Which Fruits Support Platelets Naturally?
Eating fruits high in vitamin C, folate, and iron may help support your platelet count. A low platelet count increases your risk of excessive bleeding.
Platelets are the smallest of your blood cells. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets gather and form clots to prevent bleeding.
A low platelet count may occur when your bone marrow doesn't produce sufficient platelets, your body destroys or depletes them, or your spleen (which stores about one-third of your platelets) retains too many of them.
Among the factors that may lead to a low platelet count are:
blood-thinning medications
pregnancy
leukemia, lymphoma, or other blood cancers
autoimmune diseases, including immune thrombocytopenia, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus
exposure to toxic chemicals like pesticides
One way to help increase your platelet count naturally is by eating healthy foods, including the following fruits.
However, some fruits have antiplatelet properties, meaning they help stop platelets from sticking to one another. This reduces blood's ability to form clots.
Which fruits may increase platelets?
The following fruits contain platelet-supporting vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, folate, and iron.
Oranges: Along with vitamin C, citrus fruits are rich in folate, or vitamin B9, which is essential for healthy blood cells. A large orange contains 55 micrograms (mcg) of folate, about 14% of the recommended daily value (DV) of 400 mcg for adults.
Mangoes: Mangos are loaded with vitamin C, which is important for the function and grouping of your platelets. A 1-cup (165-gram) serving provides 66% of the recommended DV of 90 milligrams (mg) for vitamin C.
Papaya: Just 1 cup (145 grams [g]) of this tropical fruit has nearly 98% of the DV for vitamin C. Also, a 2019 study suggests that papaya leaf extract significantly increased the platelet levels of children with dengue fever.
Strawberries: The National Health Service (NHS) recommends strawberries as a good source of vitamin C. 3.5 ounces (100 g) of strawberries contain about 67% of the DV for adults.
Prunes: Dried fruits like prunes, figs, and raisins contain significant amounts of iron, which research shows is necessary for your platelets to function efficiently. A serving of 100 g of prunes has more than 3.5 mg of iron, which is 19% of DV. Just be aware that dried fruits are also higher in sugar and calories.
Cantaloupe: A 1-cup serving of this melon provides 19% of the DV of vitamin C. Cantaloupe also contains folate and iron, but not in significant amounts.
Pumpkin: One cup of pumpkin provides just over 10% of the DV for vitamin C. But, a 2021 Chilean study found the seeds from the Cucurbita maxima variety have significant antiplatelet potential.
Pomegranate: A 4-inch pomegranate provides 32% of the DV for vitamin C. There's evidence that these fruits have a positive influence on heart health, including platelet function.
Which fruits decrease platelets?
The following fruits have antiplatelet properties, such as the antioxidant quercetin. If your platelet count is low, you might want to eat those fruits in moderation or avoid them altogether.
These antiplatelet properties are beneficial for people with high platelet counts, which is called thrombocythemia, or people at risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Pineapple is a special case when it comes to your platelet count. A cup of pineapple provides 88% of the DV for vitamin C. However, pineapple also contains bromelain, an enzyme with antiplatelet properties. Ask a doctor or dietitian whether you should enjoy or avoid pineapple.
Other ways to increase platelets naturally
Besides eating certain fruits, the following foods are rich in vitamin B12, which is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and may help support your platelet count:
These are some other foods that are natural sources of folate and iron:
leafy green vegetables like spinach
asparagus
brussels sprouts
peanuts
kidney beans
peas
lean meat
poultry
Remember that dietary approaches should not replace medical treatment for serious platelet disorders. If your clotting issues are serious, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
What are the signs of a low platelet count?
A healthy platelet count generally ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. It varies depending on your age, sex, and race.
Young people, women, and non-Hispanic Black people may have somewhat higher platelet counts. Your platelets can be measured in a complete blood count.
A low platelet count, called thrombocytopenia, is when the platelet count is less than 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood and increases your risk of excessive bleeding. Some of the symptoms of a low platelet count include:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Vogue Arabia
2 hours ago
- Vogue Arabia
What You Need to Know About the Rise in Skin Cancer
"The back is one very notable example because obviously, we can't see what's going on," says Khan. "The other is between the toes, the scalp, behind the ears, under the breasts, the genital area, and the buttocks." Banwell echoes this, particularly for those with darker skin tones. "Those with darker skin tones should look out for darker spots that bleed, grow, appear darker or lighter, or change in any way," he says. "Even though those with fairer skin are more prone, it does not mean that those with darker skin tones won't be affected." Old misconceptions, new dangers "One of the biggest misconceptions is that sunbeds are a 'safer' way to get a 'base tan'. This is not the case whatsoever," says Banwell. "We know that skin cancer is caused by exposure to the Solar Constant — i.e. the combination of ultraviolet radiation (UV-A and UV-B), infrared (IR) and visible light from the sun. Intense exposure via sunbed use also dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer formation (between 30–70%), and thus avoidance of sunbeds is mandatory." Another common myth? That sunscreen isn't necessary in winter or cloudy weather. "You should be wearing sunscreen throughout the year," Banwell insists. And age isn't a get-out clause. "Skin cancer can affect those at any age," he adds. "Repeated sun exposure without protection can really increase your risk." How often should you check your skin? "I think the golden rule," says Khan, "is that anything that is present for two months or more, whether it's just a reddish lesion which doesn't heal, or whether it's a pigmented lesion which is undergoing any change, these are the things that people need to be aware of.' For those with a personal or family history, vigilance is essential. "We need to have our moles checked or check ourselves at least once a month," Khan says. "Dermatologist visits can be every three to six months, and we can use mole mapping to establish whether lesions are changing," Khan adds. Genetic mutations like CDKN2A may also require screening, he notes, adding that "Once one has had a family history or a melanoma oneself, this is no longer about just prevention. It is a medical necessity." What's new in detection and treatment? Artificial intelligence is already transforming early diagnosis. "It has evaluated many thousands of lesions and can now detect melanoma and other cancers with almost the same accuracy as a dermatologist," says Khan. Tools like MoleScope and Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) allow virtual biopsies and high-resolution skin imaging. "This is a real breakthrough," he adds.
Vogue Arabia
2 hours ago
- Vogue Arabia
What's The Deal With Neurocosmetics?
A calming face mask, the gentle strokes from a Gua Sha, mood-elevating essential oils — skincare is a sensorial experience that's ritualistic and almost therapeutic. Finding that sweet spot between skincare and mental wellbeing is neurocosmetics, an upcoming segment within skincare that connects beauty with the brain through formulations that communicate with neural pathways. Simply put, a happy mind equals happy skin. But can your brain truly liaise with your skin, or is it simply a placebo? The experts weigh in! The mind-skin connection Considering your mind and skin share the same neuromediators, the impact your brain and skin have on each other isn't surprising. 'The mind-skin connection is now well-established both in ancient systems like Ayurveda and in modern psychodermatology,' says New York-based Reiki master, intuitive healer, and founder and CEO, Kaia Skincare, Kalpana Semple. Stress, anxiety, and trauma can directly manifest as inflammation, breakouts, eczema, and premature ageing and conversely, chronic skin conditions can cause emotional distress. 'Stress and skin are closely linked,' explains consultant dermatologist and international psychodermatology expert, Dr Alia Ahmed. 'I often tell my patients, 'stress causes skin disease and skin disease causes stress'.' Feelings of emotional distress lead to the release of cortisol, which is known to impact the immune system, drive allergic responses, delay healing, and disrupt the skin's natural barrier. As someone who's been living with autoimmune conditions herself, Roshni Jaiswal, founder and CEO of Justhuman, a neurocosmetics-based skincare brand, has firsthand seen how her emotional state impacted her health and her skin's health. 'It's a two-way street — how I feel affects how my skin behaves, and how my skin looks, impacts how I feel.' It's a vicious cycle. Enter the world of neurocosmetics Where neuroscience meets dermatology, neurocosmetics lies at the heart of the brain-skin connection.'It is suggested to interact with the skin's nervous system and then influence the brain-immune skin axis,' explains Dr Ahmed. 'Essentially, skin interacts with the brain and the immune system through chemical messengers that are released in response to stimuli such as pain, touch, and temperature changes.' These formulations can target various skin concerns, including acne, dark circles, dehydration and dryness, redness and inflammation, pain management, skin sensitivity, and so much more. 'Our skin is a sensory organ, rich with nerve endings, neuroreceptors, and neurotransmitters,' Jaiswal explains. 'It doesn't just react to the environment, it actively communicates with the brain.'
Vogue Arabia
6 days ago
- Vogue Arabia
Why Seed Cycling is Taking Over Women's Wellness Routines
For decades, conversations around hormonal health have largely remained in the realm of clinical consultations and pharmaceutical fixes. Like many women, we've all faced our share of hormonal ups and downs—cramps and cravings, PMS mood swings, or that strange in-between phase when our body seems to turn against us with breakouts or unexplained irritation. Now, there's a quiet but powerful shift happening in women's wellness, but in kitchens. And one of the most unexpected entries into this conversation? Seeds. Yes, women are rotating ground flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds based on the phases of their menstrual cycles. It's called seed cycling, a naturopathic-inspired practice gaining popularity for its promise to gently support hormonal balance. 'The nutrients in these seeds may influence hormone levels and alleviate symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. Some studies suggest that seed cycling may help regulate hormones and support menstrual cycle regularity, particularly in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Some have also shown a reduction in the number of cysts when combined with calorie control and exercise,' reasons Zeina Soueidan, a registered/licensed nutritionist and health coach. At its core, seed cycling is a functional food-based practice where women consume specific types of seeds during the two primary phases of their menstrual cycle. 'During the follicular phase (days 1–14), flax and pumpkin seeds are consumed to support estrogen production. In the luteal phase (days 15–28), sesame and sunflower seeds are consumed to support progesterone levels,' says Zeina. There's a reason why these specific seeds are chosen because of their nutrient-dense properties, that is believed to support the natural ebb and flow of estrogen and progesterone. Here's how: Flaxseeds are rich in lignans (phytoestrogens), fiber, and omega-3s, which may modulate estrogen levels and reduce inflammation. Pumpkin seeds offer zinc and lignans like secoisolariciresinol, supporting progesterone production. Sesame seeds, high in lignans and omega-6s, help maintain progesterone during the luteal phase. Sunflower seeds provide vitamin E and selenium, vital for hormone synthesis and healthy follicle function. And they're simple to add to your everyday food, from breakfast to dinner. Ground flax and pumpkin seeds blend smoothly into smoothies. Toasted sesame and sunflower seeds bring a satisfying crunch to salads, grain bowls, and acai bowls. They also work well in homemade granola, energy bars, or simply sprinkled over yogurt for a quick nutrient boost.
