7 fruits and vegetables that promote health 7 fruits and vegetables that help naturally improve blood circulation

Fruits and vegetables containing salicylates can act as natural blood thinners. Salicylates are chemical compounds found in certain plants. They act as antiplatelet agents, which prevent platelets from sticking together to form a clot.

Berries, including blackberries, blueberries, cranberries and strawberries, are high in salicylates. The berries also contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Preventing inflammation of blood vessels can help improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

A 2016 study found that regular consumption of berries can reduce platelet aggregation, a process by which platelets stick together to form a blood clot. A diet rich in berries or their juice can also reduce blood pressure.

Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, which contain salicylates, are also rich in antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids may improve blood circulation by reducing blood pressure and making arteries less stiff. By widening the arteries, flavonoids allow blood to flow more freely, reducing the risk of blockages.

Grapes and grape seed extract are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols. These antioxidants have antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties.

A 2019 study found that consuming grape seed extract may slow blood clotting. However, more research is needed to determine whether adding grapes — rather than extracts — to your diet can help thin your blood.

Note: Grape seed extract is a supplement. It may interact with other medications, such as blood thinners, which may increase the risk of bleeding. Always talk to a doctor before starting any supplement.

Pomegranates are sweet, juicy fruits with a bright red color. They are rich in polyphenols and nitrates, which are natural chemicals that your body converts into nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it dilates (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow. It also helps in lowering blood pressure levels.

Green vegetables like kale and spinach are also rich in nitrates, which improve blood flow and heart health and reduce platelet aggregation. Research shows that people who eat a diet rich in nitrate-rich vegetables also tend to have lower blood pressure than those who eat other types of vegetables.

Nitrates in vegetables may have beneficial effects, unlike added nitrates found in processed meats, which have links to cancer.

Leafy greens contain vitamin K, which may interact with the blood thinning drug Coumadin (warfarin), so be sure to consult a doctor if you are taking this medication before increasing the amount of leafy greens in your diet.

Garlic is a vegetable from the Allium sativum family. Garlic is rich in antioxidants that can support blood circulation and heart health. It contains a compound called allicin, which has antiplatelet effects. However, more research is needed to determine whether garlic prevents blood clotting.

Like garlic, onions belong to the Allium sativum family and are rich in antioxidants. Onions have anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing inflammation in blood vessels helps blood flow more easily and improves heart health.

Further research is needed to determine whether natural anticoagulants have a significant effect on blood thinning or clotting. Researchers know, however, that natural blood thinners are not as effective as medications such as aspirin.

Since fruits and vegetables do not have the same effect as medications, most healthy adults can safely consume them. However, people taking Coumadin (warfarin) may need to use caution with natural blood thinners, including fruits, vegetables, and supplements. Their combination may lead to interactions and increase the risk of bleeding, including internal bleeding.

Anticoagulant fruits and vegetables may also interact with certain medications. Talk to your doctor about any dietary risks related to natural blood thinners if you are taking any of these medications:

• Antiplatelets
• Anticoagulants
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Antiarrhythmic drugs