A healthy blood cell count is critical to your overall wellbeing and health. In particular, the red blood cell count signifies if your body is receiving adequate amounts of oxygen, to be able to function properly.
Haemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen across the body. This protein also carries carbon dioxide out of the cells and into the lungs, facilitating it to be released when a person exhales. A low haemoglobin level can deter your body from performing these critical functions, making you experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, headache or poor appetite.
If you experience any such symptoms, then consulting a doctor is the correct approach. However, you could increase your iron, and vitamin B12 intake through certain foods as it would enhance your haemoglobin levels.
Here are foods that can help increase your haemoglobin count
These foods will boost the iron, folate and vitamin B12 content in your body and help increase your red blood cell count:
1. Spinach
Low on calories and high on nutrition, spinach is the superfood you should include in your diet. Spinach is rich in iron, and vitamin C, an agent that boosts iron absorption. This leafy vegetable contains antioxidants that improve overall health by decreasing inflammation and increasing immunity levels.
2. Seeds
Seeds such as flax, pumpkin and chia contain adequate amounts of magnesium, iron, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids and can help you fight high cholesterol. Seeds can also protect your cells from harmful free radicals produced during metabolic processes.
3. Broccoli
A power food, as it is often cited, broccoli packs a solid nutritional punch. It contains iron and vitamin C helps your body absorb iron better. This wondrous vegetable is also rich in fibre, protein, calcium, selenium and magnesium, therefore, be it fighting anaemia, building muscles or strengthening bones, broccoli is the undisputed wholesome goodness champion.
4. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is also loaded with antioxidants, magnesium and iron and supports in lowering inflammation, “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure. This nutritious and delicious treat is also helpful in reducing the risk factors for heart disease.
5. Eggs
Besides being rich in proteins, eggs contain essential nutrients and minerals such as vitamin D, folate, amino acids, vitamin B12 and iron. This nutrition profile helps enhance muscular and bone strength, increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known commonly as “good cholesterol” and reduce the risk of heart disease.
So, be vigilant of any signs of low haemoglobin levels, and add these foods to your diet to enhance your blood count.
