Anemia can be defined as a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. It means the lowered ability of the blood to carry oxygen. The most common symptoms are confusion, feeling like one will pass out, shortness of breath and increased thirst. Anemia is of different varieties and can be grouped as-
• Blood loss anemia
• Blood cell destruction or hemolysis anemia
• Deficient red cell production anemia.
The major causes for a person to become anemic are a deficiency of iron, deficiency of vitamin B12, excessive blood loss, worm infestation in the stomach and intestine. As this is a common problem faced by many people, especially women, here are 5 must-eat superfoods for anemia that can cure anemia without iron capsules. These are common daily products that one can include in our daily diet.
1. Beetroot
It is an effective vegetable for fighting against anemia. Beetroot contains iron content which helps in repairing and reactivating blood cells. As the red blood cells get activated, it supplies oxygen to all parts of the body. Thus beetroot is the most important vegetable that has to be present and consumed in our daily diet. It can either be consumed in the form of salad or the form of juice.
2. Spinach
It is a leafy vegetable that is most popularly known for curing anemia. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B9, calcium, beta carotene. Half a spinach cup contains 20% of iron that is sufficient for a woman’s body when consumed in one’s daily diet.
One can also consume spinach either in a salad, including sported seeds or by boiling it in water and including necessary seasoning. This can be consumed as a good soup twice a day.
3. Pomegranate
It is a rich source of vitamin c and iron. It is a powerful fruit used for treating anemia symptoms like weakness, shortness of breath and increased thirst. Pomegranate seed improves blood flow in the body. One can consume it with seeds or in the form of juice. One full pomegranate in our daily diet will be more than enough to cure anemia.
4. Red meat
Red meat is rich in iron and vitamin b12, majorly found in lamb, beef, and other red meat. These contents are present in the heart, kidney, and liver of red meat. The Heme-iron, which is present in these meats, can easily be absorbed by the body and thus can cure anemia at a faster rate. Red meat is preferred only for non-vegetable eaters. It can be consumed in the main course or even as a soup. But it has to be consumed within a limit to gain iron content and not calories.
5. Egg and Seafood
One large egg contains 1mg of iron, and it is also rich in protein and contains antioxidants. These antioxidants will help in stocking up vitamins in our body. One boiled egg a day will be perfect for a daily diet. It can also be taken as a poached egg or as an egg scramble.
Fishes are seafood that contains iron. Popular dishes such as tuna, salmon, and seafood like oyster and mussels are a bag of iron content. A habit of consuming fishes/ seafood thrice a week will be helpful to get rid of anemia.
I hope this list helps you fight off anemia and help you keep up good health.
Until then, stay safe, stay healthy!