Maintaining healthy levels of haemoglobin is crucial for multiple everyday functions that we perform. Responsible for proper oxygen transport in the body as well as carrying carbon dioxide from the cells to the lungs for exhalation, a deficit in haemoglobin can lead to anaemia. Hence, eating the right kind of foods that boost the quantities of haemoglobin in the body is one way to replenish yourselves. Here are six foods that can help
Spinach
Spinach is rich in iron, which is a key component of haemoglobin, along with containing vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption. Cooked spinach is also a natural source of B12, folic acid and other vital nutrients that help with improving digestion, as well as increasing the count of red blood cells present in the body.
Legumes
If you are a vegan or vegetarian, including lentil varieties, chickpeas, black beans and kidney beans are excellent sources of iron and folate. Folate is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells. Typically, legumes have two types of haemoglobins – namely, leghemoglobins and phytoglobins, that make for rich plant-based sources of iron for the body.
Beetroot
Beetroot is rich in iron, folic acid, and antioxidants and is an excellent food to include in your diet for healthy blood cell production. Beets, especially the cooked variants, improves overall blood circulation and enriches the body with fibre content, which is necessary in eliminating waste and purifying the blood.
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Bell Peppers
Bell peppers contain a vital vitamin called B6, that is crucial to the production of haemoglobin in the body. Although they contain modest amounts of iron, bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which increases the absorption of iron in the gut – enabling the notion that diets rich in vitamin C result in a greater uptake of iron.
Nuts & Seeds
Nuts such as peanuts, almonds, cashews, and seeds like pumpkin and sesame seeds contain iron, making them a convenient snack option to boost haemoglobin levels. Eating these seeds sprouted or toasted, sprinkled over sabzis or mixed into dough, harnesses their iron and folic acid content that enables a boost in the production of red blood cells.
Red Meat
For non-vegetarians, lean red meat is an excellent source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps in increasing haemoglobin levels. Consuming red meat once every couple of weeks boosts the uptake of red blood cells in the body and are considered to be one of the most effective types of food to cure anaemia.