Foods With Anticoagulant Properties
Various kinds of foods have various effects on the body, which is why medical professionals often recommend special diets for those afflicted by disease and ailments or ask them to avoid certain foods. Many foods have an anticoagulant property that reduces blood clotting. This may be beneficial for some individuals and doctors might recommend eating these foods in such circumstances. Similarly, individuals who are taking blood thinning medications, such as Warfarin, are advised by doctors to avoid these foods with anticoagulant properties.
Listed below are some of these foods with detailed information about their anticoagulant properties or blood thinning effects that prevent blood clots and have multiple health benefits.
#1. Ginger
Ginger; which is the below ground level stem of the Zingiber plant is rich in salicylate, which is known to be an anticoagulant and blood thinning agent. Studies at the University of Maryland have shown that ginger might be able to prevent or reduce blood clotting. This study is in its preliminary stages; however, ginger is recommended as a prevention measure against blood vessel blockage that most often leads to heart attacks and stroke.
#2. Red Wine- Rich Indulgence Full of Anticoagulant Properties
If you indulge in a glass of red wine a day, you could very well be enjoying the anticoagulant properties of red wine. Red wine is effective in thinning out the blood and prevents arteries from clogging. Many studies have shown the cardiac health benefits of a moderate amount of red wine consumption due to the anticoagulant properties it contains.
#3. Fish
Fishes such as trout, salmon, tuna and mackerel are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to have blood thinning and anticoagulant properties. These fatty acids are known to have beneficial effects on people afflicted with high cholesterol levels.
#4. Cinnamon- Flavored Spice with Anticoagulant Properties
Cinnamon is a spice that is actually the edible bark of a tree. Cinnamon is used to add flavor to a wide range of food and is known to have anticoagulant properties. Your doctor might advice using cinnamon in your food under certain circumstances; however, it is important to know that prolonged consumption of cinnamon is known to damage the liver.
#5. Turmeric- A Popular Spice with Anticoagulant Properties
Multiple studies indicate that turmeric affects blood platelets to negate blood clotting. This popular spice with its beneficial anticoagulant properties is used in many cuisines around the world.
#6. Almonds
Almonds are perhaps the most popular of all nuts with well documented anticoagulant properties. Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E that functions as a naturally occurring blood thinner. Almonds could prevent arteries from clogging and lower cholesterol levels; however, it’s best to consult a doctor about almond consumption if you are currently on pharmaceutical blood thinners.
#7. Cayenne Peppers
Cayenne peppers are used to flavor foods ranging from pizza to curry; however, it is the coagulant nature of this popular spice that stands out as a health benefit. Cayenne Peppers are rich in salicylates, which have a blood thinning effect that negates blood clotting.
#8. Garlic- A Spicy Natural Anticoagulant
Garlic is a popular spice used to flavor a wide range of food; however, it is the blood thinning effects of garlic that gives it the distinction of being a natural anticoagulant. Garlic effectively serves to reduce blood pressure and platelet aggression, which results in better blood circulation.
#9. Olive Oil – A Healthy Oil with Anticoagulant Properties
Olive oil is considered one of the healthiest edible oils for a number of reasons; however, it is the anticoagulant properties of olive oil that prevents blood clotting, controls cholesterol levels and makes this oil a great dietary addition for improved cardiac health.
#10. Pineapple
The enzyme Bromelain which is present in pineapple gives it its anticoagulant and blood thinning properties. Bromelain effectively reduces the adhesiveness of platelets and also prevents the formation of gout and kidney stones.
#11. Ginseng- The Chinese Herb
Ginseng is one of the most popular and widely known TCM herbs; which has long been credited as an herbal cure for a wide range of ailments. Ginseng is known to have anticoagulant properties that can help with reducing blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
#12. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile Tea is yet another example of natural anticoagulants and blood thinners that can have potential health benefits for those with high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels. Chamomile tea often has negative interactions with blood thinners like Warfarin and is best avoided when you are on this or similar medications.
#13. Kelp- The Seaweed With Anticoagulant Properties
Kelp and other edible seaweed have substantial vitamin K content, which acts as an anticoagulant. Eating kelp has its health benefits, but you might want to avoid it if you are on blood thinning medications.
#14. Other Foods with Anticoagulant Properties
Foods that have substantial vitamin K content are all natural anticoagulants. Some of these are strawberries, seaweed, and tofu; foods with soy protein or soy oil, scallions and green tea. These foods can effectively prevent blood clotting, but are best avoided when on pharmaceutical anticoagulants.