8 Iron-Clad Foods That Outshine Beetroot — Veggie’s Red Rival Revealed!

Key highlights

 

Beetroot is well-liked due to its color and nutritional value, which comprises some iron, although only approximately 0.8 mg of iron per 100 grams. If you are looking to increase the amount of iron in your diet, there are a number of everyday foods—both animal and plant-based—that have much more iron and other nutritional value.

 

Best Iron-Rich Substitutes for Beetroot

 

Lentils: Approximately 3.3 mg iron per 100 grams cooked. These legumes are adaptable, inexpensive, and also high in fiber and protein, so they're a favorite of vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

 

Spinach: Boiled spinach provides approximately 2.7 mg iron for every 100 grams. It also supplies a host of other essential nutrients such as vitamin A, K, and C, although combine it with vitamin C-containing food to maximize iron absorption.

 

Red meat (pork, lamb, beef): Provides 2.7 mg iron per 100 grams, with the additional benefit that heme iron from meat is better absorbed by the body than plant sources.

 

Pumpkin seeds: 3.3 mg to as much as 8.8 mg iron per 100 grams, depending on source and preparation. Delicious raw, roasted, or in salads and baked treats.

 

Quinoa: This old grain contains approximately 2.8 mg iron per 100 grams, in addition to complete protein and essential minerals.

 

Tofu: With approximately 5.4 mg of iron for every 100 grams, tofu is one of the most suitable choices for a plant-based diet, full of protein as well.

 

Dark chocolate (70% cocoa and above): A whopping 11.9 mg iron per 100 grams, although best enjoyed in small amounts.

 

Chickpeas: Provides about 2.9 mg iron per 100 grams, and is also an excellent source of plant protein and fiber, great in salads, stews, or as roasted snacks. To have good iron absorption, pair these foods with sources of vitamin C (such as citrus, tomatoes, or peppers). In contrast to beetroot, these foods not only increase iron but offer various nutrients that are great for immunity, energy, and general well-being.

 

Sources: Times of India, Healthshots, 1mg, Health.com