Blood clots are clumps that occur due to hardening of the blood in blood vessels. While blood clots formed in response to an injury or a cut can prevent excessive bleeding, clots formed in the blood vessels of hearts and lungs may be life-threatening. A variety of factors including genetics, certain medications and cardiovascular diseases may lead to the formation of these clots. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications and surgery. Some foods, such as red grapes, may prevent and treat blood clots.
About Red Grapes
Red grapes are one of the most common and favored fruits in the world. The seeds, fruits, skin, leaves and stems of the plant have been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments. Proanthocyanidins found in grapes and resveratrol found in the skin of grapes, especially red grapes, possess immense medicinal value. Apart from the fresh fruit, grape extracts and resveratrol supplements are available as powders, capsules, tablets and liquid extracts.
Link Between Red Grapes and Blood Clots
Red wine and red grape juice can lower the risk of heart disease by preventing the formation of blood clots, says MayoClinic.com. A study published in a 2002 issue of the journal "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology" also states that flavonoids found in grape juice and red wine possess anti-platelet activity and may thereby help prevent atherosclerosis and plaque formation in the blood vessels. Also, resveratrol extracted from the skin of red grapes has been used historically by the Japanese to prevent blood clot formation as it hinders the clumping of blood platelets, according to Jean Carper, author of the book "Food-Your Miracle Medicine."
Side Effects
It is generally safe to consume fresh red grapes, although excessive intake may lead to nausea and gastric disturbances. No major adverse reactions have been associated with resveratrol supplements as well, but the Linus Pauling Institute warns that the safety of resveratrol has not been established in pregnancy and lactation. Resveratrol also possesses estrogen-like activity that may increase the risk of certain types of cancers in women.
Precautions
Always talk to a doctor before using resveratrol supplements to avoid possible drug interactions and adverse reactions. Inform your doctor about any other pre-existing conditions.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Does grape juice offer the same heart benefits as red wine?
- "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology"; Potential Health Benefits from the Flavonoids in Grape Products on Vascular Disease; J. D. Folts; 2002
- "Food--Your Miracle Medicine"; Jean Carper; 1994
- Linus Pauling Institute: Resveratrol
