Dense with nutrients, broccoli is a healthy addition to any balanced diet. However, if you have a condition that requires you to take blood-thinning medication, you might want to be cautious. Broccoli doesn't thin your blood, but the vitamin K in broccoli can inhibit your anticoagulant medication.
Broccoli is high in vitamin K, which helps your blood clot. If you eat more than usual, it may change how your body responds to your medicine. While you don't have to avoid all broccoli if you're on blood thinners, you should keep the amount of vitamin K in your diet steady.
Broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage, collards.
These nutrient-rich vegies are high in Vitamin K. This vitamin supports blood clotting. It's essential to stopping the flow of blood when we get cut. Some blood-thinning drugs, particularly warfarin, block vitamin K's clotting action.
Blood thinners: Eat fewer foods with vitamin K
Foods high in vitamin K can counteract the blood-thinning effects of warfarin (Coumadin®). Eat these foods in moderation: Asparagus. Broccoli.
Leafy Greens
The highest sources include parsley, kale and Swiss chard. One cup of raw parsley contains 984 micrograms of vitamin K; a cup of raw kale contains 472 micrograms; and 1 cup of raw Swiss chard contains 299 micrograms.
Vitamin K helps your blood to clot (thicken to stop bleeding).
May cause gas or bloating
However, like most vegetables in the cruciferous family, both raw and cooked broccoli may cause excessive gas or bloating in some people. Broccoli may cause digestive distress, particularly in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ( 12 ). This is due to its high fiber and FODMAP content.
Researchers at the Heart Research Institute (HRI) have discovered Brussels sprouts and broccoli can help dissolve blood clots and improve the performance of clot-busting drugs, which could help treat a stroke.
Thick blood is caused by heavy proteins, or by too much blood in the circulation. Too many red cells, white cells, and platelets will result in blood thickening. Another cause is an imbalance in the blood clotting system.
Carrots are nutritious vegetables that are rich in vitamin A. Although some vegetables and foods are known to thin the blood, carrots are not one of them. Carrots do not have blood thinning properties.
Health risks
The most common side effect is gas or bowel irritation, caused by broccoli's high amounts of fiber. "All cruciferous vegetables can make you gassy," Jarzabkowski said.
Vitamin K Helps Blood Clot (Thickens Blood)
This means that eating foods rich in vitamin K (primarily found in leafy green vegetables) can interact with blood thinning drugs, making them less effective.
Broccoli Helps You Eat Less While Feeling Fuller
According to the Mayo Clinic, it helps to normalize bowel movements, lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar, maintain bowel health and aid in achieving a healthy weight.
Research we're watching
Eating a daily serving of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, or brussels sprouts is linked to a lower likelihood of harmful calcium buildup in the aorta, the body's largest artery, according to a new report.
03/6Reduces the effect of blood thinners
Spinach is loaded with vitamin K, a vitamin which plays a role in forming blood clots, therefore reducing the efficacy of blood thinners, allowing blood clots to thrive.
Nitrate from leafy greens may thin the blood and help oxygen circulate around the body more efficiently, according to one of three studies conducted by the University of Cambridge and Southampton.
Broccoli is rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant that decreases inflammation by reducing your levels of cytokines and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which are molecules that drive inflammation in your body ( 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ).
Cooking (Or Not Cooking) Broccoli To Protect Its Nutritional Riches : The Salt Cooking broccoli too long destroys the beneficial enzyme that breaks down chemicals into cancer fighters. The best way to eat it is raw or steamed for just two to three minutes, a nutrition expert says.
Broccoli. This cruciferous veggie is a good source of three blood pressure regulating minerals: magnesium, calcium and potassium. Or go for broccoli sprouts, which are high in compounds that may reduce hypertension, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Water helps to thin the blood, which in turn makes it less likely to form clots, explains Jackie Chan, Dr. P.H., the lead study author. But don't chug your extra H2O all at once. "You need to drink water throughout the day to keep your blood thin, starting with a glass or two in the morning," adds Dr.
Bleeding disorders: Magnesium seem to slow blood clotting. In theory, taking magnesium might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders.
Drinking caffeine-filled beverages can lead to “sticky blood,” and an increased risk of a blood clot according to a leading Consultant in the UK. The likes of coffee and other caffeine favourites can dehydrate the body, making the blood become a thicker consistency - leading to slower blood flow.