10 Iron-Rich Foods You Need To Add To Your Diet
1. Red Meat
Beef, particularly lean cuts like sirloin or tenderloin, is a significant source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body.
2. Poultry
Chicken and turkey are good sources of heme iron. Consuming the darker meat portions tends to offer higher iron content.
3. Seafood
Certain types of seafood, such as shellfish (like oysters, clams, and mussels), tuna, salmon, and shrimp, provide a good amount of iron.
4. Beans and Lentils
Legumes like chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, black beans, and soybeans are excellent plant-based sources of iron.
5. Tofu
Tofu and other soy-based products, including tempeh and edamame, are rich in iron, making them suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
6. Spinach
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens are good non-heme iron sources, though the iron from plant-based foods is less easily absorbed than that from animal sources.
7. Nuts and Seeds
Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, and cashews are high in iron and make for convenient snacks or toppings for salads and dishes.
8. Quinoa
This versatile pseudo-grain contains a decent amount of iron, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
9. Fortified Cereals
Some cereals are fortified with iron. Checking labels for iron-fortified options can be an easy way to boost your iron intake.
10. Dark Chocolate
Surprisingly, dark chocolate contains moderate amounts of iron. Choosing chocolate with higher cocoa content provides more iron benefits.