Having low levels of iron in your body can damage your brain, heart, and other parts of your body. Beetroot has a high content of iron but can beetroot help anemia patients increase their iron levels?
I have been taking iron supplements for the last one month and to be honest, I don’t like the iron taste one bit. Makes me wanna puke. But I have to take them because I was told I’m anemic and I need more iron in my body. I’m looking for the best food that will increase my iron levels and not make me feel so nauseated. I came across beetroot. It’s rich in iron, vitamins, and minerals that will help improve my health and increase my iron levels.
What is anemia?
Anemia is a blood abnormality that occurs when your blood has low amounts of red blood cells or if the red blood cells don’t have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin gives your blood the red colour and helps the red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to your entire body. Severe anemia can damage your organs, brain, and heart or even death.
There are many factors that can cause different types of anemia:
- Iron deficient anemia is mostly caused by a lack of iron in your body which means your body doesn’t have enough hemoglobin to produce red blood cells. This can mostly affect pregnant women or those with heavy menstruation, cancer, and ulcers.
- Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary condition that causes your red blood cells to have an abnormal crescent shape. These cells then die prematurely causing a shortage of red blood cells in your body.
- Vitamin deficient anemia is when your body lacks folate, iron, and vitamin B12.
- Anemia from chronic diseases like cancer, kidney disease, arthritis, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic inflammations in your body can reduce red blood cells in your body.
- Hemolytic anemia is an inherited condition where your red blood cells are destroyed faster than your bone marrow can replace them.
- Anemia because of bone marrow disease is caused by not having enough red blood cells being produced in your bone marrow. This can cause disease like leukemia.
How can beetroot help anemia patients?
Beetroot is very effective in fighting anemia. Its high levels of iron help to increase the production of red blood cells which in turn increases the supply of oxygen to other parts of your body. By including beetroot in your daily diet your hemoglobin levels increase so does your red blood cells. Apart from beetroot, you can also take apples, raspberries, folic acid, or molasses fresh juices to boost iron levels in your body.
People with anemia often feel dizzy, fatigue, headaches, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, and lack appetite. Beetroot juice vitamins, iron, and minerals that are good for anemia. The leaves are also good for people suffering from liver and spleen diseases. Beetroot helps to repair and reactivate your red blood cells which also helps to increase the supply of oxygen to your body. The most effective way of taking beetroot to help with anemia is by juicing it. You can combine beetroot and carrot to increase your iron levels naturally or add oranges for some vitamin C. Green leafy vegetables are also good rich in iron. Watch thisand learn how to prepare beetroot juice to treat anemia.
How to check if you’re iron deficient
Beeturia is the appearance of red or pink colour in your urine or poo after taking beetroot. This condition is harmless and goes away after some time. However, if it persists it could be a sign that you’re lacking iron. This means that your colon isn’t absorbing the nutrients instead it’s passing them out as waste.
So do you now see how can beetroot help anemia patients?
Anemia is an iron deficiency condition that can be remedied if you take foods rich in iron. If you’re not careful and treat anemia it can lead to severe anemia that can damage your brain, heart, and other organs or even be fatal. Though some types of anemia are inherited like leukemia and sickle cell anemia, including beetroot or other iron-rich foods like leafy green vegetables and fruits can help in increasing red blood cells in your body. This will increase hemoglobin in your body and oxygen. Keeping your iron levels in check will prevent you from becoming anemic.
FAQ
Are beets good for low hemoglobin?
Beets are high in iron, fiber, folic acid, and potassium. Its high iron levels makes beets the best way of increasing your low hemoglobin levels. Drinking beet juice daily will help increase your red blood cell count.
Can beetroot be eaten during fasting?
Generally when you’re fasting you’re not allowed to eat or drink anything. However, if you’re abstaining from certain foods like meat, making a beetroot salad would be a perfect idea to keep your strength up and provide your body with nutrients.
Do beets increase you hemoglobin fast?
Increased intake of beetroot and other iron-rich foods like spinach, meat, seafood, beans, and foods rich in vitamin B6, B12, and C, and folic acid are important in maintaining normal levels of your hemoglobin. Beets are high in these nutrients and minerals which can help in increasing your hemoglobin.
Is beetroot good for iron deficiency?
Beets are a good source of iron and vitamin C which is considered good for increasing iron in your body. It also regenerates and reactivates your red blood cells and supplies your body with oxygen.
Are beets a good source of iron?
One cup of beet slices contains 1.1mg of iron which is 6% of your daily iron intake and 37% of folate. Iron helps to firm hemoglobin in your red blood cells which carries oxygen to your body.
