Anemia is a medical condition in which Red Blood Cells are saturated below normal limits. This causes a decrease in oxygen level supplied to the tissues. There may be various factors behind it but Iron and Vitamin deficiency is most common.

RISK FACTORS

• Vegans who follow a strict diet
• Blood loss due to heavy menstrual bleeding or surgery
• Pregnancy
• Gastric Ulcer
• Poor diet or Inadequate consumption of foods with Iron and Vitamin B12

SYMPTOMS

People suffering from Anemia show up with an array of symptoms. Here are a few :

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Pale skin
• shortness of breath

Daily Requirement of Iron

A normal person requires 8 to 18 mg of iron per day whereas people suffering from anemia require more.

Normal women need  15 to 18 mg of iron per day due to the blood loss in periods

Whereas the daily requirement of pregnant Women exceeds up to 27 mg per day.

Diet

Diet can be the best tool in preventing anemia

Leafy greens like Spinach, Mustard greens, collard greens have high content of iron.

Animal meat also contains Vitamin B12 along with iron but make sure you eat the leanest kind of meat.

Foods rich in  B12 are fish like tuna, Salmon and Trout. Eggs, dairy products like Cheese and Yogurt also are good source of B12.  Using fortified Cereals for breakfast keeps anemia at bay.

Fruits

Fruits are a blessing when it comes to treating Anemia. Berry fruits like Strawberries, Falsa berries, blue berries etc are not only rich in both Iron and Vitamin B12 but they also are a great source of Vitamin C and Folate which helps in absorption through the intestinal tract.

DATES

Many researches have been made to unveil the miraculous benefits of Dates. Dates are exceptionally high in Vitamin B12 and Iron along with the presence of hormones. They do not only regularize  hormonal imbalances ones having, but are also highly beneficial in pregnancy. Studies have shown the pregnant women who consumed dates regularly during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy, the need for induction and augmentation of labor was significantly reduced.

Folic acid along with Vitamin B12 is also required for a healthy pregnancy. Deficiency of both these nutrient in early pregnancy leads to the development of Neural tube Defects in the fetus in which Anencehaly ( absence of the brain) and spina bifida ( failure of closure of the spinal column) are most common.

For more amazing benefits of dates click here