Red blood cells are very important to overall health, as they carry fresh oxygen throughout the entire body. Oxygen is the most important nutrient for the body, and is more essential than even food and water to survive.
The oxygen is what makes the blood red in color. Red blood cells also remove carbon dioxide from the body, and transport it to the lungs to exhale.
Red blood cells keep the lungs healthy, keep the body’s pH balanced, promote brain function, and are essential for heart health. Let’s take a look at 5 ways to supercharge red blood cell health.
1. Eat iron-rich foods:
Iron is essential for red blood cell health, as they make up hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen and carries it throughout the body. If the body does not have enough iron, it cannot produce hemoglobin. Some good sources of iron are dark leafy greens, apricots, peas, and beans. The National Institutes for Health recommends 8 mg of iron for males 19-50, and 18 mg for women. Please consult your health practitioner for your recommended iron intake.
2. Eat more vitamin B2:
Most B-vitamins are very important for red blood cells production. Vitamin B2 is one of them. Some good sources of vitamin B2 are almonds, mushrooms and sesame seeds.
3. Eat more vitamin B3:
Vitamin B3 is another essential B-vitamin for the forming of red blood cells. Peanuts, mushrooms, peas, avocados, and sunflower seeds are the best sources of B3.
4. Eat more vitamin B12:
Vitamin B12 is one of the most essential nutrients for red blood cell health and production. A lack of vitamin B12 in the diet can cause vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, which is a low red blood cell count due to lack of B12 in the diet. Some of the best sources of B12 are fish, shellfish, and eggs. It can also be taken in supplement form if you do not consume these foods.
5. Eat more vitamin E:
Vitamin E is a key nutrient for the production of red blood cells. Without this vitamin, the body cannot make the red blood cells that it needs. Some great dietary sources of vitamin are dark leafy greens, avocados, nuts, seeds, and mangoes.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “5 Ways To Boost Red Blood Cells To Alkalize And Prevent Cancer.” Healthy Wild and Free. Healthy Wild and Free, 08 July 2015. Web. 17 July 2015.
2. “What Are Red Blood Cells?” University of Rochester Medical Center. University of Rochester Medical Center, n.d. Web. 17 July 2015.
3. “Red Blood Cell Production.” U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 17 July 2015.
4. “Iron.” NIH. National Institutes of Health, n.d. Web. 17 July 2015.
5. “Anemia – B12 Deficiency.” U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 17 July 2015.
