Why Indian Adolescents Suffer From Anaemia?

Anaemia is defined as the decrease in the total red blood cells (RBC's) or haemoglobin in the blood. When you suffer from anaemia you tend to have a feeling of tiredness, weak and shortness of breath.

Lack of essential nutrients, especially vitamin and iron in the body is the major cause for anaemia. Certain underlying medical conditions or an accident that involves incessant blood loss can lead to anaemia. Hence, a healthy diet plays a major role in keeping anaemia at bay.

Anaemia is one of the biggest problems among country's adolescents, with more than 50% suffering from the disease. This fact was brought out by an expert during the inaugural session of World Congress on Adolescent Health held recently.

Adolescence is an age that begins with puberty and continues till the mid-twenties when brain maturation finishes. During this period, a person undergoes a major changes in their life which includes their education, work, family and relationship as well.

Those suffering from anaemia lack in healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. When there is lack of blood supply to the brain then this would hamper the supply of oxygen to the brain as well. This in turn will lead to cognitive decline.

So how do we prevent anaemia? Having foods containing the required nutrients is one of the best way to prevent anaemia.

Listed here are a few foods that help to prevent anaemia. Take a look.

1. Beetroot:

Rich in iron-content, beetroot help in repairing and reactivating your red blood cells.Once the red blood cells gets activated it will help in improving the oxygen supply to all parts of the body. You can consume beetroot in various form in order to fight anaemia. It can be consumed in the form of salad, soup or even juice and cooked form.

2. Spinach:

Spinach is one of the best known green vegetables which is a rich source of calcium, Vitamins A, B9, E and C, iron, fiber and beta carotene. A cup of boiled spinach on a regular basis helps to improve the blood count. You could also add spinach in your salad in raw form or make a cup of spinach soup and consume everyday. This will help in preventing anaemia.

3. Tomatoes:

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, beta carotene, Vitamins E and lycopene. The Vitamin C in tomatoes helps to absorb the iron thus help to increase the RBC's and fight anaemia. Tomatoes can be consumed raw or in the form of juice as well.

4. Eggs:

Eggs are considered to be the best source of proteins. It contains a lot of antioxidants that will help in stocking up vitamins in the body. Eating eggs on a daily basis helps in fighting anaemia.

5. Pomegranate:

Pomegranate is a rich source of vitamin C and iron. Pomegranate helps in improving the blood flow in your body and helps improve the blood count and fight symptoms of anaemia. Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice or having one full pomegranate fruit on a regular basis increases the RBC's count and help fight anaemia.

(With Agency Inputs)