Cardiac surgeon Yang Zhijun recommends a Mediterranean diet to protect blood vessels and prevent blood clots

2026/10/04 12:56

To protect blood vessels and prevent blood clots, cardiac surgeon Yang Zhijun recommends the "Mediterranean diet." Schematic diagram, the characters in the picture have nothing to do with the news. (Picture taken from shutterstock)

[Health Channel/Comprehensive Report] Yang Zhijun, director of Taichung Fufu Clinic and cardiac surgeon, said on the Facebook fan page "Xia Yi Yang Zhijun - Fufu Clinic Vascular Staff" that people often want to know what they should eat to clear blood vessels and prevent blood clots? Establish a correct concept first, and then eat the key nutrients!

First of all, Yang Zhijun first clarified a key concept: no single food ingredient in the world can completely replace medical treatment and drugs, and directly "scrub and eliminate" blood vessel plaques that have hardened or become narrowed and blocked.

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However, daily intake of a variety of natural foods with "antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and cholesterol-regulating properties" can indeed effectively improve vascular endothelial function, maintain blood vessel elasticity, and block the formation of thrombus at the source.

Yang Zhijun said that the "Mediterranean diet" is recognized by the medical community as the most representative form of cardiovascular protection, and its core is anti-inflammation and regulating blood lipids. It is recommended to include the following four types of natural heart-protecting ingredients in your daily diet:

1. Deep-sea fish containing Omega-3 (anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory)

Representative ingredients: salmon, mackerel, saury.

These oil-rich deep-sea fish contain high concentrations of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). Clinical studies have proven that they can promote lipid metabolism, inhibit excessive platelet aggregation, and thereby reduce the risk of venous embolism and pulmonary embolism. They are a natural helper in protecting tubes.

2. Fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber and phytochemicals (lowering cholesterol, maintaining elasticity)

Oats: Rich in beta-glucan soluble dietary fiber, they absorb cholesterol and bile acids in the intestines like a sponge and are excreted from the body. Daily intake of pure oats in moderation can help reduce low-density bad cholesterol (LDL) and slow down the formation of arterial plaques.

Tomato: Contains the powerful antioxidant "lycopene" and potassium ions that regulate blood pressure. The yellow gelatinous substance around the tomato seeds also inhibits platelet aggregation.

Blueberries and berries: rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols, which can slow down the acute oxidative damage to blood vessels caused by high sugar and high fat, and maintain the elasticity of vascular endothelium.

Black fungus and dark green vegetables: Black fungus helps anti-coagulation; green broccoli, spinach, etc. are rich in folic acid and various phytochemicals, which help protect vascular endothelial cells.

3. Natural spices and good oils (promote expansion)

Garlic and onions: Allicin is a natural anticoagulant component that can improve vascular endothelial permeability; onions are rich in quercetin, which can stimulate the production of nitric oxide (NO) and promote vasodilation and relaxation.

Extra virgin olive oil: extremely high in monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, which can protect low-density lipoprotein from oxidation and reduce chronic inflammation of blood vessels.

4. Heart-protecting drinks (inhibiting platelet aggregation)

Sugar-free green tea: Catechins and green tea polyphenols have strong antioxidant activity and help inhibit abnormal platelet aggregation. It is recommended to drink it in moderation every day (within 600c.c. is appropriate).

Yang Zhijun reminded that in addition to supplementing more of the above-mentioned heart-protecting foods, it is also necessary to "reduce vascular mines." High sodium, high trans fat, refined sugar, and processed meats such as sausages and bacon are all culprits in promoting atherosclerotic plaques.

Yang Zhijun reminded that if you are currently taking anticoagulant drugs regularly, you must discuss it in detail with your attending physician before supplementing a large amount of health foods or ingredients with anticoagulant activity such as garlic essence and high-dose fish oil to avoid aggravating the risk of bleeding or interfering with drug metabolism.