Haemoglobin is an iron-rich protein found in red blood cells, which transports oxygen throughout the body. It carries oxygen from the lungs to all other cells and tissues of the body, and it takes carbon dioxide away from the cells to be expelled by the lungs. As a result, haemoglobin is a very important protein essential to a healthy life, and a loss of this protein can negatively impact health.
In order to lead a healthy life, adult men should have blood oxygen levels of 14-18 g/dl, and adult women should have blood oxygen levels of 12-16 g/dl. However, during menstruation, women lose more blood, which leads to lower haemoglobin levels. When the level of haemoglobin drops in your blood, you might experience one or more of the following symptoms: fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, pale skin, brittle nails, a rapid heartbeat, and poor appetite. In the event that it drops below an acceptable level, the condition is known as anaemia. To avoid this, here are some iron-rich foods to add to your diet.
1. Beetroots: Beetroot is an extremely nutritious vegetable that contains several nutrients that contribute to the overall well-being of an individual. It contains an array of antioxidants that help to cleanse the liver of harmful waste. Aside from this, it is a rich source of Vitamin C as well as Manganese, both of which contribute to the function of the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Consuming a glass of fresh beetroot juice every morning or having a boiled beetroot with dinner helps to cleanse the system thoroughly.
2. Leafy Vegetables: Leafy vegetables are a rich source of essential nutrients and antioxidants, which help dispel all kinds of diseases. A wide range of leafy vegetables, such as Kale, Lettuce, Spinach, Broccoli, and Mustard greens, should be included in the diet to ensure a healthy and clean blood flow. By increasing the level of enzymes in the liver, they help facilitate the blood detoxification process of the body. They can be included in salads and should preferably be consumed during the day for the body to derive the maximum nutrients from them.
3. Pomegranates: Due to their exceptional nutritional value, pomegranates are one of the best foods to increase haemoglobin, since they are rich in calcium, iron, protein, carbohydrates and fibre. Pomegranate juice is an excellent method for increasing haemoglobin. To ensure that your haemoglobin levels are at their optimal level, drink pomegranate juice on a daily basis.
4. Dates: Dates are a natural sweetener and almost everyone's favourite snack, yet they can also be beneficial to controlling your haemoglobin levels. As a natural source of iron, dates increase the number of erythrocytes, which in turn help to maintain a healthy haemoglobin level. A date contains sufficient iron (Fe) to meet the needs of vitamin C, vitamin B complex, and folic acid for red blood cell production.
5. Fish: Iron is a key component of the immune system. Seafood such as sardines, anchovies, tuna, mackerel and herring are good choices because they are low in calories and provide iron and protein. As a result of the increased haemoglobin content in fish, the blood supply to damaged tissues, organs, and cells is greatly increased, thereby speeding up the healing process and combating disease.
If you have been diagnosed with low haemoglobin levels, or are at risk of developing them, it is important to include iron-rich foods in your daily diet. These five foods are a great place to start. Not only do they contain high levels of iron, but they also offer other health benefits that can help improve your overall well-being, and including them in your diet will help enrich your physical health.