Can people with anemia eat Malabar spinach?

Generally speaking, people with anemia can eat Malabar spinach (Basella alba). Details are as follows:

Malabar spinach is rich in iron, vitamin C, dietary fiber, folic acid, and other nutrients. For patients with iron-deficiency anemia, moderate consumption of Malabar spinach can help supplement iron. Vitamin C can also promote iron absorption and improve anemia symptoms. Moreover, the folic acid in Malabar spinach may provide some auxiliary benefits for patients with megaloblastic anemia. If the patient's digestive function is normal and there is no allergic reaction to Malabar spinach, it can be included as part of the daily diet along with other blood-nourishing foods such as red meat and animal liver.

However, for patients with iron-deficiency anemia, although Malabar spinach contains a certain amount of iron, it is mainly in the form of non-heme iron, which has a relatively low absorption rate in the human body. Additionally, Malabar spinach contains a certain amount of oxalic acid; excessive consumption may interfere with iron absorption, especially when consumed together with iron-rich foods. Therefore, patients with iron-deficiency anemia should consume Malabar spinach in moderation and avoid excessive intake to prevent impairment of iron absorption.

In conclusion, anemia patients can generally eat Malabar spinach, but should pay attention to consuming it in moderation, choosing appropriate cooking methods, and adjusting intake according to individual physical conditions.