Diet For Anemia -Simple Guide For Improvement
Anemia is mostly caused due to a nutritional deficiency of certain nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. Since the origin of this disorder is mostly due to dietary deficiency it is necessary to alter diet to provide the missing nutrients and thus improve the condition.
Anemia is a common problem in every age group of our country due to inadequate diet and low intake of iron. Anemia can be resolved from the modification of the diet based on the cause of anemia and the nutrient that is deficient. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia.
Regular consumption of iron rich foods such as vegetables and leafy greens will cure this condition to some extent. Another kind of anemia is the megaloblastic anemia that is caused due to lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid in the diet. Folic acid deficiency can be fulfilled with the intake of green leafy vegetables and vitamin B12 deficiency can be completed through a diet rich in meat, egg, liver and all animal food. Milk and milk products are also rich in vitamin B12 so it is a good option for vegetarians.
Good food for anemic patients
Apple: Apples are rich in iron, arsenic and phosphorus and highly beneficial in the treatment of anemia. One apple should be eaten daily.
Apricot: This fruit is excellent fruit for the treatment of anemia on account of its high iron content. Apricot has essential amount of copper that makes iron readily available to the body. The regular intake of apricot increases the hemoglobin level in the body.
Banana: Being rich in iron content, bananas also stimulates the production of hemoglobin in the blood. Thus they are beneficial in the treatment of anemia.
Mango: Unripe mango or the green mango is valuable I treating blood disorders because of its high vitamin C content. It increases the elasticity of the blood vessels and helps in the formation of new blood vessels. It aids the absorption of food iron.
Raisins: As a rich source of easily assailable iron, raisins enrich blood and thus useful in treating anemia. Beetroot: Red beet root is associated with blood forming qualities. Due to its high content of iron it regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells, supplies fresh oxygen to the body and helps the normal function of vesicular breathing. It is thus extremely useful in the treatment of anemia.
Fenugreek: Fenugreek helps in blood formation. The cooked leaves are extremely useful for adolescent girls to prevent anemia. Also associated with onset of puberty. Sprouted fenugreek seeds are equally good.
Spinach: There is a high grade iron content in spinach. After its absorption in the system, the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells take place. It is thus highly beneficial in building up the blood and in the prevention and treatment of anemia.
Bengal gram: Fresh juice of Bengal gram leaves is very rich in iron. Therefore it is highly recommended. Almonds: Contain copper in organic form. The copper along with iron and vitamins acts as a catalyst in the synthesis of hemoglobin. Sesame seeds: An emulsion of sesame seeds is prepared by grinding and straining them after soaking the in warm water for couple of hours. This emulsion mixed with a cup of milk and sweetened jaggery should be given to patients suffering from anemia.
Sunflower seeds: The flour made from sunflower seeds is one of the richest sources of iron in any food. It is highly beneficial in the prevention and treatment of anemia.
Honey: There is a remarkable effect in building hemoglobin in the body. This is largely due to high iron, copper and manganese content. Honey helps maintain the right balance of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
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