6 Iron-Rich Drinks You Can Make at Home to Combat Deficiency

Iron, a major component of hemoglobin, is a vital mineral the body needs to function. Your body needs it for proper growth and development. Despite the benefits of iron, people’s lifestyles prevent them from getting iron through their daily meals. The deficiency of iron is a common issue and can lead to anaemia. According to the fifth edition of the National Family Health Survey (2019 to 2021), 25% of men and 57% of women aged 15 to 49, respectively, are anaemic. Anemic people experience symptoms like reduced energy levels, fatigue, pale skin, and poor concentration.

Iron Rich Drinks

It is widely known that you can fulfill your requirements for iron by taking iron-rich foods. But due to any reason, if it is not possible for you to take hard foods rich in iron, you can swap them with drinks. Here are six iron-rich drinks you can make at home to combat iron deficiency.

1) Spinach Smoothie

Spinach is another excellent source of iron that you can use to make juice or a smoothie. You can make a delicious smoothie by blending it with coconut, cashews, and raspberries. You can also add pineapple while making a smoothie. This will increase the amount of vitamin C in the drink providing additional benefits.

Also read: What Causes Iron Deficiency & Why Should It Matter

2) Pea Protein Shake

Pea protein shake is one drink you can prepare at home to help boost your iron levels. Pea protein contains a higher amount of iron as compared to other protein powders. While preparing a drink with pea protein powder, you can make other iron-rich beverages and make it a shake or smoothie. Make sure you are not using any added sugar to make it sweetened.

3) Beetroot Juice

Making beetroot juice is another simple iron-rich drink you can try at home. Apart from being high in iron, beetroot also contains other essential nutrients, like potassium, manganese, folate, betaine, and vitamin C. Besides, minerals that beetroot contains help to repair the blood cells, improving the oxygen supply. You can make your beetroot juice more delicious by adding carrot, orange, or amla.

4) Prune Juice

Prunes are dried plums that are rich in non-heme iron. Prune juice can help you manage your daily iron requirements; however, you should not totally rely only on it, as non-heme iron is not readily absorbed in the body. Thus, you should have a mix of heme and non-heme iron to maintain healthy iron levels in your body.

Also read: ‘The Game Changers’ to ‘Pumping Iron’: 5 Health Documentaries To Inspire A Fit Lifestyle

5) Mulberry Juice

Along with iron, mulberry is rich in vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system. You can make its juice or a smoothie by adding bananas, oats, chia seeds, and greek yogurt.

6) Pumpkin Juice

Pumpkin seeds, a great source of iron, also provide you with antioxidants and essential minerals. Apart from garnishing your foods with pumpkin seeds, you can also make juice or a smoothie out of them While you can have iron-rich foods and drinks in your diet, it is important to consult your doctor or dietitian before making any changes. If you are anaemic, you can ask your doctor for which food and drinks to consume and avoid to keep complications at bay.