Benefits of Olive Oil for Preventing Thrombosis

Research shows benefits of olive oil compounds for preventing blood clot formation (thrombosis).


A blood clot anywhere in the circulatory system is serious and requires immediate medical attention and monitoring. **Do not delay seeking medical help if there is even a remote suspicion of thrombosis.**

Thrombosis is the end result of a process known as platelet aggregation (blood cells sticking together).

Blood coagulation forms a clot which can damage body tissues by impairing circulation, or even kill a person if the thrombosis travels to the brain or lungs (pulmonary thrombosis). DVT - deep vein thrombosis (in the legs) can occur even in a relatively healthy person who sits for long periods of time, or who wears a knee brace that is too tight.

Drugs such as Warfarin (coumadin), which thin the blood can be equally dangerous. There have been numerous instances of brain hemorrhages (strokes) and other uncontrolled bleeding events in patients on coumadin and other kinds of blood thinning drugs. These tragedies have even occurred in patients under proper medical supervision.

Research on Benefits of Olive Oil for Thrombosis

Polyphenols (phenolic compounds found in plants) are most plentiful in the best first cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil polyphenols hydroxytyrosol (HT) and hydroxytyrosol acetate (HT-AC) were administered to rats. Here are the researchers' conclusions...

HT and HT-AC when given orally to rats, were shown to inhibit platelet aggregation, i.e. prevent blood clots. What I find VERY interesting is the mechanisms to which the anti-thrombic benefit is ascribed...

Benefits of Olive Oil: How the Phenolic Compounds Help Prevent Thrombosis...

1 - Decreased Thromboxane Synthesis

Thromboxane is a lipid (fat) in the eicosanoid family of compounds. The blood platelets use thromboxane-A-synthase to manufacture it. Thromboxane is a vasoconstrictor (narrows blood vessels), also increases blood pressure and - most importantly for this discussion - causes the blood to clot (platelet aggregation).

So one way compounds in high quality extra virgin olive oil help prevent blood clots is by lowering the production of thromboxane.

2 - Nitric Oxide Production

Compounds in the best olive oil increase nitric oxide production!

Considering the fantastic benefits to the circulatory system conferred by healthy levels of nitric oxide, is it any wonder that generous amounts of olive oil are associated with cardiovascular health!

You may not know this, but nitric oxide is a vasodilator (relaxes and widens the blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow freely) AND is healing to the endothelium (walls of the blood vessels).

Nitric oxide's healing effect on the endothelium helps prevent blood vessel inflammation and weakness which contribute to conditions such as atherosclerosis and aneurisms.

Reducing inflammation of the endothelium (blood vessel walls) keeps them smooth, strong and free of debris and pathogens. The vasodilating, healing and anti-inflammatory effects of nitric oxide facilitates better blood flow, preventing stagnation which can contribute to blood clots.

Nitric oxide also contributes to healthy sexual function in both men and women.

In summary, research shows that the health benefits of olive oil include the action of polyphenol compounds in preventing cardiovascular events caused by blood clots.

This takes place in two ways: lowering the production of thromboxane which causes blood to clot AND constricts blood vessels; and increasing nitric oxide production which is a dilator of blood vessels and healing to the blood vessel walls.

Remember, polyphenols are found in greatest amounts in raw, first cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil!

Nitric Oxide Production is Enhanced by EDTA