Anemia, or what is commonly known as low blood count, occurs when the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. There are several ways to address this condition, one of which is by consuming the right foods. So, what foods are suitable for low blood count? Here’s the explanation, Parents !
General Explanation of Anemia
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Reporting from Healthline Anemia is a condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells function to transport oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.
This anemia can be caused by blood loss, destruction of red blood cells, or the body’s inability to make enough red blood cells.
There are many types of anemia. However, the most common type is iron deficiency anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body lacks iron. As a result, the body cannot produce the hemoglobin protein needed to make red blood cells.
Folate and vitamin B-12 deficiencies can also affect the body’s ability to produce red blood cells. If the body can’t process B-12 properly, you may develop pernicious anemia.
Foods for Iron Deficiency Anemia
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Anemia sufferers are strongly advised to consume foods rich in iron and foods that help the body absorb iron better.
There are two types of iron in food, namely heme iron and nonheme iron.
Heme iron is found in meat, poultry, and seafood. Nonheme iron is found in plant foods and foods fortified with iron. The body can absorb both types of iron, but heme iron is more readily absorbed.
The recommended daily intake or Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for iron is 10 milligrams (mg) for men and 12 mg for women.
After learning about good nutrition for anemia sufferers, here are 7 types of food that can be consumed to help reduce anemia:
1. Green Vegetables
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Green leafy vegetables, especially dark green ones, are one of the best sources of nonheme iron. Some iron-rich green leafy vegetables include:
- Spinach
- Other
- Spinach
- Sawi, dll
Besides green vegetables, try consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, red peppers, and strawberries. Reporting from Mayoclinic, vitamin C can help the body absorb iron.
2. Red meat and poultry are types of food that can help overcome anemia.
Poultry and red meat contain heme iron. Beef, lamb, and venison are the best sources. Poultry, on the other hand, contains lower amounts of iron.
3. Beef Liver
Many people avoid consuming offal, including liver, but liver is a good source of iron , you know, Parents !
Liver is rich in iron and folate. Other iron-rich organ meats include heart, kidney, and beef tongue.
4. Seafood
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Some seafood contains heme iron. Clams, crab, and shrimp are good sources. Most fish also contain iron.
Fish with high iron levels include:
- Tuna
- Fresh sardines
- Mackerel
- Salmon
Avoid canned sardines, as they contain high levels of calcium. Calcium can bind to iron and reduce its absorption.
Other high-calcium foods that should not be consumed together with iron-rich foods are:
5. Foods Fortified with Iron are Beneficial for Treating Anemia
Many foods are commonly fortified with iron. These include:
- Ready-to-eat breakfast cereal
- White bread
- Pasta
- Foods made from corn flour
6. Nuts
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Beans are a good source of iron for vegetarians. Some choices of beans that are rich in iron are:
- Red beans
- Beans
- Soya bean
- Black-eyed peas and common peas
- Lima beans
7. Grains
Grains are a good source of iron. Some grains that contain iron are:
- Pumpkin seeds
- Flax seeds
- Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
Almonds are also a good source of iron. However, because almonds are also high in calcium, calcium can bind iron and reduce its absorption.
That’s information about 7 types of food that can help reduce anemia. We hope this information is helpful!
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
