February 5, 2012, Sunday, 35

Food fixes for varicose veins

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Get silky smooth stems worthy of a Gillette commercial with the right food arsenal. Research shows that loading up on dietary fibre, flavonoids, and vitamin C can help reduce unsightly varicose veins.

Score Some Dietary Fibre

Getting Some: This essential nutrient is found in asparagus, beets, lentils, and pomegranates. How It Helps: Dietary fibre decreases the blood pressure on blood vessels in the legs by promoting regular bowel movements, and reducing strain during bowel movements.

Fill Up On Flavonoids

Getting Some: Snack on apples, berries, citrus fruits, grapes, and whole grains to get your fair share of flavonoids. How It Helps: Experimental research suggests flavonoids team up with vitamin C to fortify blood vessel membranes and to enhance vessel function by reducing breakage, free-radical damage, and permeability.

Take In Tannins

Getting Some: Bingeing on berries is a good way to get some tannins into your system. How It Helps: These antioxidant compounds (also known as proanthocyanidins) may help reduce blood vessel leakage and protect vessels against free-radical damage.

Vanquish Varicose Veins with Vitamin C

Getting Some: Berries, broccoli, citrus fruits, and peppers are sure to satisfy your need for Vitamin C. How It Helps: This vitamin may strengthen blood vessels and defend membranes against damaging free-radicals. A deficiency in vitamin C leads to blood vessel frailty.

Bring In Bromelian

Getting some: Polish of some pineapple to get your dosage of this enzyme. How It Helps: Though clinical evidence is lacking, this protein-digesting enzyme is thought to reduce protein-like fibroid deposits that build up around varicose veins and give a lumpy appearance to the tender skin.