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Foods That Supply Extra Oxygen

Oxygen is an extremely important molecule for the body. It is used by the body for oxidation reactions, in which the body is supplied with energy to perform necessary functions. Although foods do not directly supply oxygen to the body, they do affect other factors that improve oxygen absorption and transport in the blood and cells. These foods are vastly different and aid the supply of oxygen in various ways.

  1. Iron-Rich Foods

    • Iron in the body attaches to hemoglobin molecules. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to various tissues throughout the body. The iron in the hemoglobin attaches to the oxygen molecule and holds it as the hemoglobin travels throughout the body. A lack of iron will result in poor oxygen transport throughout the body, which may lead to anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue and lead to sickness. Foods that are high in iron include beef liver, mussels, turkey and shrimp.

    Foods High in Antioxidants

    • Antioxidants are commonly used to help keep the skin looking young. When the body performs many of its normal oxidation chemical reactions, free radicals are often created as products. These unstable electrons play a role by subsequently causing cell damage. Antioxidants work by reducing the number of free radicals in the body. As a result, your skin looks younger and your immune system is much stronger. In addition, antioxidants expand the blood vessels. This increased blood flow replenishes the skin and simultaneously improves the transport of oxygen throughout the body by allowing easier movement of hemoglobin molecules. Foods high in antioxidants include strawberries, oranges, spinach and bell peppers.

    Essential Fatty Acids

    • Essential fatty acids, also referred to as vitamin F, improve the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin. These fatty acids are also specifically called omega-3 and omega-6. Since your body does not produce these fatty acids naturally, you must incorporate foods high in them in order to increase the oxygen carried to your cells. The best foods for essential fatty acids are avocados, walnut oil and fish oil. Fish oil may be taken as a supplement.

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