Anemia can be defined as the condition where there is a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin or red blood cell. Anemia is, we can say among the most common ailments affecting human beings. Almost half of the blood flowing in our veins and arteries consists of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues.

Normally, one trillion or 100 million fresh blood cells are formed everyday in the bone. The raw materials required in the production of these cells are iron, proteins and vitamins, especially folic acid and B12, the lack of these materials produces the dreaded symptoms of anemia. Of these, iron and proteins are essential for the accumulation of red matter called hemoglobin.

A red cell has a life expectancy of approximately one hundred twenty days and then destroyed and replaced. Every person must have about 15 gm of hemoglobin per 100 ml of blood, and blood has about five million red cells per gm of blood.

Home Remedies for Anemia:

Vitamin B12 is needed for anemia prevention and cure. This vitamin is normally found in animal protein, particularly in meats such as kidney and liver. There are also other good sources of vitamin BI2 like dairy products, which also contain some B12.

Beets are very helpful in curing anemia. Beet juice has the elements such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins B1, B2, B6, niacin, and vitamin P.

With its high iron content, beet's aid in the formation of red blood cells. The juice of red beet strengthens the body's energies of resistance and has proven an excellent remedy for sickle cell disease, especially for children and teenagers where other blood-forming remedies have failed.

The leaves of fenugreek aid in the formation of blood. Cooked leaves should be taken by adolescent girls to prevent anemia, which can occur due to the onset of puberty and menstruation. Fenugreek seeds are also a valuable cure for anemia, being rich in iron.

Lettuce is another effective remedy for this condition it contains a considerable amount of iron. It can be utilized as a good tonic food for anemia. The iron contained in it cane easily absorbed by the human body.

Spinach is the leafy vegetable which is a rich source of high-grade iron. After absorption, aids the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells. It is beneficial in the accumulation of blood, and in the prevention and treatment of anemia.

Soy is rich source of iron and also has a high-protein value. While most of the anemic patients also generally suffer from a weak digestion should be given in a very light, preferably in the form of milk, which can be easily digested.

Almonds contain copper grade of 1.15 mg per 100 gm. Copper when combined with iron and vitamins, acts as a catalyst in the synthesis of hemoglobin. The almonds are hence a useful food for curing anemia. Few almonds must be soaked in water for about two to three hours and made into paste after removing the thin red skin. This paste can be eaten once daily in the morning for three months.

The black sesame seeds, is a rich source of iron, and are part of the effective home remedies also have medicinal values in anemia. After soaking a teaspoon of seeds in hot water for a couple of hours, should be ground and be filtered, and then be mixed with a cup of milk and sweetened with jaggery or sugar. This emulsion should be given to patients suffering from anemia.

Honey is notable for the formation of hemoglobin in the body. This is largely due to iron, copper, and manganese content in it.

There are several other foods, which are rich sources of iron and can be used beneficial in the treatment of anemia. The most important of these are bananas, grapes, plums, strawberries, raisins, onions, squash, carrots, radishes, celery, and tomatoes.