As one gets older, preventing blood clots has almost become a top priority. Whenever encountering these issues, it is often recommended to eat more vegetables. Indeed, some vegetables can be considered as the “natural enemy” of blood clots and should be consumed more, such as the following vegetables:
Cauliflower. Cauliflower is very common in our country, widely consumed due to its delicious taste and rich nutritional content. Some nutritionists even consider cauliflower as a “cleanser” for blood vessels, indicating its value in maintaining vascular health and preventing blood clots.
Tomatoes. The three types of nutrients in tomatoes are widely recognized for their role in protecting blood vessels. Their rich vitamin C content is beneficial for vascular protection. The high content of citric acid helps reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, preventing it from becoming too viscous. Additionally, the flavonoids in tomatoes help maintain vascular elasticity. The combination of these factors makes tomatoes an essential ingredient for preventing blood clots.
Wax gourd. Those who regularly consume wax gourd may not even be aware of its positive impact on vascular health. Adding wax gourd to the diet can decrease the fat content in the blood, making the formation of blood clots less likely. Vegetables like wax gourd are rich in fiber, and when combined with green leafy vegetables, they form an ideal combination for preventing blood clots.
These vegetables can be considered as the “natural enemies” of blood clots; however, many people still consume them incorrectly.
How to consume vegetables? Vegetables like cauliflower, which can help prevent blood clots, are often deep-fried in a large amount of oil before cooking to enhance the flavor. This method is commonly used in households. However, this cooking process increases the fat content in the vegetables, sometimes even surpassing certain types of meat. Regularly consuming vegetables prepared in this manner is clearly detrimental to vascular health. High-C vitamin content vegetables like tomatoes, if subjected to high-temperature cooking, may lead to vitamin loss and decreased nutritional value.
Therefore, even though these foods are theoretically the “natural enemies” of blood clots, they should not be consumed carelessly without considering the cooking methods. Boiling vegetables is a healthier option, and vegetables that can be eaten raw should be washed thoroughly before consumption.
Does this mean we should not eat meat?
For vascular health, consuming meat and fats is necessary. The daily intake of fats or oily foods should be controlled within 25 milliliters, and meat dishes should account for one-fourth of the total food intake per day. It is advisable to replace pork products with fish or skinless poultry like chicken and duck.
Having discussed this, now we should have an idea of how to eat to prevent blood clots. Though there is widespread promotion of the existence of “natural enemies” against blood clots, it merely indicates that regular consumption of these foods is beneficial for the body. However, relying solely on these foods to maintain vascular health is not advisable. Neglecting a diverse range of food types such as vegetables, fish, dairy, and fruits may lead to malnutrition and other health issues. A rich variety of food types, including vegetables, fish, dairy, and fruits, are the real “natural enemies” of blood clots.
