. They contribute to blood stasis in the lower limbs and thus to swelling, pain, and, consequently, varicose veins. Blood pressure increases significantly, and the body puts much more effort into pumping blood and supplying oxygen to all its cells.
When considering what strengthens the veins, it is worth considering making changes in other areas of our daily lives. One of such habits is spending time sitting. It is worth finding a moment for a walk or a visit to a swimming pool after work. This will stimulate circulation, but also increase the production of endorphins, the so-called happiness hormone, which improves your mood.
It is good to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. Although stress is necessary, experiencing it all the time can have negative consequences for your health.
Substances - especially tobacco and alcohol - are also bad for your cardiovascular system and your veins. If you have high blood pressure, it is a good idea to avoid coffee or to drink decaffeinated coffee. At work, it is a good idea to get up from time to time and take at least a short walk.
If you know that you will spend the entire day in a sitting or standing position, it is not good for your veins. If we know that we will spend the whole day in such a position, it will be worth using special compression clothes. These are usually compression tights or stockings. By means of evenly distributed pressure, they support the proper blood circulation and act as muscles, which through movement should support the pumping of blood back to the heart.
It is a solution that protects against leg pain and the formation of varicose veins and can be used both during the day and at night. Before the first purchase, however, you should see a doctor who can help you choose the right level of compression for your needs.
