The blood vessels in the human body are like pipes, they collect dirt and grime over time. With each passing day, more and more dirt accumulates, eventually leading to blockages in the blood vessels. When the blood vessels are blocked, there is a risk of blood clots. So, what are blood clots? Blood clots are small pieces formed on the inner surface of the blood vessels in the cardiovascular system, at areas where the blood flow has peeled off or been repaired. They are the result of a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors, commonly known as “blood clots.”
Under normal physiological conditions, blood clots formed in the body are broken down. However, with age, prolonged sitting, lifestyle stress, diet, and other factors, the formation of blood clots accelerates, while the breakdown slows down. Once blood clots accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, they can cause blockages, leading to cardiovascular diseases. Research has shown that more than 80% of heart diseases and strokes are caused by blood clots.
Considering the significant harm caused by blood clots, how can we prevent and treat them? In fact, paying attention to diet and regulating food intake in daily life can be beneficial in preventing blood clots and reducing blood viscosity. And these foods are readily available around us.
Tomatoes:
Tomatoes are among the natural foods that are adept at preventing blood clots because the yellow gel-like substance around tomato seeds can prevent the clotting of platelets in the blood, thus preventing the formation of blood clots. Studies have found that the gel-like substances in every 4 tomatoes can reduce the activity of platelets in the body by 72% without causing gastric bleeding.
To maximize the anti-blood clot effects of tomatoes, nutritionists recommend eating them raw and suggest consuming one tomato daily. If opting for tomato juice, the daily intake should not exceed 250mL, and salt should be avoided if possible. It’s best to eat tomatoes in the morning since the body’s fluid levels are lower, making it easier for blood to clot.
Onions:
Onions contain prostaglandin A, which can dilate blood vessels, reduce blood viscosity, increase blood flow, and prevent the formation of blood clots. They also contain a component called quercetin, which can inhibit platelet aggregation and promote the function of the fibrinolytic system, thus preventing blood clot formation.
Kelp, when eaten regularly, not only helps in lowering cholesterol, but also fights off blood clots! Modern medical research has shown that kelp contains many beneficial nutrients and medicinal components for human health.
Consuming kelp can help lower blood sugar, blood lipids, and cholesterol, thereby preventing arteriosclerosis, constipation, senile dementia, and aging. Kelp has a slightly cold nature and is effective in softening hardness, dispersing masses, and reducing lipid levels and blood pressure.
Black fungus is praised by nutritionists as the ‘meat of vegetarian food’ and ‘the king of vegetarian food!’ It can also be used medicinally and has the effects of promoting blood circulation, stopping bleeding, nourishing the intestines, detoxifying, preventing blood clots, and tonifying blood. It can be considered a good medicine among foods!
Li Shizhen documented in the “Compendium of Materia Medica” that black fungus grows on decayed wood, has a sweet and mild nature, and is used to invigorate Qi to eliminate hunger, invigorate the body, and fortify the mind. Black fungus can reduce blood clots and alleviate coronary artery atherosclerosis.
In addition to common vegetables, the following natural ingredients, used for soaking in water and drinking, have great benefits in reducing blood viscosity and dissolving blood clots:
Robinia pseudoacacia leaf mainly contains flavonoids, acidic substances, organic acids, amino acids, polysaccharides, tannins, sterols, phytosterol glycosides, and triterpenes. These substances are very helpful in enhancing the flexibility and elasticity of blood vessels. The active components of robinia pseudoacacia leaf tea have a small molecular weight, are highly ester-soluble, and are easily absorbed by the stomach and intestines. Robinia pseudoacacia leaf tea has a significant lowering effect on total cholesterol and triglycerides in hyperlipidemia.
Studies have shown that the raw material of Tilia paucicostata tea, wild robinia pseudoacacia from Xinjiang, is a biological blood purifier. Long-term consumption can significantly improve the brittleness and permeability of blood vessels in the body, eliminate free radicals in the blood, clear toxins from chemical drugs, lipids on the vascular wall, and crystals of heavy metals, alkaline compounds, and salts, cleanse the blood, delay vascular aging, and have a very significant effect on hypertension, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as common symptoms in the elderly such as asthma, insomnia, chest tightness, and constipation. Experts fondly refer to it as the “green agent for cleansing blood and softening the blood vessels in the human body.”
Drinking a cup of hemp seed tea every day can help maintain and restore the normal resistance of capillaries, enhance the flexibility and elasticity of blood vessels, and clear the debris deposited in the blood vessels.
Blood clots are colloquially referred to as “blood clots,” akin to a continuously enlarging stone in a riverbed. Once a blood clot detaches and blocks a blood vessel, blood circulation is obstructed, and the result can be fatal. However, about 99% of blood clots show no symptoms or sensations, making venous thrombosis an invisible killer.
Hawthorn is known for its excellent effects in reducing blood fat and dissolving blood clots. Drinking a cup of hawthorn tea every day can help eliminate metabolic waste in the body. When brewing hawthorn tea, pour an appropriate amount of boiling water based on the quantity of hawthorn used, with the water temperature preferably between 80°C and 90°C.
