Not true!
Iron-deficiency anemia can happen if you don’t have enough red blood cells in your blood. Your body needs red blood cells because they carry oxygen to your organs and tissues. Anemia may cause tiredness, dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, and irritability. While it is true that meat contains iron, there are also plenty of very iron-rich options available to people choosing a plant-based diet. So, no meat? No worries!
Here are ten plant-based and iron-rich foods you can add to your diet that will help you reduce your risk for anemia.
- Blackstrap Molasses – great in cakes, cookies, or straight off a spoon!
- Lentils – try these in a soup, a salad, or even in a chip.
- Tofu – this is great added to a stir-fry or in a breakfast scramble.
- Spinach – add to a smoothie, salad, or curry.
- Beans – Try Kidney Beans, Pinto, or Black-Eyed Peas in your next Chili.
- Cashews – Great in a trail mix or on toast as cashew butter.
- Dried Apricots – Make a tasty and healthy snack for children and adults.
- Swiss Chard – Throw a handful into your next salad or omelet.
- Tahini – Make it into hummus or try adding some to your next dressing.
- Brussel Sprouts – Try roasting with a drizzle of balsamic or shaved in a salad.
Quick Tip!
Vitamin C significantly helps your body absorb plant-based iron, so have a glass of orange or grapefruit juice with your iron-rich food or include foods that are high in Vitamin C within your meal. Some examples of food that are high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, bell peppers, melon, and strawberries.
