Hemoglobin is an important component of red blood cells, It consists of two parts Heam means iron, and globin means a protein. The main function of this molecule is to carry oxygen from the lungs to all cells of the body. Cells need oxygen to carry out reactions to produce energy. A decreased level of hemoglobin affects the body at a cellular level. Therefore it is essential to have an adequate amount of hemoglobin molecules in the blood for proper body functioning. Low hemoglobin levels in a person with no other diseases can be managed with diet or iron supplements, but patients with low levels with any disease such as patients with cancer or cancer treatment or patients with thalassemia need whole blood transfusion to maintain hemoglobin levels.
Components Needed for the Production of Hemoglobin:
Hemoglobin is made up of Vitamin B12, Folate, and iron and is needed to produce Red blood cells and hemoglobin. Lack of any of these nutrients in the diet causes lower output of it.
How to increase your hemoglobin level?
As, discussed above iron, folate and VIT b12 are building blocks for hemoglobin. So, foods loaded with these nutrients increase the production of hemoglobin.
Which food contains Vitamin B12?
Hemoglobin and Vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is one of the significant components in the production of healthy red blood cells. However, your body can not produce vitamin B12, therefore it is necessary to take foods in a diet containing it. Vitamin B12 deficiency other than less production of Red blood cells causes many other symptoms in the human body. As, it also involves DNA synthesis, Mylene sheath synthesis, and the function of the central nervous system. Foods that contain Vitamin B12 are as follows.
Red Meat and Vitamin B12:
Red meat is a rich source of vitamin B12 especially in animal liver and kidneys People with vitamin B12 deficiency must add meat to their diet. However avoid taking meat with alcohol or calcium-containing food, which interferes with its absorption. A person with a low level of hemoglobin due to a lower level of Vitamin B12 is known as pernicious anemia.
Eggs are a rich source of vitamin B12:
An egg is a very nutritious component of food. It contains essential vitamins and minerals such as proteins, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and selenium. Besides these nutrients, eggs are also loaded with a good amount of folate.
Dairy products:
Dairy products such as Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese also contain a good amount of folate. One must add these dairy products to the daily diet plan.
Moreover, vitamin B12 also be taken through medicinal supplementation. In case of a low level of vitamin B12, the patient shows signs and symptoms of low vitamin B12. Untreated low vitamin B12 levels could lead to permanent neurological damage.
Folate and Hemoglobin:
Folate is another component of red blood cells needed for hemoglobin molecules. It is also a pure or natural form of vitamin B9.
Folate is another component of Red blood cell production and synthesis of hemoglobin molecules. Moreover, it helps in the healthy growth of cells. It also helps in DNA synthesis and the synthesis of other genetic material and also needs cell division. Foods that contain rich amounts of folate are as follows.
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables:
Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, turnip, lettuce, and broccoli contain heavy amounts of folate) These vegetables must be cooked before use for better absorption of folate.
Sunflower Seeds:
Sunflower seeds are loaded with minerals and vitamins which play an important role in boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. Research has shown that one ounce of sunflower seeds contains 17% of folate.
Fruits and fruit juices:
Many fruits are a rich source of folic acid. However, citrus fruit contains more folate such as oranges lemons, and limes. Other fruits such as papayas, bananas, and grapefruits, strawberries also contain more amount of folate. A person with low hemoglobin must add these fruits to the diet to boost hemoglobin levels.
Peanuts:
Peanuts are loaded with fiber, proteins, and healthy fats. Besides these, they are loaded with minerals and vitamins that are very important for cell functions. Folate is a significant component of peanuts. Folate is very important for children in their growing ages and necessary for pregnant women. One ounce of peanuts contains around 68mcg or 17% of folate.
Liver:
Animal liver especially chicken, pork, and beef are loaded with heavy amounts of folate. People must prefer these in their diet rather than using medicinal supplements containing folate. Researchers recommended that the liver should be grilled or steamed to maintain its nutritional properties.
Whole Grains: Whole grains also contain a heavy amount of folate. Folate is also added to Fortified bread. Also, cereals must be in your break
Iron and Hemoglobin:
Iron is an important part of hemoglobin. iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia in people with low socioeconomic backgrounds. Moreover, it is common in people with gastric cancer, stomach cancers, and women with heavy bleeding during periods. Such populations extra amount of iron to maintain their hemoglobin levels. This kind of anemia is corrected by following dietary measurements and iron-containing supplements advised by your health care provider.
Food Containing Iron: Iron deficiency anemia can be corrected by following foods:
Vegetables: Certain vegetables such as green leafy contain heavy amounts of iron, such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce,
Legumes: Legumes are also good sources of iron such as potatoes, Red beans, white beans, chickpeas, soya beans, and beetroot are good sources of iron.
Fruits: Fruits loaded with iron are apples, dry apricots, pomegranates, cherries, figs, dates, watermelons, and raisins (dry grapes) are good sources of iron.
Animal Products: Meat, especially red meat, fish, eggs, and poultry contain more amount of iron.
So, hemoglobin is an important component in the human body, and maintaining its level is necessary for the proper functioning of cells. It is maintained in the body naturally by taking its ingredients in food which are folate, vitamin B12, and iron, which are discussed in the above article. A person with a low level of hemoglobin must correct by dietary intake of these ingredients. However, low levels of hemoglobin must be consulted by health care providers, if hemoglobin is not maintained by dietary intake iron supplements may be needed to correct its level.
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