Natural blood thinners are substances found in various foods and plants. They can reduce the blood's ability to clot, thereby improving blood flow and reducing the risk of blood clots and related diseases such as heart attack and stroke. One of these natural blood thinners is natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.
Natto is particularly known for its content of nattokinase, an enzyme produced during fermentation by the bacterial strain Bacillus subtilis natto. Nattokinase has the remarkable ability to dissolve fibrin, a protein-containing substance that plays a central role in blood clotting. By breaking down fibrin, nattokinase can help reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots forming and therefore improve blood flow.
In addition to Natto, there are other natural blood thinners that can be integrated into your daily diet:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These unsaturated fatty acids are found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring, as well as in flaxseeds and walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the formation of blood clots and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Garlic: Known for centuries for its health-promoting properties, garlic can slow blood clotting and therefore act as a natural blood thinner.
- Ginger: Another powerful food that can affect blood clotting. Ginger contains salicylates, which, like the active ingredients in aspirin, can reduce blood clotting.
- Foods rich in vitamin E: Vitamin E also acts as a blood thinner. Nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables are good sources of this vitamin.
However, it is important to note that incorporating natural blood thinners into the diet should be done with caution, especially if blood thinning medications are already being taken. The combination of natural and medical blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advisable to always discuss any dietary or lifestyle changes with a doctor or healthcare professional.
The benefits of natural blood thinners lie not only in their ability to reduce the risk of blood clots, but also in their potential to promote overall heart health and reduce inflammatory processes in the body. A balanced diet rich in these natural blood thinners can therefore be an important part of a healthy lifestyle.