The best iron-rich vegetarian foods

Numerous vegetables, legumes, and other foods contain a form of iron called nonheme iron, which accounts for the majority of people’s iron intake in the United States. The type of iron in animal products is called heme iron.

Although the body can absorb it more easily, heme iron is not essential to the human diet.

By selecting the right foods, people eating a vegetarian or vegan diet can meet their daily iron requirements without needing to take supplements.

In this article, we list the best iron-rich vegetarian foods. We also provide some tips to help people maximize their iron absorption from nonheme sources.

The following are some of the best iron-rich foods for vegetarians and vegans:

Lentils

Lentils are rich in iron, protein, and fiber, making them a great addition to a healthful diet. Each cup of cooked lentils contains 6.59 milligrams (mg) of iron and 17.86 grams (g) of protein.

Lentils also contain many other nutrients, including B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

Research suggests that eating lentils on a regular basis reduces the risk of diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease.

People can include brown, red, or green lentils in soups, stews, curries, salads, and other meals.

Cannellini beans

Cannellini beans, or white kidney beans, provide 5.2 mg of iron per cup.

As with lentils, the protein and fiber content of beans makes them a healthful option. They also contain many other essential minerals and plant compounds.

Several studies support the consumption of beans to reduce the risk of heart disease and related conditions.

Other types of bean, including those below, also contain high amounts of iron per cup:

• garbanzo beans, or chickpeas: 4.74 mg
• black-eyed peas: 3.59 mg
• red kidney beans: 3.59 mg

Beans are a very versatile food, and they work well as an ingredient in many dishes, including tacos, chili, soups, salads, and bean dips.

Many types of breakfast cereal, including oats, contain iron that manufacturers add during processing. Fortified grains are a vital source of this mineral, providing approximately half of all dietary iron in the U.S.

People should look for fortified breakfast cereals that contain 100 percent of the daily value of iron per serving.

While these cereals are generally suitable for vegetarians, vegans should check if the product also has added vitamin D. Not all vitamin D sources are vegan-friendly.

Dark chocolate

Although chocolate is traditionally a dessert food, a 3-ounce serving of dark chocolate provides 7 mg of iron.

Cocoa is also one of the best sources of flavonoid antioxidants, which may provide heart benefits, protect nerves, boost immunity, and improve cognitive function and mood.

While dark chocolate is an iron-rich food, it is high in calories, so people should enjoy it as an occasional treat.

Baked potatoes

Potatoes, especially their skins, are a good source of iron. A medium potato in its skin provides 2 mg of iron.

Potatoes are a staple food in many cultures and can benefit health in numerous ways. They are a source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, resistant starch, vitamin C, and potassium.

For a complete meal, people can top baked potatoes with cottage cheese, hummus, beans, or lentils and serve them with vegetables or salad.

It is best to avoid adding a lot of butter, oil, or cheese to the potatoes as this increases the fat and calorie content of the meal.

Spinach

Spinach is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. One cup of cooked spinach provides 6.43 mg of iron.

Most people find it easy to incorporate more spinach into their diets by sautéing or steaming the vegetable and adding it to soups and stir-fries. Raw spinach can also be an ingredient in smoothies and salads.

Dried apricots

A cup of dried apricot halves contains 4.1 mg of iron. Dried fruits are also rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They make ideal snacks as they are easy to eat on the go.

However, dried fruit is also high in sugar and calories. To avoid weight gain or the effects of too much sugar, people should enjoy dried apricots in moderation.

A 3-tablespoon serving of hulled hemp seeds contains 2.38 mg of iron and over 9 grams of protein. These seeds are one of the few plant-based sources of omega-3 fats, which are essential for heart and brain health.

A 2018 study reported that hemp seed extract demonstrated antioxidant effects in laboratory tests. These antioxidant benefits, coupled with the omega-3 content of the seeds, may help protect against heart problems and neurodegenerative diseases.

People can sprinkle hemp seeds on oatmeal, yogurt, or desserts, or blend them into smoothies for a snack that is rich in iron and protein.

Blackstrap molasses

Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of sugar production. Unlike sugar, the molasses retains the nutrients from sugar cane, which include calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B-6.

This thick syrup is also a good source of iron, providing 3.6 mg per tablespoon. However, it is best to limit the intake of blackstrap molasses to avoid consuming too much sugar.

People typically use blackstrap molasses in baked goods and raw desserts, as a glaze for vegetables, or to sweeten oatmeal.

How much iron do you need?

The National Institutes of Health recommend that women over the age of 50 years and all adult men get 8 mg of iron daily.

Women aged between 19 and 50 years should aim for 18 mg per day, while pregnant women require 27 mg of iron for fetal health.

However, some sources suggest that vegetarians and vegans may need up to 1.8 times these amounts because the body does not absorb nonheme iron as easily as it does heme iron.

Low iron intake or absorption can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms may include:

• tiredness
• weakness
• pale skin
• heart palpitations
• headaches
• cold hands and feet
• a sore tongue
• brittle nails
• poor appetite

Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor.

A person can increase the amount of iron that their body absorbs from plant-based sources by eating iron-rich foods alongside a source of vitamin C.

Good sources of vitamin C include:

• bell peppers
• broccoli
• cantaloupe melon
• cauliflower
• citrus fruits
• kiwi fruit
• leafy green vegetables
• mango
• papaya
• strawberries
• sweet potatoes
• tomatoes

They should also avoid foods, beverages, and supplements that reduce iron absorption for up to 2 hours before and after iron-rich meals. These include:

• black tea
• calcium supplements
• coffee
• dairy
• eggs
• peppermint tea
• red wine

Antacid medications also inhibit iron absorption.

Summary

Vegetarian foods can be excellent sources of iron, especially when people eat them in combination with a food that is rich in vitamin C.

People who do not eat meat can ensure that they get enough iron by consuming a wide variety of iron-rich, plant-based foods.

Anyone who is concerned that they may not be getting enough iron from their diet should speak to a doctor or dietician.

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