Health Desk. The function of blood in our body is not only to deliver oxygen to different parts of the body, but it also plays an important role in delivering nutrients to the cells, removing carbon dioxide and other waste materials and protecting against infection. But have you ever wondered why blood is red in color and where is it produced in the body?

What is the reason behind red color?

The red color of blood is mainly due to a protein called hemoglobin. This protein is found in red blood cells i.e. Red Blood Cells (RBC). Hemoglobin contains iron, which combines with oxygen to give the blood a bright red color.

When blood takes oxygen from the lungs and reaches different parts of the body, its color appears relatively bright red. At the same time, when the blood returns back to the lungs carrying carbon dioxide from the body cells, its color may appear dark red.

Where is blood produced in the body?

Most of the blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. It is the soft tissue present inside the bones. The special cells present here continuously keep making new blood cells. Blood is mainly made up of three types of cells. Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Let us tell you that red blood cells work to deliver oxygen to the body, white blood cells help protect the body from infection, while platelets play an important role in forming blood clots in case of injury.

How does the process of blood formation work?

Different types of blood cells develop from stem cells present in the bone marrow. These cells are continuously created and renewed according to the body's needs. Nutrients like iron, vitamin B12 and folate play an important role in the formation of red blood cells.

After being formed, red blood cells join the blood and deliver oxygen to the body parts. Normally a red blood cell works for about 120 days. Old or damaged cells are removed from the body and new cells are formed in their place.