6. Grapefruit
This tangy citrus fruit is a refreshing way to support your circulatory system. Grapefruit is loaded with powerful antioxidants, most notably naringin (which gives it its characteristic bitter taste) and vitamin C. Both of these compounds help prevent platelets from clumping together. Research has found that naringin can actually extend the time it takes for blood to clot and inhibits the process of fibrin polymerization—the final step in forming a solid clot. Vitamin C contributes by increasing nitric oxide levels, which helps keep platelets from becoming too reactive.
In addition to its anti-clotting properties, grapefruit has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, which is another major win for your cardiovascular system by reducing the plaque that can narrow arteries and disrupt blood flow. Enjoying half a grapefruit for breakfast, drinking a glass of fresh grapefruit juice, or adding grapefruit segments to a salad are all easy ways to get its protective benefits. A quick note: grapefruit can interact with certain medications, including statins and blood thinners, so if you are on any prescription drugs, it’s essential to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.