Doctor reveals a superfruit to combat anemia and support red blood cell synthesis: ‘Drinking 500 grams of…’

Struggling with anemia? This tropical superfruit may help boost iron levels, support red blood cell production, and protect heart health naturally.

Published on: Sep 20, 2025 6:31 PM IST

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Struggling with anemia can be exhausting, and while iron supplements are often the first line of treatment, many people look for natural ways to support their iron levels. Certain foods and nutrients can play a helpful role in boosting red blood cell production, supporting overall energy, and protecting heart health.

Dr Kunal Sood has revealed a superfruit which not only supports red blood cell production but also protects the body from inflammation and promotes heart health. (Unsplash)

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Dr Kunal Sood, an anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine physician, highlights one tropical superfruit that packs a nutritional punch and may aid those dealing with iron deficiency. In an Instagram video posted on September 20, he discusses the nutritional value of red dragonfruit, which stimulates the production of red blood cells, helping with anemia, while also protecting heart health and reducing inflammation.

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A post shared by Kunal Sood, MD (@doctorsoood)

Nutritional value

Red dragon fruit is gaining attention not just for its vibrant colour but also for its potential health benefits, particularly for those struggling with iron deficiency and anemia. These tropical fruits are loaded with iron, vitamin C and antioxidants, which are excellent for the production of red blood cells, according to Dr Sood. He also adds, “Aside from its iron content, red dragon fruit is also rich in fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants like flavonoids, which may support heart health, blood sugar control, and reduce inflammation.” These nutrients make it a wholesome addition to a balanced diet.

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What does research suggest?

Even though more research is required in this area, Dr Sood mentions studies that showed positive results linking red dragonfruits with improved red blood cell synthesis - “One small study showed that drinking 500 grams of red dragonfruit juice daily for 7 days, significantly increase hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels in anemic pregnant women.” However, Dr Sood highlights that while these fruits can offer a temporary solution for regulating your iron levels, it does not serve as a clinical substitute for iron supplements or long-term medical treatment.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eshana Saha
Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More

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