The biggest concern for vegetarians and vegans is the amount of iron they get through their food. According to experts, the recommended dose for an adult is from 8 to 27 mg. The minimum is sufficient for men, while pregnant and older women can take a larger amount.
Accordingly, meat is considered the main source of iron. Since vegans and vegetarians do not consume it, they must find other sources to provide them with their daily amount of iron. There’s good news for them: there are several foods that are high in iron, and they’re also easy to grow!
1. Spinach
Spinach has dark green leaves that are very rich in iron. Just 3 stalks of it contain 18 mg of iron. A spinach salad will give your body the necessary daily dose of iron!
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is an amazing source of iron and some other supplements like vitamin K and magnesium are also essential. It also contains vitamin C and supports the absorption of iron in the body.
3. Lentils
1 cup of lentils contains more iron than 1 steak. Lentils are rich in potassium, protein, and dietary fiber. It can be consumed in a salad or soup.
4. Kale
Due to its high iron content, kale is an excellent tool in the fight against exhaustion and weakness. Just 3 stalks of kale contain 3.6 mg of iron. It can be eaten raw or in soup and sandwiches.
5. Chinese cabbage
Chinese cabbage provides the body with the necessary amount of vitamin A. At the same time, 1 Chinese cabbage contains 1.8 mg of iron.
6. Baked potatoes
Just 1 baked potato has 3 times more iron than a serving of chicken. You can eat them with broccoli, Greek yogurt, and melted cheddar.
7. Sesame
1 tablespoon of sesame seeds has 1.3 mg of iron. You can effectively include it in your menu. Sprinkle the prepared vegetables with sesame or you can beat them in a blender to make a salad, dressing, or sauce.
8. Cashew
All nuts are high in protein and thus suitable for vegans. Nevertheless, cashews have an additional benefit: they are rich in iron.
9. Soq
There are 8 mg of iron in 1 cup of soy, which means that soy is an amazing source of protein. It is in the top 20 best vegan foods.
10. Chickpeas
1 bowl of chickpeas has 4.7 mg of iron, which is nearly ½ of the recommended daily amount for an adult. You can mix it with feta cheese, tomatoes, and cucumbers in case you need to make a flavorful dish. Or you can cook them with a little olive oil.
11. Dark chocolate
It contains various ingredients that improve teeth and skin. Dark chocolate helps the body absorb iron and reduces nervousness. 1 block of it has 2 mg of iron, which is significantly more than 300 g of meat.
12. Mangold
1 stalk of Swiss chard contains 4 mg of iron, which gradually equals 150 g of minced meat. Swiss chard is a rich source of essential supplements, including folate, omega-3 unsaturated fats, and vitamins A, C, and K.
13. Tofu
3 mg of iron is found in ½ cup of tofu. You can discover one of the various formulas for making tofu and make the most of its medicinal benefits.
14. Bob
1 cup of beans has 3 mg of iron. Beans are a common food that vegetarians prefer at the expense of meat