Fruits and vegetables that contain salicylates may 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.
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Berries, including blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries, are rich in salicylates. Berries also contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Preventing inflammation in the blood vessels may help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots.
A 2016 study found that regularly consuming berries may reduce platelet aggregation, a process in which platelets stick to one another to form a blood clot. A diet rich in berries or their juice may also reduce blood pressure levels.
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Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, which contain salicylates, are also rich in antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids can improve blood flow by reducing blood pressure and making the arteries less stiff. By widening the arteries, flavonoids allow blood to flow more freely, lowering the risk of a blockage.
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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 down blood clotting. However, more research is needed to determine if adding grapes—rather than extract—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 with a doctor before starting a supplement.
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Pomegranates are sweet, juicy fruits with a vibrant 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, which means that it dilates (widens) the blood vessels and improves blood flow. It also helps lower blood pressure levels.
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Greens like kale and spinach are also rich in nitrates, which have been found to improve blood flow and heart health and to reduce platelet aggregation. Research shows that people who eat diets rich in nitrate-heavy vegetables tend to have lower blood pressure than those who eat other types of vegetables, as well.
Nitrates in vegetables may have beneficial effects, unlike added nitrates found in processed meats, which have some links to causing cancer.
Leafy greens contain vitamin K, which can interact with the blood-thinning medication Coumadin (warfarin), so be sure to talk with a doctor if you take this drug before increasing the leafy greens in your diet.
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Garlic is a vegetable from the Allium sativum family. Garlic is rich in antioxidants that may promote blood flow and heart health. It contains a compound called allicin, which has antiplatelet effects. More research is needed to determine if garlic prevents blood clotting, though.
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Like garlic, onions are in the Allium sativum family and are rich in antioxidants. Onions have anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing inflammation in the blood vessels helps blood to flow more easily and improves heart health.
More research is needed to determine whether natural blood thinners have a significant effect on blood thinning or clotting. Researchers know that natural blood thinners are not nearly as effective at thinning blood as medications such as aspirin, however.
Because fruits and vegetables don’t have the same effect as medication, most healthy adults can safely consume them. However, people who take Coumadin (warfarin) may need to use caution with natural blood thinners, including fruits, vegetables, and supplements. Combining them may lead to interactions and increase the risk of bleeding, including internal bleeding.
Blood-thinning fruits and vegetables may also interact with certain medications. Talk with your doctor about any dietary risks of natural blood thinners if you take any of these medications:
- Antiplatelets
- Anticoagulants
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Anti-arrhythmic drugs
