Blood clots stem from the buildup of plaque in an artery, according to Dr. John R. Marler in his book, "Stroke For Dummies." This becomes a stronger possibility as you age because blood vessels begin to break down from dietary wear and tear and stress. When a blood clot blocks arteries or is broken down into smaller pieces that are carried to the brain, a stroke may occur. It is important to try and prevent blood clots through many avenues, including diet, exercise and lowering stress. Green tea is one purported supplement that may help with preventing blood clots. Discuss this therapy with your doctor before you begin supplementation.
Identification
Green tea, a popular beverage for thousands of years, comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, according to Dr. Martha Gulati in her book, "Saving Women's Hearts." Green tea is less processed than black or oolong teas, and it therefore provides the most polyphenols, a plant compound noted for its health and antioxidant benefits. More research continues to find that green tea can be helpful in preventing a range of diseases, particularly those related to the heart.
Action
The catechins, or antioxidants, found in green tea are what help to thin the blood and prevent the formation of blood clots, explains Dr. Gulati. It also helps to prevent pro-inflammatory compounds from forming. Green tea may even help to lower blood pressure, which can sometimes lead to blood clots. In addition, the antioxidants in green tea seem to inhibit the production of free radicals in the endothelial lining of the arteries, where plaque can form.
Amount
Joe and Teresa Graedon note in their book "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" that large doses of green tea, up to 10 cups per day, were associated with cardiovascular benefit in epidemiological studies. But in their book, "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living," Janet Zand and Allan N. Spreen recommend taking a decaffeinated standardized extract of green tea that contains at least 50 percent catechins and 90 percent total polyphenols. They state that you should consume 300 to 500 mg daily.
Considerations
Although green tea is generally considered safe, check with your doctor before using it as a blood clot preventative. Do not drink green tea if you suffer from liver disease. It is also not recommended for pregnant or lactating women due to its caffeine content. If you have a family history of blood clots or have experienced them yourself, be sure to work with your doctor to determine the best health plan for you.
References
- "Saving Women's Hearts"; Martha Gulati, MD; 2011
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon, MS, and Teresa Graedon, PhD; 2002
- "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living"; Janet Zand, ND, and Allan N. Spreen, MD; 1999
- "Stroke For Dummies"; John R. Marler, MD; 2011
