Overview
This lecture discusses how certain foods help dissolve blood clots by acting as natural blood thinners and improving cardiovascular health.
Blood Clots and Risks
- Blood clots form when fibrin proteins stick together, potentially blocking circulation.
- Unwanted blood clots in vessels can cause heart attacks, strokes, or pulmonary embolisms.
- Natural blood thinners and antioxidants in foods can help prevent dangerous clot formation.
Top 12 Foods That Dissolve Blood Clots
1. Turmeric
- Curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties to prevent platelet clumping and reduce fibrin production.
- Cooking or drinking turmeric tea releases its clot-busting benefits.
2. Ginger
- Ginger contains gingerols and salicylate, which inhibit platelet aggregation and improve fibrinolytic activity.
- Raw ginger or ginger tea provides protective compounds.
3. Garlic
- Ajoene in garlic prevents platelets from sticking together and lowers cholesterol.
- Let crushed garlic sit before cooking to maximize benefits.
4. Cayenne Pepper
- Capsaicin in cayenne pepper thins blood by inhibiting platelet aggregation and improving circulation.
- Add to meals or drinks for gradual tolerance.
5. Cinnamon
- Contains polyphenols and coumarin that prevent clotting by inhibiting platelets.
- Consume in moderation to avoid toxicity.
6. Vitamin E Foods
- Vitamin E blocks compounds that stimulate clotting and improves blood vessel relaxation.
- Found in almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, and broccoli.
7. Grapefruit
- Naringin and vitamin C in grapefruit prevent platelet clumping and lower cholesterol.
- Drink juice or add slices to salads.
8. Salmon
- Omega-3s (EPA, DHA) in salmon reduce platelet aggregation and fibrin production.
- Eat fatty fish at least twice weekly.
9. Papaya
- Papain enzyme inhibits platelet aggregation and helps digest proteins.
- Eat fresh papaya with lime juice.
10. Natto
- Nattokinase enzyme dissolves clots and enhances fibrinolytic activity.
- Eat natto with rice, eggs, or vegetables.
11. Pineapple
- Bromelain enzyme reduces fibrin and cleans vessel walls.
- Consume fresh pineapple desserts or juices.
12. Onions
- Quercetin and adenosine in onions inhibit platelet clumping and dilate vessels.
- Eat raw onions in salads or on sandwiches.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Fibrin — a protein that helps blood clot formation.
- Platelet aggregation — process where platelets clump together to form clots.
- Anticoagulant — substance that helps prevent blood clotting.
- Fibrinolytic activity — the breakdown and removal of blood clots.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Include a variety of these foods in daily meals to support cardiovascular health.
- Moderation is key for foods with strong active compounds (like cinnamon).
- No specific homework or reading assigned.