What Foods Will Increase Platelets?

What Foods Will Increase Platelets?
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Platelets are microscopic blood compounds that are produced by your bone marrow. When you cut your skin, they are responsible for blood clotting. The lower your blood platelet count, the more your body is susceptible to continuous bleeding and longer periods before your injury clots and scabs. You can support platelets in your blood through healthy diet adjustments.

Garlic

Garlic can increase your platelets and other blood cells. Garlic boosts your immune system and multiplies blood cells. It also keeps platelets from clogging blood vessels and sticking together so it is unable to thin your bloodstream. The nutritional benefits of garlic are more effective when the bulbs are consumed.

Whole Grains

Consuming whole grain sources is vital if you would like to increase platelet counts, according to the Platelet Support Association. The chemical process in breads that are white or refined diminishes the nutritional benefits. Therefore, eating whole grains helps your body retain more of these nutrients. Common whole grains include whole grain cereals, breads, pastas, oats, rye, spelt and brown rice.

Green Vegetables

Green vegetables, particularly leafy ones, can increase and support platelet counts in your body. Leafy vegetables contain substantial amounts of vitamin K, minerals, antioxidants and calcium. Vitamin K is beneficial for promoting blood clots and sustaining healthy bones. Ideal green vegetables to promote platelets include kale, collard green, asparagus, broccoli, mustard greens, Swiss chard and cabbage.

Oysters

Oysters are a beneficial source of zinc, which promotes the increase of blood platelets and cells in your body. According to the "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," zinc boosts your immune system and enables it to defend itself against infection and other ailments. A small serving of six oysters contains an estimated 76 mg of zinc.

References

Article reviewed by Contributing Writer Last updated on: Mar 28, 2011

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