51% of Indian females found anemic

According to latest global survey, more than half percentage of Indian women is found anemic. Total 51% of Indian female population, which includes young girls and women below 45 years of age, were found anemic. This is a serious nutrition concern that is rapidly increasing in India, especially in young girls and women in their reproductive age. Most of them cannot afford the nutritional requirement means. Hence it is the most common nutritional deficiency disorder in the world. Anemia is a serious condition in which our red blood cells do not carry enough oxygen throughout the body. It is said that the hemoglobin content is less than the normal range due to deficiency of one or more nutrients such as iron, folic acid, vitamin B-12 and other bio-molecules. It not only reduces the work capacity of the individuals, but also impairs the mood and causes fatigue. Nutrients mainly required are iron, folic acid, vitamin B-12, Vitamin C and other B-complex vitamins. Deficiency of one or all of these nutrients leads to anemia, starting from childhood. It worsens in the adulthood and finally gets aggravated during pregnancy.

There are many reasons for iron deficiency. There are times, when your body requires more iron, for example during pregnancy or during the early growth stages during childhood or adolescence. During this time, if your diet lacks sufficient amounts of iron, then it becomes difficult for the body to carry out its oxygen carrying activities. Those women with heavy menstrual periods may also be affected with iron deficiency as they tend loose excess heme due to blood loss. Every woman must be recommended to take iron supplements or iron rich food especially during menstrual flow. Another reason of being anemic is poor absorption of iron. This may occur due to celiac disease. Iron deficiency could also be linked to diabetes.

Type of beans	Iron content in mg/100 grams
Soybeans	15.7 mg
Black turtle beans	8.7 mg
Kidney beans	8.2 mg
Mungo beans	7.8 mg
Chickpeas	6.2 mg
Adzuki beans	5 mg