In healthy individuals, blood moves freely through veins and arteries. In some individuals, however, blood is constricted, causing clots to form. If these clots are not thinned, they can lead to heart attack or stroke. Medications known as blood thinners are used to prevent the formation of clots and to facilitate blood flow throughout the body. Some foods act as natural blood-thinning agents.
Garlic
Garlic, a bulb with many separable cloves, has a strong, distinct odor and flavor. It is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body and fight against cell-damaging free radicals. For this reason, garlic has been used as a medicinal agent for many years. Garlic can help prevent cardiac risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Garlic works to thin the blood by decreasing blood pressure and platelet aggregation, helping the blood to flow more easily and not clump. Garlic can be used fresh, dried, aged or in oil.
Ginger
Ginger is used as an herbal medicine to aid digestion, upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, arthritis, colic and various heart conditions. In addition, ginger is valued as an important cooking spice thought to ease the common cold, flu-like symptoms and headache. Although more conclusive research is needed to document the heart-related benefits of ginger, ginger may act as a natural blood thinner because it reduces inflammation and relaxes the muscles surrounding blood vessels. This lowers cholesterol, prevents blood clotting and aids blood flow throughout the body.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids and contains two of the most therapeutic: DHA and EPA. These essential fatty acids are readily absorbed by the body. They reduce the production of substances released during the inflammatory response, thereby preventing these substances from accumulating and sticking to the lining of arteries. This minimizes inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids act as a natural coagulant by altering the ability of platelets in the blood to clump together.
Salicylates
Salicylates, found in many foods and in aspirin, thin the blood by blocking the mechanism of vitamin K, a natural blood clotting factor. In addition, salicylates naturally reduce inflammation. Foods high in salicylates primarily include fruits and vegetables such as raisins, prunes, cherries, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, bilberries, grapes, tangerines, oranges and leafy greens. Salicylates are also present in vinegar, wine, peppermint, honey and cider.
Vitamin E
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, adequate levels of vitamin E have been associated with a 21 percent decrease in the likelihood of developing a blood clot. Vitamin E is especially advantageous in individuals with a condition called venous thromboembolism. This occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein and then breaks free. It enters into circulation and may get lodged in and completely obstruct a blood vessel. If the clot is allowed to flow into the lungs, heart or brain, death can result. Consuming foods rich in vitamin E can help thin the blood. Vitamin E foods include vegetable oils such as olive, sunflower and safflower; peanuts, hazelnuts and almonds; whole grains; and vegetables like spinach, carrots and avocados.
