Can strawberries increase hemoglobin in the blood — 5 useful properties
Strawberries contain over 12 vitamins and 17 other micronutrients. And, according to research , most of them are used by the body in the implementation of hematopoietic function, including in the production of hemoglobin.
Does this berry significantly raise hemoglobin levels? What other effect does strawberries have on the cardiovascular system? Should I give it up with elevated hemoglobin? All the answers are in our article.
Content
The effect of berries on hemoglobin
Strawberries contain:
- Vitamin C (almost 60 mg per 100 grams of product);
- Iron (up to 1.2 mg per 100 grams);
- Vitamin A (up to 0.03 mg);
- Vitamin B 6 (up to 0.06 mg);
- Vitamin E (up to 0.08 mg);
- Folic acid (vitamin B 9 , approximately 0.2 – 0.6 mg, depending on the variety and stage of ripening of the berry).
All of the above components, and especially iron, are just used by the body to produce hemoglobin . Therefore, the use of strawberries is indicated for people with low hemoglobin levels.
Is it harmful to use it with elevated hemoglobin? Only if its high concentration is systematic and supplemented increased blood viscosity . In other cases, the effect on hemoglobin concentration will be negligible.
Strawberries also contain many organic acids and fiber, which help to normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract and accelerate the elimination of toxins from the blood.
5 other positive properties
Substances included in strawberries (in particular, vitamins E and B 9 ) are actively used in hematopoietic function, accelerate the generation of red blood cells (erythrocytes). In addition, its use has the following effect:
- Increases the concentration of zinc. This will help improve blood circulation in the epithelium, visually rejuvenate the skin, and prevent the appearance of noticeable blood grids.
- Makes the walls of blood vessels more elastic. This is an excellent prevention of atherosclerosis. And vitamin C complements this effect – it accelerates the breakdown of cholesterol, cleanses the vessels and prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques.
- Has a hypertensive effect. That is, it increases blood pressure, but only slightly. With high blood pressure, strawberries are carefully included in the diet (it is better to consult your doctor on this matter).
- Normalizes the salt balance in the blood. This is achieved due to the diuretic function. But at the same time, the potassium concentration remains normal, unlike the effect when a person takes traditional diuretics.
- Prevents the development of anemia, leukemia. This is facilitated by the variety of vitamins in the composition, which normalize the balance of the shaped elements of the blood.
How to use it correctly?
Strawberries are consumed fresh by almost everyone, but doctors recommend in this case not to abuse them because of the high content of vitamin C (its excess negatively affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system).
The best option is to use the berry to make various kinds of desserts. One of the simplest recipes is strawberries with yogurt (in a ratio of 1 to 4). It turns out to be quite tasty, healthy and such a dessert is allowed to eat even on an empty stomach (the acidity of gastric juice will practically not increase, which will prevent an exacerbation of gastritis or stomach ulcers).
The composition of strawberry leaves is almost identical to berries, except for the high fiber content. Therefore, no less Beneficial for the cardiovascular system there will be decoctions. One of the simplest recipes:
- 50 grams of fresh leaves should be rinsed under running water.
- Grind in a mortar until mushy.
- Add 300 ml of hot water (not boiling water).
- Insist for 45 minutes.
You need to drink it like regular tea, you can add sugar or honey to taste.
Contraindications
There are no categorical contraindications for eating strawberries. Precautions to consider:
- Strawberries are a strong allergen, so they are given with caution to children and pregnant women;
- With an exacerbation of hypertension, it is better to give up strawberries, so as not to provoke an increase in blood pressure;
- With an exacerbation of urolithiasis, berries should also be discarded (so as not to provoke the movement of concretions);
- Berries should not be consumed on an empty stomach – this can cause an attack of gastritis;
- Children under one year old should be given strawberries in very small quantities, and it is better to cook compote without sugar.
Conclusion
In total, strawberries really improve blood composition, normalize the balance of shaped elements, and also prevent the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis, leukemia, anemia.
It is better to use it as an addition to dairy desserts. An equally useful option is tea made from leaves with honey. This berry also helps the body produce serotonin, the hormone of "joy", which has a positive effect on mood.