Nourish Your Health This Holiday Season

Hello there, 

The holiday season is the perfect time to embrace the concept of "food as medicine" and learn about the holiday foods that promote healthy angiogenesis balance. Angiogenesis - the formation of new blood vessels - is essential for health, but when uncontrolled, it may lead to disorders such as vascular insufficiency (e.g., heart or limb ischemia) and vascular overgrowth (e.g., hemangiomas, vascularized tumors, and retinopathies).

This year, why not enjoy holiday favorites that also support your vascular health? Here are three festive foods with bioactive compounds scientifically shown to help regulate angiogenesis:

• Omega-3 fatty acids enhance endothelial cell function and stimulate nitric oxide production, a molecule that promotes blood vessel dilation and formation.

• Polyphenols act as antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress and further supporting vascular health.

Whether baked into holiday treats or sprinkled over salads, walnuts are a tasty way to keep your vascular system healthy.

Menthol activates transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, specifically TRPV1 and TRPA1, which are ion channels that detect temperature and chemical signals. The activation of these channels relaxes vascular smooth muscle cells, improves blood flow, and blocks angiogenesis.

Savoring peppermint in teas, desserts, and holiday confections could enhance your body’s vascular function. Learn more about mint’s many health properties in this scientific review. 

• Cinnamaldehyde has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, reducing damage to blood vessels. It accelerates wound healing. 

• It activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), increasing nitric oxide production and enhancing blood vessel formation and function.

Sprinkling cinnamon on oatmeal, baked goods, or holiday drinks is a flavorful way to include cinnamaldehyde in your diet.

Nourish Your Health This Holiday Season

Incorporating these angiogenesis-balancing foods into your festive meals allows you to enjoy the season's flavors while supporting your body’s natural healing processes. Let’s celebrate the holidays with food choices that benefit our health and well-being.

Wishing you a healthy and joyful holiday season!

Recipe: Spiced Chocolate Mousse
This recipe is a simple dessert packed with antiangiogenic benefits from cinnamon.