Try One of These Iron-Rich Foods For a Natural Energy Boost
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Are you feeling lethargic all the time? Caffeine's not cutting it anymore? Your problem could be low iron levels. If you're female, your chances of low iron levels are high; especially if you're pregnant or it's that time of the month.
Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for you to eat your way to higher energy levels. Aside from fortified cereals, there are several food sources with naturally high iron content. Dig in to some recipe ideas that are just as delicious as they are energy-boosting.
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Edamame
A cup of edamame has 20 percent of your iron. Try this tasty roasted edamame recipe for a quick energy boost.
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Potatoes
A medium potato — eaten with the skin — provides about 10 percent of your day's iron, and is loaded with other nutrients to fuel you. Try one of these healthy potato recipes.
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Beans
Not only will you get lots of protein and fiber with a serving of beans, but you'll also get the energy from iron — they're one of the top natural sources of the mineral. This fresh black bean salad will give your iron levels a much needed boost.
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Pumpkin Seeds
As a topping for chia pudding or roasted as a snack, pumpkin seeds are superhigh in iron. Try this recipe for cinnamon-brown-sugar pumpkin seeds; you'll perk right up.
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Chickpeas
Chickpeas are so versatile. In salads, hummus, or even sweetened form (we have a recipe for cookie-dough dip!), these fiber-full beans provide so many nutrients, including very high levels of iron. Try any of our weight-loss aiding, energy-boosting recipes with chickpeas.
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Lentils
Another powerhouse of fiber, protein, and iron, lentils have 36 percent of your daily iron per cup. Any of these lentil recipes will help you on your way to gaining natural energy.
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Spinach
Perhaps the most known source of natural iron, spinach packs a nutrient punch! Try it in a Starbucks-style wrap or in a quinoa egg bake, so you can start your morning with a burst of energy. For even more iron, try spinach dock (also known as sorrel), which has added amounts of the mineral.
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Red Meat
Just eight ounces of steak gives you nearly 40 percent of your daily needed iron. With this Paleo steak recipe, the wilted arugula brings another eight percent per 100 grams.
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Chia Seeds
For being so tiny, chia seeds sure have a lot of nutritional value. In every ounce of chia seeds, you'll get 12 percent of your daily iron, meaning there's about half a day's worth in 100 grams. Blend chia into your drinks or smoothies, sprinkle seeds onto salad (or chicken and tuna salads) or on your avocado or Nutella toast, or make chia pudding for an iron-loaded breakfast.