Having this drink can boost hemoglobin levels naturally: The right way to make it at home

Did you know that hemoglobin is a vital protein found in red blood cells that plays a key role in keeping the body healthy and energetic? For the unversed, the main function of hemoglobin is to carry oxygen from the lungs to every cell and organ, ensuring they can produce energy and function properly. At the same time, it helps transport carbon dioxide, a waste product, back to the lungs for exhalation. Hence, it is important to have adequate hemoglobin levels in the body to prevent fatigue, weakness, and dizziness. They also support growth, healing, and immunity. According to Harvard Medical School, the standard hemoglobin levels for adult men should be 13.0 to 18.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL) and for women, it should be 12.0 to 16.0 g/d. Dr Hansa Yogendra, who runs the page called The Yoga Institute, in a recent video on YouTube explained the signs of low hemoglobin levels and also shared a simple and easy drink that one can prepare at home to boost hemoglobin levels.

As per Dr Hansa, low hemoglobin level or anemia has picked its pace due to food choices, lifestyle and lack of exercise. All these three reasons depletes the iron in our body and so lowers the hemoglobin in red blood cells. There is one drink which should be taken and is called Halim Drink, she adds.

It is a concoction made with alim,/halim, or garden cress seed and belongs to the mustard/cruciferous family. The seeds are tiny, peppery-tasting, and used both as a food/ingredient and as a natural remedy/health supplement.Garden cress seeds are quite nutrient-dense and have traditionally been valued in Indian herbal & dietary practices. According to Dr Hansa, just one tablespoon of this tiny nutritious seed can give 12 milligram of iron in a half a cup of water.

To make this drink, take one tablespoon of aliv seeds and soak it in 1 cup of water. Next, add two tablespoon full of lemon juice to it and stir well. We need this because iron absorption increases due to vitamin C, she explains. Cover the lid and set it aside for two hours. To this liquid, add one tablespoon of mint paste and little turmeric powder, one teaspoon full of jeera powder and rock salt for taste. Always remember this drink's effect is at its best when you take it in the morning with an empty stomach, Dr Hansa adds.

According to a study titled Garden cress seeds: a review on nutritional composition, therapeutic potential, and industrial utilization, for moderate anemia, particularly in youngsters, the iron content in the seed powder might be an effective remedy. It is also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and iron. Anemia in youngsters may be treated with the seed's high iron content (100 mg/100 g). Research has shown that vitamin C supplementation helps improve iron absorption. It also boosts the digestive system's ability to absorb iron. Vitamin‐C and iron‐rich seeds of garden cress may be used to treat anemia or iron insufficiency without the need for additional supplements. These seeds also contain a wide range of bioactive components, including kaempferol glucuronide, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, coumaric acid, caffeic acid, terpenes, glucosinolates, and many more.

In the video, she warns that if you are anemic, consume it every day or consume it alternatingly. Once your hemoglobin content comes to normal, then reduce the frequency. Our body needs red blood cells for better functioning. If at any stage you feel a lack of hemoglobin, get your blood tested. Find out whether the hemoglobin level is low or not. If it is low, start this drink regularly, she concludes.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is meant for general knowledge only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new routine.