Treatment of anemia with tomatoes? Yes, you read that right! Tomatoes are rich in nutrients and lycopene that the body needs.
Your body’s ability to absorb iron is not enough even in the best of circumstances, and for good reason. The human body has no way of getting rid of excess iron, so it only absorbs as much iron as it needs.
Iron helps carry red blood cells throughout the body, but the amount of iron stored in organs, including the liver, is high and can damage the body. When your body’s iron accumulation is low, you absorb more iron.
Some foods, including those rich in vitamin C (such as tomatoes), increase iron absorption and contribute to anemia.
Absorption of ordinary iron
There are two types of iron in foods: heme iron, which is found only in meat and other animal proteins, and non-heme iron, which is found in plants.
Not all iron in meat is necessarily iron. About 40% of that iron is “heme” and 60% of that iron is “non-heme”. The absorption of iron from “heme” sources varies between 15 and 35%, but the absorption of “non-heme” iron is insufficient and between 2 and 20%.
Iron “Hem”
The effect of other nutrients on the absorption of heme iron is negligible. However heme iron itself can improve the absorption of “non-heme” iron. The MFP factor in meat increases the absorption of “non-heme” iron.
Consumption of animal protein along with plant “non-heme” iron sources not only increases iron digestion but also increases the absorption of “non-heme” iron. To achieve this, you need to consume “heme” and “non-heme” iron together in one meal.
Treatment of anemia by consuming tomato paste
Vitamin C absorbs “non-heme” iron and keeps it absorbed better.
Foods rich in vitamin C such as citrus fruits, dark vegetables, cantaloupe, watermelon, potatoes, tomatoes, and strawberries can increase the absorption of iron. As with iron, foods rich in vitamin C should be consumed at the same time as foods rich in iron to increase absorption.
Also, You Can Read: Tomato Paste Best Recipes
If it is difficult for you to prepare tomatoes every day, it is best to use tomato paste. Each can of tomato paste contains 1.10 mg of iron, which can help treat anemia.
Foods to Avoid
Just as certain foods can improve iron absorption, other foods can impair iron absorption.
Avoid drinking tea or coffee with iron-rich foods if you want to boost your iron levels, as the tannic acid in them can reduce iron absorption by 50 to 60 percent.
Foods rich in phytates found in legumes and legumes, calcium sources such as dairy products and tomato products, and certain proteins in soy can also reduce the absorption of iron. Fiber-rich foods can also interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron.
