For blood to be of good quality, it needs to have a good production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
Is it possible to have better quality blood? In a way yes. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, based on good and consistent habits, such as a balanced diet.
But before we get further into the subject, let’s briefly review what blood is. Well, let’s remember that it is a liquid connective tissue that circulates through: capillaries, veins, arteries, auricles and ventricles of all vertebrates. Its consistency is dense, opaque and with a metal flavor.
Its red color is given by the presence of the hemoglobin pigment contained in erythrocytes. However, the color can vary: from scarlet, which is a sign of high oxygen level, to dark red, that is, low in oxygen. The average blood pH is 7.35 to 7.45. While the temperature is 38 °C, slightly higher than body temperature.
Where is it formed?
Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow , which is the spongy tissue that is located inside some bones of the body such as the hip bone, the sternum, or the bones of the skull.
The human body has an approximate of 4.5 and 6 liters of blood. 55% is plasma, the liquid part composed of water, mineral salts and proteins. While the remaining 45% are made up of: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets .
How to start a healthy diet?
- Eat non-starchy vegetables, such as: tomatoes, carrots, and spinach. Likewise, it is recommended that you reduce the intake of potatoes, but do not fall into extremes, do not eliminate it completely.
- Look for healthy proteins: such is the case with lean meats, chicken, turkey and fish. Avoid eating red meat, especially what is processed like bacon or sausage.
- Whole-grain foods are a good choice:brown rice, pasta, and whole- wheat bread are healthier than white rice because of their fiber content. Thus, the blood sugar rises slowly and gives a feeling of satiety.
- Use vegetable oils. Olive or canola oil are a good choice for seasoning. On the other hand, avoid using butter, as it has too much saturated fat.
- Avoid sugary drinks. For example, juices, soft drinks or iced tea. It is best to prepare natural waters with a touch of fruit.
- Vitamin E:makes red blood cells more resistant.
- Iodine:contributes to the development of red blood cells and platelets.
- Vitamin C:stimulates the absorption of iron .
- Zinc:involved in the formation of lymphocytes.
- Vitamin K:promotes blood coagulation.
- Cobalt:helps in the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
- Copper:makes iron available for the production of red blood cells.
- Iron:it is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen to cells.
- Vitamin B12:helps red blood cells mature.
- Folic acid:contributes to the maturation of erythrocytes and leukocytes.
Foods to have a better quality blood
Below we will discuss what foods can help you have good health, in general terms, not just better quality blood. Keep in mind that you should always consume them as part of a balanced diet, since by themselves they are not capable of providing the body with everything it needs to function properly.
Wanda B. Hewlett
Wanda B. Hewlett (Contributor) is a freelance writer from the UK. When she’s not busy writing she loves to spend her time traveling, exploring and running.