Anaemia due to low haemoglobin can lead to a number of problems — weakness, palpitations, shortness of breath and complications during pregnancy in an expectant mother. This kind of anaemia is usually termed as iron-deficiency anaemia and can be corrected naturally. One superfood that can help increase your iron intake and improve haemoglobin count is beetroot. Here are 11 amazing benefits of having beetroots that you should know about. 

One of the major causes of anaemia is iron deficiency and hence, people suffering from this type of anemia are advised not to eat calcium-rich foods. This is because, calcium interferes with the absorption of iron in the body thereby worsening the condition. Foods packed with calcium include milk and milk products like cheese, yoghurt, nuts and bananas.

Tannin-rich foods

Although black tea, green tea and coffee are good for health, people suffering from iron-deficiency anaemia should restrict their intake of these foods, as they contain tannins, a compound that interferes with the absorption of iron. Other foods that are loaded with tannins include grapes, corn and sorghum.

Gluten-containing foods

Foods rich in gluten should be avoided by people suffering from anaemia as it may worsen the condition. Gluten, in some people, damages the intestinal wall preventing absorption of iron and folic acid, both of which are required for the production of red blood cells (RBCs). Gluten is mainly found in pasta, wheat products, barley, rye and oats.

Phytate-rich foods

Phytates usually bind with the iron present in the digestive tract thereby preventing its absorption. Therefore, people with iron-deficiency anaemia are advised to avoid foods containing phytates or phytic acid like legumes, brown rice, whole-grain wheat and nuts.

Oxalic acid foods

In some cases, foods containing oxalic acid are known to interfere with the absorption of iron. Due to this, people with anemia are advised to consume these foods in limited quantities and if possible stay away from them during the course of medication. Foods containing oxalic acid are peanuts, spinach, parsley (ajwain) and chocolates.