Clotting is a process of the human body, which prevents any excessive blood loss. It is a result of a component of human blood called Platelets that enables the body to clot the blood. However, this same behavior of clotting which saves lives can prove to be extremely dangerous in case of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, or having a history of blood clotting, as it may prevent the easy and clear circulation of blood to the heart by blocking the blood flow because of internal blood clots. Therefore, in certain cases the use of blood thinners is extremely helpful. Since quite the majority of the population in these times are taking vitamin supplements, it is important to know which components of these supplements act as natural blood thinners.
Vitamin Supplements Which Are Natural Blood Thinners
Some of these supplements (or) components that are natural blood thinners are listed below:
#1. Vitamin E:
This is a fat soluble vitamin and has antioxidant properties. As far as blood thinning is concerned, this vitamin E has natural anti-platelet and anti-coagulant properties. Clots that occur in the arteries appear primarily because of the platelet concentration; and the anti-platelet properties of the vitamin E help in preventing platelets from clumping together and forming clots that can be extremely hazardous for health. Thus, vitamin E supplements are efficient and natural blood thinners.
#2. Vitamin D:
Most often linked with maintaining strong bones, vitamin D has natural anti-coagulant properties which also help in preventing clot formation in the body. A study proves that increased sun exposure decreased the clotting in women up to a one-third. Thus, supplementing with vitamin D or increasing sun exposure, acts a natural blood thinner to avoid blood clots eventually. This vitamin supplement is a natural blood thinner.
#3. Fish Oil:
Consuming 2-3 grams of fish oil supplements daily act as a commendable and natural blood thinner in people suffering from heart disease or have a probable risk of developing blood clots. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help control platelet aggression and hence prolong bleeding and naturally prevents clotting of blood. Consistent consumption of fish oil supplements can also result in break of already formed clots.
#4. Garlic:
When taken as a supplement in capsule form, 1-2 g of garlic daily act as natural blood thinners and can reduce the risk of clot formation in humans. A powerful blood thinner, garlic has three components namely allicin, adenosine and paraffinic sulphide that are thought to have anti-platelet properties. Garlic supplements when taken in combination with a prescribed anti-coagulant might cause increased bleeding so should be taken after consulting with a doctor.
#5. Vitamin Supplements Containing Coumarin:
Any natural supplements containing coumarin or plants and herbs that contain high doses of coumarin are considered excellent natural blood thinners. This sweet smelling natural compound has anti-coagulant properties, which prevent clot formation in humans. Though highly effective, an overdose of this particular supplement can be toxic.
There are a number of plants and dietary supplements that contain this particular compound like nettle, wild carrot, lavender, parsley, Tonka beans, sweet clover, rue, wild lettuce, chamomile, celery seeds, fenugreek and dandelion. When ingested with cinnamon and cassia, coumarin may also lower blood pressure and relieve inflammation caused by arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
#6. Nattokinase:
A daily approximate dosage of 100 mg of nattokinase is known to act as a blood thinner when taken in supplement form. Nattokinase increases the clot dissolving activities in the blood of animals and humans. Mainly soya bean food content, this enzyme has potent fibrinolyitc activity. It is important to understand that this supplement should be taken under medical supervision only because of its natural blood thinning characteristics.
#7. Chocolate:
Cocoa is known to have many benefits to human and one of them is preventing blood clots. Dark chocolate has been found to affect platelet aggression while milk chocolate does not show such type of reaction. According to a study conducted in which the participants consumed 100 g of dark chocolate containing 75% cocoa, the bar of chocolate provided the same protection against clots as taking an aspirin. Hence, cocoa is one of the reliable natural blood thinners.
#8. Supplements Containing Salicylate:
An acid found in many plants, salicylate is one of the extremely effective blood thinners that prevent a stroke. Thus, any supplement containing salicylate or the plants and herbs that contain salicylate is a good natural blood thinner. Most effective in prevention of arterial clots, this compound is the foundation of the aspirin and has been used as an over-the-counter blood thinner since long in history. Many foods that contain salicylate can even mimic the anti-platelet effect of aspirin. Some of the foods which are rich in salicylates and therefore have been proven to be good blood thinners include cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, curry powder, oregano, peppermint, thyme and dill. Since natural salicylates have anti-thrombotic properties, caution is warranted against people taking anti-coagulants to avoid the risk of excessive bleeding.
#9. Other Foods & Supplements that are Natural Blood Thinners:
There are many other supplements that have been reported to have blood thinning effects. These foods are known to be clot preventive and are prescribed in diet to heart patients. Some of the common foods that have blood thinning enzymes and hence are natural blood thinners include cranberry supplements; drinks such as green tea; tree nuts like walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews and pistachios.
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