Thrombosis, the word sounds chilling. It is like a "time bomb" hidden in the veins, which can detonate at any time and catch people off guard. Many people are no strangers to blood clots, which may cause serious diseases such as cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and even take life in an instant. Therefore, the prevention of blood clots has become a topic of concern for many people.

Recently, a saying has been widely circulated on the Internet: if you eat garlic and chili pepper often, blood clots can be "dredged". Is this statement true? Or is it just a beautiful misunderstanding? Today, let's take a closer look at whether garlic and chili peppers can really "unblock" blood vessels and prevent blood clots.

Mechanism of thrombosis formation

To find out if garlic and chili peppers work, you first need to understand how blood clots form. Normally, blood should flow smoothly like a clear river, but if it is affected by certain factors, such as damaged blood vessels, high blood lipids, and increased blood viscosity, blood can easily "knot" in the blood vessels and form blood clots. Once a thrombus is formed, it may block blood vessels, resulting in insufficient blood supply, and in severe cases, it can even lead to fatal diseases such as cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction.

The lifestyle of modern people has increased the risk of blood clots. Bad habits such as being sedentary, eating a greasy diet, staying up late, smoking and drinking alcohol can make blood vessels "fragile" and more prone to the formation of blood clots.

The role of garlic and chili peppers

Many people believe that garlic and chili peppers "clean" blood vessels so that blood clots no longer form. Is there any scientific basis for this claim?

Garlic

Garlic contains a component called allicin, which is thought to have antioxidant effects and reduce inflammation in blood vessels, as well as may help lower blood lipids and inhibit platelet aggregation. Some studies have found that long-term moderate consumption of garlic may indeed help reduce the risk of blood clots. But it's important to note that garlic isn't as magical as you might think. It does not dissolve the blood clot that has already formed, nor does it completely prevent the formation of blood clots. What's more, the effects of garlic vary from person to person, and if consumed in excess, it can also cause gastrointestinal discomfort and even affect blood clotting function.

chili pepper

The main active ingredient of cayenne pepper is capsaicin, a substance that can boost blood circulation. Many people feel hot and even sweat slightly after eating spicy food, because capsaicin can dilate blood vessels and accelerate blood flow. Studies have shown that moderate consumption of chili peppers may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. But this does not mean that chili pepper can directly "dissolve" blood clots. The role of cayenne pepper is mainly to promote blood circulation, not to eliminate blood clots that have already formed. Excessive consumption of chili peppers may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and even trigger stomach ulcers, which can be counterproductive for people with stomach problems and high blood pressure.

A truly effective way to prevent it

While garlic and chili peppers have some benefits for vascular health, lifestyle is essential to truly prevent blood clots. The following suggestions are truly scientific and effective:

Control your diet and cut back on high-fat, high-sugar foods

Hyperlipidemia is an important factor in the development of blood clots. Usually reduce the intake of greasy foods, eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and moderate intake of high-quality protein, such as fish and soy products, to help maintain vascular health.

Exercise moderately and avoid sitting for long periods of time

Sitting for long periods of time is an accomplice to blood clots, especially in people who sit in the office for long periods of time, take planes or long-distance buses, and blood flow tends to slow down, increasing the risk of blood clots. At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day, such as brisk walking, swimming, and yoga, can effectively promote blood circulation.

Have a regular schedule and avoid staying up late

Staying up late for a long time can lead to decreased blood vessel function and increase the risk of thrombosis. Getting 8-0 hours of quality sleep a day is essential for cardiovascular health.

Control your weight and avoid obesity

Obesity increases blood lipids, blood sugar, and blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of blood clots. Maintaining a healthy weight plays an important role in preventing blood clots.

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Smoking can damage the lining of blood vessels and promote blood clots, while excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and blood lipids, which is not good for blood vessel health. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol is an important measure to prevent blood clots.

Have regular check-ups to monitor the health of your blood vessels

For people with a family history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, it is recommended to regularly monitor blood lipids, blood sugar, blood pressure, and consult a doctor about the need to take anticoagulant drugs or drugs that regulate blood lipids.

Proofread by Zhuang Wu