The 7 Foods that May Help Increase Blood Platelets

Before making any diet changes, you should always talk to your doctor about the best foods for your body.
The 7 Foods that May Help Increase Blood Platelets
Maricela Jiménez López

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Maricela Jiménez López.

Last update: 15 December, 2022

Blood platelets are small cells that circulate the blood. Their job is to make clots to help heal wounds and stop the bleeding.

Platelets are produced in the bone marrow and repair damaged blood vessels, forming clots to heal wounds and protecting you from excessive blood loss. They are also known as “thrombocytes.”

They have small sacs on the inside called granules. These release chemical substances that attract other platelets to the site of the injury to form what is known as a platelet cap.

They are extremely important for blood clotting and controlling hemorrhages. Because of this, their presence in the blood is vital for everyone.

What about platelet disorders?

When platelet production rises or falls drastically, serious problems can arise because the platelets stop functioning normally. This change in production levels can cause chronic blood disorders and increase the risk of significant blood loss.

As with any health problem, getting professional medical advice is crucial. First and foremost, a medical professional should analyze and treat them since they can cause more serious health complications.

In addition, it’s helpful to include foods in your diet that may help regulate your blood platelet levels.

Foods to increase platelets in the blood

1. Pumpkin

Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds have amino acids and vitamins essential to platelet formation. As a result, regular consumption may improve your ability to absorb proteins and vitamin A, nutrients that play a role in the production of these small cells.

Pumpkin seeds.

Read more here: The 3 Best Dinner Recipes with Pumpkin

2. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits, when eaten in moderation, may help keep your blood healthy. This is because they contain vitamin C, an essential nutrient that may increase the platelet count in your blood.

Many people believe that citrus fruits are good for the immune system, and a strong immune system could help increase antibodies.

3. Indian gooseberry

Although this exotic fruit isn’t that popular, Indian gooseberry is a part of the group of foods that contribute to the health of the cardiovascular system and, in turn, the blood.

Gooseberry contains vitamins A and C which could help with platelet formation and are generally good for your health.

Indian gooseberry.

4. Aloe vera juice

Aloe vera contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, sodium, copper, vitamin C, vitamin E, and complex B vitamins, among others.

A very popular health drink right now is aloe very juice. Many people believe it could help with cardiovascular health and help with platelet count.

5. Spinach

Spinach is part of a category of vegetables that may benefit the body in many ways. This leafy green stands out for its high protein and vitamin K content. These play an important role in the formation of platelets that reduce your risk of hemorrhage in the case of injury.

Spinach.

6. Papaya

Scientists are studying papaya leaf extract as a possible complement to conventional treatment of platelet disorders.

7. Beetroot

Beetroot.

Beetroot is full of antioxidants that may help prevent a low platelet count. Its vitamin A, C, K, and mineral content could also help protect your blood vessels and prevent circulation problems. Many people believe that beet juice can help strengthen your immune system.

Remember…

Specific foods, drinks, and natural remedies aren’t enough on their own to treat or cure illnesses. However, moderate consumption of these foods, along with a healthy lifestyle and regular visits to your doctor, can be beneficial to your health.

Lastly, if you have any questions, you should always talk to your doctor about the best way to incorporate these foods into your diet since they’ll take into account your other habits, medications, and therapies.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Arnoldussen IAC, Witkamp RF. Effects of Nutrients on Platelet Function: A Modifiable Link between Metabolic Syndrome and Neurodegeneration? Biomolecules. 2021 Oct 4;11(10):1455.
  • Bermejo, E. (2017). Plaquetas. Hematología. Vol 21 Nº extraordinario: 10-18. Fisiología de la hemostasia normal. [En línea] Disponible en: http://www.sah.org.ar/revista/numeros/vol21/extra/06-Vol%2021-extra.pdf.
  • Bordia, A., & Verma, S. K.  Effect of vitamin C on platelet adhesiveness and platelet aggregation in coronary artery disease patients. Clinical cardiology. 1985; 8(10): 552-554.
  • Domínguez-Fernández, R.N., Arzate-Vázquez, I., Chanona-Pérez, J. J., Welti-Chanes, J. S., Alvarado-González, J. S., Calderón-Domínguez, G., Garibay-Febles, V., Gutiérrez-López, G. F., EL GEL DE Aloe vera: estructura, composición química, procesamiento, actividad biológica e importancia en la industria farmacéutica y alimentaria. Revista Mexicana de Ingeniería Química [en linea] 2012, 11 (Sin mes) : [Fecha de consulta: 15 de enero de 2019] Disponible en:http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=62024415003 ISSN 1665-2738.
  • Echevarría, J. R. L. (2017). Alimentos hipolipemiantes que mejoran la salud cardiovascular. Revista Cubana de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular, 23(4), 549-582. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=7162557
  • Galmarini, C. R. (2005). La cebolla como alimento funcional. Pilquen-Sección Agronomía, (7), 6. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/2543768.pdf
  • Johnson M, McElhenney WH, Egnin M. Influence of Green Leafy Vegetables in Diets with an Elevated ω-6:ω-3 Fatty Acid Ratio on Rat Blood Pressure, Plasma Lipids, Antioxidant Status and Markers of Inflammation. Nutrients. 2019 Jan 31;11(2):301.
  • Hampilos K, Corn J, Hodsdon W, Wagner P, Roop R, Elise A, Troy L. Effect Of Carica Papaya Leaf Extract On Platelet Count In Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case Series. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2019 Oct;18(5):30-35.
  • Hernáez Á, Lassale C, Castro-Barquero S, Ros E, Tresserra-Rimbau A, Castañer O, Pintó X, Vázquez-Ruiz Z, Sorlí JV, Salas-Salvadó J, Lapetra J, Gómez-Gracia E, Alonso-Gómez ÁM, Fiol M, Serra-Majem L, Sacanella E, Razquin C, Corella D, Guasch-Ferré M, Cofán M, Estruch R. Mediterranean Diet Maintained Platelet Count within a Healthy Range and Decreased Thrombocytopenia-Related Mortality Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2021 Feb 8;13(2):559.
  • Izak M, Bussel JB. Management of thrombocytopenia. F1000Prime Rep. 2014 Jun 2;6:45.
  • Innes AJ, Kennedy G, McLaren M, Bancroft AJ, Belch JJ. Dark chocolate inhibits platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Platelets. 2003 Aug;14(5):325-7.
  • Kawamori Y, Katayama Y, et al. Role for vitamin D receptor in the neuronal control of hematopoietic stem cell niche. Blood. Diciembre 2010. 116 (25): 5528-35.
  • Lederer AK, Maul-Pavicic A, Hannibal L, Hettich M, Steinborn C, Gründemann C, Zimmermann-Klemd AM, Müller A, Sehnert B, Salzer U, Klein R, Voll RE, Samstag Y, Huber R. Vegan diet reduces neutrophils, monocytes and platelets related to branched-chain amino acids – A randomized, controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2020 Nov;39(11):3241-3250.
  • Moroi MK, Loloi J, Songdej N. Cranberry supplementation as a cause of major intraoperative bleeding during vascular surgery due to aspirin-like platelet inhibition. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2020 Sep;31(6):402-404.
  • Owu DU, Nwokocha CR, Ikpi DE, Ogar EI. Effect of Vitamin C Supplementation on Platelet Aggregation and Serum Electrolytes Levels in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Rats. Niger J Physiol Sci. 2016 Aug 30;31(1):55-61.
  • Platelet Disorder Support Association. Diet and Lifestyle. Recuperado el 21 de abril de 2021. https://www.pdsa.org/treatments/complementary/food-as-a-cure.html.
  • Rao SS, Ikram R. Cocos nucifera (Coconut) water of different maturity stages affects hematological and coagulation parameters in rabbits: A positive lead. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2019 Jul;32(4):1631-1634.
  • Raubenheimer K, Hickey D, Leveritt M, Fassett R, Ortiz de Zevallos Munoz J, Allen JD, Briskey D, Parker TJ, Kerr G, Peake JM, Pecheniuk NM, Neubauer O. Acute Effects of Nitrate-Rich Beetroot Juice on Blood Pressure, Hemostasis and Vascular Inflammation Markers in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 22;9(11):1270.
  • Reports of Thrombocytopenia associated with complementary and alternative medicines, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, foods and beverages. European Journal of Haematology. 2010. 84: 421-429.
  • Silczuk, A., & Habrat, B. Alcohol-induced thrombocytopenia: Current review. Alcohol. 2020; 86: 9-16.
  • Thomas, L. (2018). Cuenta del extracto de papaya y de plaqueta de la hoja de la papaya. News Medical Life Sciences. [En línea] Disponible en: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Papaya-Leaf-Extract-and-Platelet-Count-(Spanish).aspx
  • T. K. Lim. Edible Medicinal And Non-Medicinal Plants: Volume 4, Fruits, Springer Science & Business Media, 2012. Páginas 258/9.
  • University of Rochester Medical Center. What Are Platelets? Recuperado el 21 de abril de 2021. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=160&ContentID=36.
  • Vallianou NG, Bountziouka VP, Georgousopoulou E, Evangelopoulos AA, Bonou MS, Vogiatzakis ED, Barbetseas JD, Avgerinos PC, Panagiotakos DB. Influence of protein intake from haem and non-haem animals and plant origin on inflammatory biomarkers among apparently-healthy adults in Greece. J Health Popul Nutr. 2013 Dec;31(4):446-54.
  • Winter FD Jr. Immune thrombocytopenia associated with consumption of tonic water. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2015 Apr;28(2):213-6.
  • Morris, Van K., Et al. (2010) SEVERE THROMBOCYTOPENIA WITH IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA. Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Volume 27, 2010 pp. 413-419. Disponible en: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/08880011003739455?journalCode=ipho20

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.