Using ultrasound, researchers determined that the nitrate-rich beetroot juice led to a 24 percent improvement in blood vessel flexibility and tone. The subjects also had a slight decrease in blood clotting, another sign of improved cardiovascular health.
Beets reduce the risk of strokes
Blood clots are less likely to form when blood pressure is reduced and vessels and arteries are no longer contracted. Beetroot, rich in potassium, improves heart health and reduces the risk of blood clots.
Beets. This root vegetable is rich in nitrate, which your body can convert to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps to naturally loosen up your blood vessels and improve the flow of blood to your tissues and organs.
Beets naturally contain large quantities of nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. This compound dilates the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and lowers overall blood pressure.
A shot of beetroot juice can boost blood flow, reduce arterial stiffness and boost nitrate absorption nine-fold, a study from the University of the Sunshine Coast has found. And that's good news for those hoping to avoid cardiovascular disease.
“Fatty food we eat, like burgers, deep-fried food, red meat, or a high cholesterol diet, is pro-inflammation,” he says. “It creates an inflammatory process in the body and this process can be an added risk for patients who develop blood clots.”
Anticoagulants. Anticoagulants, such as heparin, warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban, and rivaroxaban, are medications that thin the blood and help to dissolve blood clots.
Thrombolytics. These clot-busting drugs are used for serious conditions, like a pulmonary embolism. Unlike blood thinners, they do break down the clot. They work by turning on plasmin, which jump-starts your body's natural process for clearing things out.
Instead, consume natural blood-thinners, like cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, and cayenne peppers, to reduce your risk of blood clots. You can also incorporate moderate amounts of grape juice and red wine into your diet. Consuming kiwis and virgin olive oil can also prevent blood clot formation.
Beetroot juice has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. The widening of blood vessels caused by nitrate ingestion not only improves circulation, but also decreases the risk of heart disease, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and vascular disease.
You can “unclog” your arteries with natural methods, including diet, exercise, and stress management. Quitting smoking, if you smoke, can also help reverse plaque.
Beetroots have high nitrate content and might cause nitrate poisoning in infants if given directly. They should be avoided in infants aged three months or below. Before using beetroot for any health effects, talk to your doctor or physician about any precautions you might need to take.
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between beetroot and warfarin.
Vitamin E is a natural blood thinner because of its anticoagulant effects. Studies support that vitamin E has anti-clotting activity and works as a potent blood thinner. Supplementing with vitamin E and consuming vitamin E foods can help prevent diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
Thrombolytics. Thrombolytics are drugs that dissolve blood clots. A doctor may give a thrombolytic intravenously, or they may use a catheter in the vein, which will allow them to deliver the drug directly to the site of the clot.
Citrus fruit such as oranges, grapefruit, and lemons contain many antioxidants that can lower inflammation, prevent blood clots, and improve blood circulation.
Yes, turmeric is a blood thinner. Though the researchers had found no published reports of patients bleeding from taking turmeric, it could increase the risk, especially if paired with another anticoagulating drug. They concluded that patients should “avoid concomitant use.”
It takes about 3 to 6 months for a blood clot to go away. During this time, there are things you can do to relieve symptoms. Elevate your leg to reduce swelling. Talk to your doctor about using compression stockings.