Your blood does more than give your body its red colour. It transports oxygen, fights infections and helps stop bleeding after injuries. To perform these functions, your body needs nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 and folate.
A shortage of some of these nutrients can contribute to anaemia.
Here are six foods that can help supply important nutrients.
1. Liver
Animal liver is rich in iron and vitamin B12. However, it should be eaten in moderation. People who are pregnant should generally avoid liver because its high vitamin A content can harm an unborn baby.
2. Eggs
Eggs contain vitamin B12 and protein, both useful for normal body functions.
3. Beans
Beans provide iron, folate and plant protein. They are a useful addition to Nigerian meals.
4. Fish
Fish supplies vitamin B12 and protein. Some varieties also provide iron.
5. Dark green vegetables
Vegetables such as spinach and ugu contain folate and other nutrients involved in blood-cell production.
6. Citrus fruits
Oranges and other citrus fruits provide vitamin C, which improves the absorption of iron from plant foods.
Why does this matter?
The body needs iron to make haemoglobin, vitamin B12 to produce healthy red blood cells and folate to support normal cell division.
However, eating these foods will not correct every type of anaemia. Some people have anaemia due to inherited blood disorders, chronic disease, kidney problems or blood loss.
If you frequently experience weakness, dizziness, breathlessness or unusual paleness, consider getting a full blood count and medical assessment.
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