Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to body tissues. Healthy blood cells contain hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying protein that gives red blood cells their color. Patients with anemia do not have enough hemoglobin and experience fatigue and paleness as a result. Several high iron foods may be used to treat anemia.
Organ Meats
Anemia caused by iron deficiency may be treated by eating foods high in iron. Meat from animals contains the highest amount of iron in a form that is readily absorbed in the body. Organ meats such as beef liver, hearts and kidneys contain the highest amounts of iron. However, eating too much of these organ meats can be dangerous because organ meats contain high amounts of cholesterol. Red meat, fish, poultry and dairy products such as milk and cheese also contain a significant amount of iron.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables containing iron can be used to treat iron deficiency anemia. Iron is found in dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, bok choy, collard greens, Brussel sprouts, Swiss chard, turnip greens, beet greens, soy beans, lima beans, kidney beans, tofu, lentils, chickpeas, dried peas and bean sprouts. Some fruits also contain large amounts of iron. Examples of such fruits include apricots, dried figs, dates, prunes, raisins and watermelon. Eating fruits and vegetables containing large amounts of vitamin C and iron is very beneficial to the body. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron from foods high in iron.
Whole Grains and Nuts
Whole grains and nuts contain iron and thus can be used to treat iron deficiency anemia. Examples of whole grains containing iron include barley, millet, bran flakes, oatmeal, pasta, semolina, wheat germ, whole wheat bread, raisin bran and iron-fortified breakfast cereals. Examples of nuts containing iron include almonds, cashew nuts, macadamia, pecans, pumpkin seeds, peanuts and sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds.
Member Comments