With too many diets these days being overloaded with animal products and processed foods, health conditions like heart disease and stroke continue to rise.

One of the biggest reasons for this, is because overeating these foods can eventually cause congestion in the blood.

Blood congestion occurs when the capillaries, arteries and veins become clogged over time, primarily the result of an ongoing poor diet and a lack of exercise, that cause plaque and fatty deposits to form.

One of the most common 'quick-fix' solutions to this problem are blood thinning medications.  However, the problem with these synthetic drugs is that they often lead to other harmful side-effects.

Interestingly, mother nature provides its own potent blood thinner, in the form of a miraculous, citrus fruit known as ruby red Grapefruit.

Whilst it is widely known that Grapefruit can aid weight management, and is packed with immune-boosting vitamin C, it is the "blood and heart health" benefits of grapefruit that are less known - despite the fact that heart and blood related diseases are among the most common killers.

Here, we reveal why ruby red grapefruit is a wander food that has potent cleansing powers.  And why you should consider including it in your diet often, if your goal is to protect yourself from heart and blood related health problems.

Grapefruit is a Natural Blood Thinning Food

If you understand a little about cardiovascular disease, you’ve probably heard of blood-thinning medication.

This type of medicine is mainly used to help prevent the risk of blood clots, which can block critical blood flow to the heart when the blood channels in your body become clogged with plaque.

Unfortunately, the trade off is that many of these drugs can lead to "side-effects" and other health concerns, meaning you can create an even bigger problem than you began with unless you make radical changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Grapefruit happens to be one of the best natural blood-thinning foods, which can help cleanse the arterial walls and blood vessels.

Grapefruit is also renowned for its ability to lower cholesterol, which is important for heart health and for strengthening blood vessels and capillaries. 

For people with atherosclerosis, which is when plaque and fatty deposits start to build-up in your blood vessels and block blood flow, Grapefruit can act as an artery “scrubber” to scrape away and break down plaque to increase blood flow. 

By eating Grapefruit regularly, you may help to reduce the damage done to your blood health caused by poor diet and a lack of exercise, so that you can live a healthier, longer life. 

Learn more in 10 Whole Food Remedies to Heal High Blood Pressure. 

Grapefruit = No Side-Effects

As mentioned earlier, finding a synthetic drug to thin blood without the risk of potential side-effects, is almost impossible.

But as a whole food medicine, Grapefruit is in the spot light as one of nature's best blood thinning foods that won't cause you harm.

Typical blood thinners may cause dizziness, muscle weakness, hair loss, rashes and internal bleeding. 

Conversely, Grapefruit comes only with positive health benefits.

They’re rich in vitamins and minerals, they're anti-inflammatory, they help to balance blood sugar, reduce oxidative stress, improve immune function, lower high blood pressure and prevent everything from a sluggish liver, to gallstones, obesity, digestive issues and more. 

Last but not least, ruby red grapefruit is super low in calories and high in fibre and antioxidants.

It also helps to naturally suppress appetite, controlling weight gain, eases constipation and is very hydrating to the cells.

There really is no limit to the benefits of eating grapefruit! 

Learn more in Why You Should Eat More “Hydrating” Fruits & Drink Their Juices.

How to Get More Grapefruit in Your Diet

There is a little stigma around eating grapefruit, because it is seen as a primarily a diet breakfast food, or something that only certain people can enjoy eating due to its slightly sour taste.

However, Grapefruit is actually very refreshing and actually quite delicious once you get used to the taste. 

One of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of Grapefruit is by preparing freshly squeezed, homemade grapefruit juice every morning at home first thing in the morning, as a vitamin boost, to energise your cells, support healthy digestion and lower your appetite.

Alternatively, you can peel grapefruit and slice it into chunks, then add it to coconut yogurt or into a fruit salad bowl.

Grapefruit also makes a wonderful addition to refreshing, summer citrus salads as a side to a light main meal.   The best way to source Grapefruit is from your local farmer's markets seasonally.  Chill them in the fridge until you're ready to juice or eat.

Handy tip:  A quick and easy way to tap into the benefits of grapefruit without having fresh fruit in your fridge, is to incorporate pure grapefruit essential oil into your regular self care routine.  Simply add a few drops into a glass of clean, chilled water first thing in the morning and drink for a cleansing morning pick-me-up.

Natural Ways to Thin Blood

While grapefruit is one of the top blood thinning foods, there are other ways to support the health of your blood and boost your heart health. 

Whole organic grains and fiber rich fruits and vegetables should be prioritised in your diet to ensure healthy heart, blood and to lower the risk of disease.

It's important to eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin E to improve circulation, such as dark leafy greens, legumes, nuts, seeds, soybeans, wheat germ and a variety of whole grains.

Reduce your intake of alcohol, particularly chemical beers, cocktails and spirits, as well as factory-farmed dairy products, industrial seed vegetable oils, processed sugars and excess animal fat from your diet, because these are all known to increase levels of fatty deposits and bad cholesterol in the blood.

Another easy way to thin blood naturally is of course with regular exercise.

A moderate walk every day will do wanders for your exercise regime, but you don't have to run a marathon!   Just be sure to include regular walking and some additional form of moderate, low impact exercise into your weekly routine to support a healthy cardiovascular system.

The Main Takeaway

It’s no secret that grapefruit is a healthy food, but the blood cleansing benefits are not widely talked about.

High blood pressure, clogged arteries, high cholesterol etc. are all very common and serious health conditions that can lead to major diseases down the road. 

For this reason, eating foods like ruby red grapefruit that support a healthy heart and blood, is so important for reducing the risks of these common health problems. 

Get your hands on fresh Grapefruit every week and be sure to include them in your diet whenever you can.  Your blood and heart will thank you for it!

Tolman Self Care.