8 Fruits That May Support Healthy Blood Flow
There isn’t a fruit that can safely or reliably “dissolve blood clots.” Blood clots can be life-threatening and may require urgent medical treatment. However, a balanced diet containing fruits can support overall cardiovascular health and normal blood-vessel function.
Eight nutritious choices include:
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Berries — strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries provide fiber and polyphenols.
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Oranges and other citrus fruits — good sources of vitamin C and flavonoids.
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Kiwi — provides vitamin C, fiber, and other antioxidants.
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Apples — a convenient source of fiber and plant compounds.
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Pomegranates — rich in polyphenol antioxidants.
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Grapes — contain polyphenols such as resveratrol.
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Avocado — technically a fruit and provides fiber and predominantly unsaturated fats.
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Tomatoes — botanically a fruit and a source of lycopene and potassium.
Important if you’re taking blood thinners
Don’t deliberately consume large amounts of a particular fruit or supplement because you believe it will “thin your blood.” Some foods and supplements can interact with anticoagulants. Grapefruit, for example, can interact with certain medications, while people taking warfarin need to keep vitamin-K intake consistent rather than suddenly changing their diet.
If you think you may have a blood clot—especially one-sided leg swelling, pain, warmth, or redness, or sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing—seek urgent medical care. Food should never be used as a substitute for treatment of a suspected clot.
