Iron is an essential mineral that our bodies need for various functions. While its primary role is to produce haemoglobin, it also helps in boosting the immune system and improving cognitive strength. Extreme fatigue, weakness, and pale skin are some common symptoms that people with low iron levels may experience. If left untreated, it can also lead to serious health problems such as anaemia. To prevent this, health experts often recommend enriching our diet with iron-rich foods. And the first thing that instantly comes to mind for this is spinach. However, not everyone likes the taste of spinach as it is slightly on the bitter side. So, if you're someone who believes this green leafy veggie is the only way to increase your iron levels, let us prove you wrong. Here, we bring you a list of five delicious alternatives of iron that you may include in your diet.
Also Read: 7 Iron-Rich Winter Fruits And Vegetables To Prevent Iron Deficiency
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency?
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin
- Irregular heartbeat
- Cold hands and feet
- Headache and migraine
- Brittle nails
Here Are 5 Foods That Have More Iron Than Spinach:
1. Lentils
Lentil is probably the most common food we include in our diet. It is easy to access, cook and loads you with enough iron. As per USDA data, a cup of cooked lentils may contain up to 6.6 mg of iron, meaning, adding it to your meal may help you level up the iron content in body. Click here for some lentil recipes.
2. Chia Seeds
Rightly referred to as super food, chia seeds load you up with every essential nutrient, including iron. As per USDA data, a 100-gm serving of chia seeds contains up to 7.7 mg of this mineral. Here're a delicious recipe to include chia seeds in your diet. Here's a delicious chia seed pudding you must try.
3. Dried Apricots
If you're not a fan of spinach, an alternative source of iron is dried apricots. They contain less water and have concentrated levels of iron. A 100-gm serving of dried apricots contains up to 2.7 mg of iron as per USDA data. You can sprinkle them over salads or even combine them with other dried fruits to reap its benefits.
Also Read: 7 Vitamin C Drinks That Will Get The Iron Levels In Your Body Pumping
4. Amaranth
Amaranth is a gluten-free grain that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including iron. It is considered as one of the best plant-based sources of iron and contains up to 7.6 mg of the mineral per 100 gm, as per USDA data. Amaranth is popularly used as a substitute for wheat flour and can easily be incorporated into your diet. If you're finding interesting ways to include it in your diet, click here for some ideas.
5. Cashew Nuts
In addition to being a good source of healthy fats, cashew nuts also provide a significant amount of iron. A 100-gm serving of these nuts can contain up to 6.6 mg of iron. So, whenever you're feeling hungry, grab some cashew nuts instead of munching on unhealthy snacks. Adding cashew nuts to your daily diet is an easy way to boost iron levels.
Now that you know of these alternative sources of iron, include them in your diet and share your experience with us in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.