When it comes to giving your body the right nutrients, a lot of the work comes down to the foods you eat. Unfortunately, when it comes to vegetarian and vegan diets, you must pay close attention to these foods in order to ensure that you’re getting as much of the vitamins you need as possible. This is particularly true with iron.
What Is Iron?
Iron is an essential mineral that supports the normal flow of oxygen in your body. It is also commonly known for reducing tiredness and fatigue, and it supports your immune system.
With such an important role to play in the normal functioning of your body, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re meeting your daily iron intake. Iron for vegans and vegetarians is especially important.
Vegetarian Foods High In Iron
While the majority of foods high in iron are meat and fish, there are some vegetarian and vegan loopholes. Read on to discover four different vegetarian-foods that contain iron.
1. Fortified Cereals
Kickstart your day the right way with some fortified breakfast cereal. These types of cereals not only contain iron; they provide an excellent source of fibre and protein, too. To get the most out of your breakfast cereals, avoid opting for the super sugary ones that have very little nutritional benefit.
2. Nuts & Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a great snack enriched with plenty of fibre and healthy fats. The majority of nuts and seeds also contain iron, which is great news for vegetarians! This includes the popular cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Nuts and seeds don’t have to just be eaten as a snack; they can also be sprinkled on top of many dishes for a unique finishing touch. Why not try adding your favourite nuts to your salad or pasta?
3. Dried Fruit
Dried fruits are full of nutrients including iron, vitamin E, calcium and magnesium. The great thing about dried fruits is that they’re so versatile; you can snack on them on their own or add them to your cereal for an extra touch of flavour. You could even mix them in with some dried fruits to create an interesting snack. The possibilities are endless, and the flavour is always incredible.
4. Spinach
Time to talk about leafy greens! Whether you love or hate spinach, there’s no denying that it’s incredibly good for you. This iron-rich vegetable can be incorporated into a whole range of foods, including curries and soups, adding to both flavour and nutritional value.
If you’re a fan of green vegetables, then you may be pleased to know that kale is also high in iron. There’s never been a better time to try the global phenomenon that is kale chips.
Supplements For Vegetarians
When it comes to following a vegetarian diet, there’s no denying that you have to work harder to get all the right nutrients. However, with that being said, it’s certainly not impossible.
Many vegetarians choose to take iron supplements alongside a balanced diet to ensure that they are receiving the right levels of iron. These supplements are safe to use and will give you added peace of mind every single day.