Haemoglobin does the vital work of delivering oxygen to every cell in our body. This protein in red blood cells collects oxygen from the lungs and carries it to the body's organs.

It also collects carbon dioxide from the body's cells and brings it to the lungs so it can be breathed out. When haemoglobin levels fall, the body runs short of oxygen, which can lead to weakness, fatigue, dizziness, breathlessness and anaemia.

Doctors often advise iron supplements to keep haemoglobin levels right. But alongside medicine, the shortfall can also be made up naturally by changing one's diet. Many fruits, eaten regularly, help the body make new blood and raise haemoglobin levels.

• Pomegranate: very effective against anaemia. It contains plenty of iron, calcium, potassium and fibre, and helps raise haemoglobin. One pomegranate or a glass of its juice a day can greatly reduce anaemia.
• Apple: there is a scientific reason behind "an apple a day keeps the doctor away". The iron, vitamins and minerals in apples help make red blood cells, and eating them regularly helps make up blood shortfalls and lowers the risk of anaemia.
• Raisins: considered one of the best sources of iron. Experts say soaking a handful in water overnight and eating the raisins and water together in the morning helps the body absorb iron easily, raising haemoglobin and relieving anaemia.
• Banana: ripe bananas are not just a source of energy but also help make blood. Their folic acid and iron help produce new red blood cells, especially useful for people short of folate.

Watermelon, a popular summer fruit, contains iron and vitamin C. Iron helps make blood and vitamin C increases its absorption, so eating watermelon regularly may help keep haemoglobin normal.

Guava contains a very high level of vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods.

Citrus fruits such as oranges, malta, mosambi and lemons contain plenty of vitamin C. Eating iron-rich food is not enough; the iron must also be absorbed, and vitamin C does exactly that. Nutritionists therefore advise eating citrus fruit alongside iron-rich food.

Ripe papaya contains plenty of folate or folic acid, which plays an important role in making new blood cells. Eating papaya regularly keeps blood production normal and reduces haemoglobin shortfalls.

Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and cherries contain iron, vitamin C and antioxidants. Besides boosting immunity, they help improve the quality of the blood and, eaten regularly, help keep haemoglobin normal.

Ignoring anaemia or low haemoglobin for a long time can seriously harm the body. Alongside a balanced diet, it is important to eat fruit rich in iron, folic acid and vitamin C regularly. For anyone wanting to make up a blood shortfall naturally, fruit can be an important part of the daily diet. The Bengali report cited Healthline, The Indian Express and other sources.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.