Iron is a mineral that plays a vital role in your health. It produces haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body
Without enough iron, the body can't produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to a condition known as iron deficiency anemia
For women, especially during pregnancy, maintaining adequate iron levels is critical for both mother and baby's health. However, there are a lot of iron-rich foods that can help boost your levels naturally
Palak, or spinach, is a powerhouse of iron. You can make palak paneer or a simple stir-fried spinach with garlic to get your daily dose of iron. Adding a squeeze of lemon helps your body absorb iron better
Lentils, especially masoor dal, are rich in iron. Enjoy a hearty bowl of dal with a side of chapati or rice. It's a staple that not only gives you energy but also supports your iron levels
Swap out refined sugar for jaggery, which is rich in iron. Jaggery, also called Gur, can be added to tea, sweets, or eaten on its own. A small piece after meals helps improve digestion and boost iron levels
Black or white chickpeas are loaded with iron. Make a chana salad, chana masala, or roasted chana as a snack. It's both filling and great for your health
Have a bowl of fresh pomegranate seeds as a mid-day snack or add them to your salad for a sweet, tangy flavor boost. You can also add pomegranate to raita, moong-dal chat, dabeli and khaaman
These seeds are also rich in iron. You can add them to your chutneys, sprinkle them on salads, or make til ladoos as a tasty treat