Did you know that aspirin is considered as the very first non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID on the face of the planet? And did you know that aside from fever, headaches, joint pain and toothaches, aspirin is also being taken by some for the prevention of a heart attack or stroke? That’s because this tiny white tablet that can be easily purchased at all pharmacies has the ability to thin the blood, thus preventing a blood clot from forming.

Sadly, there are various side effects and risks that come with the regular intake of aspirin. Some of them include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), stomachache, heartburn, bleeding ulcers, bruising, excessive bleeding, and kidney and liver damage.

If you want to lower your risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke without the need to pop an aspirin in your mouth, keep on reading. Below you will come across some healthy alternatives to aspirin.

But before you proceed, let’s get one thing straight: never stop taking aspirin daily if your doctor asked you to do so because he or she believes that the risks greatly outweigh the benefits. If you are worried that you might wind up with the many dangers associated with daily aspirin intake, talk to your doctor.

Ginger

Everyone knows that ginger tea is great for relieving nausea, indigestion and stomachache. Did you know that its anti-inflammatory properties can also help considerably lower your risk of succumbing to a heart attack or stroke? And just like aspirin, you may also count on ginger tea for alleviating all kinds of body aches and pains.

Turmeric

Due to the fact that it is actually related to ginger, you may also count on turmeric tea if you refuse to take aspirin on a daily basis.

Chamomile or Lavender

No, chamomile or lavender tea cannot thin the blood, but they can help deal with something that can increase one’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke: excessive amounts of stress. Aside from taking it in tea form, you may also count on chamomile or lavender in essential oil form in order to lower your stress levels.

Pineapples

It’s a wonderful thing that canned pineapple slices and pineapple juices are available at all supermarkets. That’s because they are packed with bromelain, which is an enzyme that is scientifically-proven to help reduce joint pain, alleviated inflammation within and prevent a blood clot from forming.

Fatty Fish

Despite of what they’re called, fatty types of fish are actually good for your heart. That’s because they are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that help keep the platelets from clumping together and forming a blood clot. Omega-3 fatty acids in mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout and tuna also help lower cholesterol and the blood pressure.

Nuts and Seeds

Worry not if you’re a vegetarian because you can also obtain good amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts, almonds, pecans, sesame seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and others. Avocados and olive oil also contain good amounts of those omega-3 fatty acids.

Dark Chocolate

Believe it or not, pleasing your sweet tooth with a small piece of dark chocolate on a regular basis can help in lowering your risk of forming a blood clot, say health authorities.

Whole Grains

There are a couple of reasons why whole grains make for excellent alternatives to daily intake of aspirin. First, they have plenty of fiber that helps keep the arteries from winding up clogged. Second, whole grains contain magnesium that can help lower high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, both of which can encourage a blood clot to form.

Fruits and Vegetables

Regularly adding multiple servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet is good for your heart and the rest of your cardiovascular system, too.