The blood is one of the most important components of the human body, representing a vital medium through which oxygen and other nutrients are distributed to all the parts of the body so they can keep working. Apart from this, blood plays important roles such as the elimination of waste, fighting off infections, and transportation of hormones.…CONTINUE READING...CONTINUE READING
From the foregoing, it is evident that blood is a crucial part of the human body, and this explains why particular emphases are often placed on maintaining its levels and integrity. However, just as anything whose levels can go down due to one reason or the other, the human blood is not an exception as its levels in the body could go down.
Anaemia is the collective term often used to refer to low levels of red blood cells in the body. According to Cleveland Clinic, anaemia is said to occur when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s organs, thus leading to symptoms such as tiredness or weakness, as well as pale appearance.
To combat anaemia which is otherwise known as low levels of blood, people, over the years have come up with certain measures, including certain foods whose high intake is believed to help boost blood production. One of the most popular ones, especially in Nigeria is the combination of malt and milk, a combination many people believe is potent in treating anaemia.
However, this popular belief has been faulted by many medical practitioners who claim there is no scientific evidence to link the intake of a mixture of malt and milk to an increase in blood volume. In fact, nutritionists and health experts believe that a combination of milk and malt will only give a person essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and iron.
What then represents the best means of boosting blood volume in the human body? The answer lies in the many other food substances whose intake is scientifically linked to increased blood volume. A few of such foods are looked at below:
1. Iron-rich foods
According to Medicalnewstoday, an individual with reduced levels of haemoglobin would see a marked improvement in their lot by increasing their intake of iron-rich foods. This is thanks to the ability of iron to boost the production of haemoglobin, which, in turn, helps to produce more red blood cells.
Suitable foods rich in iron that can be consumed for this purpose include red meat, such as beef, organ meat, such as kidney and liver, dark, leafy, green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, dried fruits, such as prunes and raisins, as well as beans, legumes, and egg yolks.
2. Folate-rich foods
Scientists believe that the intake of folate-rich foods can also help boost blood volume, as folate (a type of vitamin B) is an important component in the haemoglobin-production process. The body uses folate to produce heme, a component of haemoglobin that helps to carry oxygen.
According to Bethany Cadman of Medicalnewstoday, the deficiency of folate can lead to a situation whereby the red blood cells in an individual will not be able to mature, leading to folate-deficiency anaemia. Foods with high levels of folate include beef, spinach, rice, peanuts, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, lettuce, and avocadoes.
3. Vitamin A-rich foods
Since iron-deficiency anaemia is the most common form of anaemia, finding ways to boost or maximise iron absorption in the body is a necessity. Fortunately, you can ensure that you are not only consuming iron in your foods but also helping your body to absorb the iron you eat. Vitamin C rich foods such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and leafy green vegetables can help in this regard.
Additionally, vitamin A-rich foods also help boost the absorption and utilisation of iron by the body. Foods rich in vitamin A include fish, liver, squash, and sweet potatoes. Also, foods that are rich in beta-carotene can help in this regard. They include fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and mangoes..…CONTINUE READING
