Blood-Thinning Recipes to Help Reduce Blood Clot Risks
Nearly a million Americans are affected by deep vein thrombosis (blood clots). If you’re concerned about the risks of blood clots, talk to your doctor. Lifestyle changes (e.g., being more physically active, quitting smoking, etc.) and diet can also help. These blood-thinning recipes not only taste delicious and are easy to prepare, but they also include powerful plant-based ingredients that have been shown to improve your cardiovascular health and thin your blood, thus potentially reducing some risks of blood clots.
BREAKFAST: Lemon-Ginger Detox Smoothie
Aspirin is commonly used as an over-the-counter blood-thinning medication, and its active ingredient is acetylsalicylic acid. Ginger is a source of natural salicylate, and some researchers believe that salicylate may have anti-coagulant effects on your blood platelets (“sticky” platelets contribute to blood clots).
This breakfast smoothie will awaken your senses and boost your energy with the vibrant flavors of citrus and spicy ginger. It’s also rich in vitamin C to boost your immune system, and omega-3s from chia seeds (omega-3 fats help reduce inflammation).
1/2 cup frozen peaches
1/2 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 cup frozen mango
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 cup unsweetened oat milk
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
1 scoop vanilla-flavored plant-based protein
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
LUNCH: Crunchy Cucumber and Almond Salad
Vitamin E can “interfere with the blood’s clotting ability,” reports Harvard Health. Not only are almonds one of the best sources of vitamin E, but these delicious nuts may also reduce your heart disease risks by improving your cholesterol numbers.
This crisp-and-crunchy salad adds layers of flavor and texture to ordinary romaine lettuce, and the punchy flavor of dill is a nice surprise. It’s high in protein and fiber, plus phytonutrients shown to boost your immune system and support a healthy gut.
SALAD
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 medium cucumber, diced
1/2 cup roasted almonds, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (you can also use a plant-based feta alternative)
DRESSING
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Make the dressing by whisking all the dressing ingredients together in a bowl or a Mason jar and set aside.
Combine all the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly. Plate your salad serving, drizzle with the freshly made dressing, and enjoy!
DINNER: Spicy Avocado and Chicken Roast
This dish looks like something out of a chef’s kitchen. But it will only take you a few minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights or chill weekends where you don’t want to be spending all day at the stove.
The skillet-roasted chicken is spicy and tangy, thanks to a generous serving of cayenne pepper. Cayenne is a natural source of blood-thinning salicylates, and the seasoning has also been shown to boost blood flow circulation.
The spicy chicken pairs well with the delicate housemade salsa, rich in cooling avocado. The contrasting textures and sensations make this dinner memorable.
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black ground pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves or chicken thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium red onion, minced
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 ripe avocado, pitted and cut into chunks
Combine the salt, pepper and cayenne and rub it on all sides of the chicken.
Heat the oil in a big skillet and cook the chicken for 10 minutes on each side or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
As the chicken cooks, combine the avocado, onion and lime juice with a dash of extra salt and pepper.
Serve the chicken hot, topped with the cold avocado salsa.
Beyond Blood-Thinning Recipes: More Heart-Healthy Food Ideas!