Iron is an important mineral for our body. It helps in the formation of healthy red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, and can also aid in proper growth and development. Unfortunately, iron deficiency is very common, especially among women and children living in developing countries.
Fortunately, there are many natural food sources that contain high levels of iron, as well as simple drinks you can make at home to ensure your body gets its daily dose of this important nutrient! In this article, we’ll explore 6 delicious iron-rich drinks that will help you stay healthy while avoiding deficiencies. So grab a drink (or two) and toast!
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Spinach Smoothie:
This powerful green smoothie is an excellent source of iron and other important vitamins and minerals. It’s also packed with fiber, protein, antioxidants and a host of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your overall health and well-being. Preparing a spinach smoothie is quick and easy: just blend fresh spinach leaves, a banana, almond milk, honey or maple syrup for sweetness, a few dates for natural sweetness and flavor, thickness, ice cubes (optional) and a little nut or avocado butter for extra smoothness . This vitamin drink is perfect for boosting energy levels throughout the day and helps prevent iron deficiency.
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Beet juice:
Beets are one of the most nutritious vegetables available, as they are rich in iron, magnesium and folate, all of which play an important role in maintaining optimal health. Regularly drinking freshly made beetroot juice can help increase your iron intake, while providing you with a number of other vitamins and minerals that are essential for the body to function properly.
To make beet juice at home, you only need washed beets, carrots or apples to taste (optional), water or coconut water (optional), ice cubes (optional), a blender, a juicer or a food processor, depending on the type of appliance you have.
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Prune juice:
Prunes have long been known for their high iron content and for being rich in other nutrients such as dietary fiber that support digestive health. Prune juice can easily be made at home by mixing pitted prunes with apple juice – adding cinnamon/ginger will give it an extra kick! Mix these two ingredients together before straining through cheesecloth or a bag of nut milk, making sure no meat remains, then sweeten if desired. Drinking one glass a day should be enough to maintain iron levels all week!
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Apple juice :
Many types of apple juice are high in iron, making it a great way to boost your health and prevent deficiencies. The type of iron found in apple juice is known as non-heme iron, which is more difficult for the body to absorb than the heme iron found in animal products. However, non-heme iron has significant benefits and can be an easy way to get this important mineral into your diet. Apple juice also contains other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium, which can contribute to overall health.
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Cranberry juice:
Cranberries are often considered one of nature’s superfoods due to their many health benefits, including being an excellent source of dietary iron! A 250ml glass can provide up to 2mg, almost a third of the RDA for adults, making cranberry juice a good option when looking to increase your daily intake without taking supplements or eating fatty, large amounts of animal products such as red meat or fish. In addition, cranberry juice is also rich in vitamin C, which facilitates absorption. Drinking it with other sources of dietary iron may even increase its effectiveness!
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Spirulina:
Spirulina is an aquatic plant that is loaded with iron – according to the US Department of Agriculture, a single tablespoon of spirulina powder contains over 2 milligrams, while 30 ml provides 8.78 milligrams of iron! For anyone who has difficulty absorbing iron from traditionally fortified foods such as grains and cereals, spirulina can be an excellent choice for maintaining healthy iron levels in the body. It’s also easy to consume as it can be added to smoothies or included as an ingredient in other recipes for added flavor and punch. Besides being a rich source of iron, spirulina also provides other essential minerals such as calcium, zinc and selenium. The next time you’re looking for an easy boost of vital nutrients, look no further than spirulina!
