Various substances essential for the proper functioning of our body are transported through our blood, such as red blood cells, also called erythrocytes or red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to the cells and tissues of the body. Red blood cells originate in the bone marrow and contain hemoglobin, a protein with iron, which gives the characteristic red color of blood. In it, red blood cells are the most abundant elements. There must be fair values of specific vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for correct production, mainly vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid.
When the number of red blood cells is low, it is usually due to an iron deficiency, and the causes can be diverse, for example, a poor diet or diseases such as anemia. You must see your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, or pale skin, as these are common symptoms of low red blood cells, and you should take appropriate treatment. You can also eat foods that increase erythrocytes as a complement to the treatment or to include them in the daily diet and prevent this condition. So in this FastlyHealarticle, we will show you the main foods that increase red blood cells.
Table of Contents
Foods rich in vitamin B12
The consumption of this vitamin in adequate amounts favors the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, helping to increase their presence in the blood. There is a wide variety of foods that provide vitamin B12 to the body, some in a lesser or greater proportion, and their consumption will depend on the body’s requirements; for example:
- Beef, mainly liver, is a food rich in vitamin B12, protein, iron, and fat.
- Lamb’s kidneys have appropriate vitamin B12 values.
- Pork liver and chicken breast, cooked and without skin, provide approximately the same amount of vitamins but in a lower proportion than the previous food.
- A can with clams provides a more significant amount of vitamin B12 than sardines, salmon, and tuna canned in the water among fish and shellfish.
- Other products of animal origin, such as eggs and milk, provide sufficient values of this vitamin if eaten regularly.
- Mushrooms and champignons.
Iron-rich foods
There are foods with a large amount of iron that must be included if we want to contribute enough of this nutrient to our body. If iron comes from a food of animal origin, it is easily absorbed by the body, while that of plant origin is absorbed with difficulty.
This mineral stands out, in order from more excellent to a lesser amount of iron that they contribute, in foods such as:
- Organ meats, such as veal liver and red blood sausage.
- Yolk.
- Mollusks, mainly oysters, clams, mussels, and cockles.
- Beef, chicken, and pork.
- Fish, especially anchovies, sardines, and anchovies.
- Plant-based foods include whole grains, nuts, and dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, chard, lamb’s lettuce, and broccoli.
Foods rich in folic acid
Folic acid is a type of water-soluble vitamin B that is very important for our health since it not only helps the reproduction of red blood cells but also treats pressure problems and prevents ocular and cardiovascular issues, among others.
The foods that increase red blood cells for their high content of folic acid are:
- Green leafy vegetables like Brussels sprouts.
- Liver.
- Legumes, such as beans and lentils.
- Citrus fruits include kiwi, grapefruit, lemon, and strawberries.
- Boiled asparagus.
- Avocado.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.