Diets heavy in grains and soybeans lead to anaemia

This post includes a synopsis of a paper published in Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002;11(3):171-175 and a recipe for bacon and broccoli curried soup with almonds.

Study title and authors:
Iron status and dietary intake of Chinese pregnant women with anaemia in the third trimester
AIGUO MA, XUECUN CHEN, MINGCI ZHENG, YU WANG, RONGXIAN XU, JUESHENG LI

This paper can be accessed at: http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/APJCN/Volume11/vol11.3/abstracts11.3.htm#Nicholas

Books:

Aiguo notes that anaemia in pregnancy is a major public health problem in China and that anaemia in pregnant women may be related to dietary intake of nutrients. To examine the relationship between iron status and dietary nutrients, a study in 1189 pregnant women was carried out. The women were classed as (i) having anaemia or as (ii) normal.

The results of the study showed:
(a) The average daily intake of rice and wheat was 7% higher in the anaemia group than in the normal group.
(b) The average daily intake of soybean was 72% higher in the anaemia group than in the normal group.
(c) The average daily intake of fat and iron was lower in the anaemia group than in the normal group.

To conclude: The results of this study indicate that anaemia might be attributed to a low iron intake, a low intake of enhancers of iron absorption and a high intake of inhibitors of iron absorption from a traditional Chinese diet rich in grains and soybeans.

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Recipe of the day

Bacon and Broccoli Curried Soup with Almonds

Serves 5

Ingredients:

Food Mall: Bacon

•4 slices bacon, cut in 1-inch pieces;

•1 cup leeks, green part discarded and white finely chopped;
•1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped;
•4 cups broccoli, finely chopped;
•1 tsp curry powder;
•1/2 tsp dried basil;
•3 cups chicken stock;
•1 cup coconut milk;
•4 tbsp almonds, chopped;
•Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste;

Preparation:
1.Heat a pot over a medium heat and cook the bacon for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2.Remove the bacon from the pot, set aside and add the leeks and carrots to the pot in the rendered bacon fat.

3.Stir often and cook until soft.

4.Add the broccoli, curry powder and basil and cook for a few more minutes.

5.Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until the broccoli is soft.

6.Add the bacon back in the pot and stir in the coconut milk.

7.Season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, reheat the liquid and serve sprinkled with chopped almonds on top.

Bacon and Broccoli Curried Soup with Almonds