Iron is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in our body, its deficiency can lead to various health problems like anemia, fatigue, and weakness. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in our body and is used as an indicator of iron levels.
For people with low ferritin levels, taking supplements or increasing their iron intake through food can help them improve their health. Here are ten food pairings that can boost your ferritin levels:.
1. Spinach and citrus fruits
Spinach is a great source of iron, and vitamin C helps enhance its absorption. Combining spinach with citrus fruits, which are rich in vitamin C, can help improve iron absorption in our body.
You can add some chopped oranges or grapefruits to your spinach salad or squeeze some lemon over it.
2. Lentils and bell peppers
Lentils are packed with iron, and bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C. The combination of lentils and bell peppers is a perfect way to boost your ferritin levels.
You can make a lentil soup and add some chopped bell peppers to it or make a lentil and bell pepper stir fry with some spices.
3. Beef and broccoli
Beef is an excellent source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body, and broccoli is a rich source of vitamin C. A combination of beef and broccoli provides the perfect balance of nutrients needed to improve ferritin levels.
You can make a beef and broccoli stir-fry with some soy sauce and rice or grill some beef and serve it with roasted broccoli.
4. Chickpeas and tomatoes
Chickpeas are a good source of iron and protein, and tomatoes are rich in vitamin C. The combination of chickpeas and tomatoes provides a healthy and delicious way to boost your ferritin levels.
You can make a chickpea and tomato salad with some feta cheese or make a chickpea and tomato curry with some spices.
5. Tofu and bok choy
Tofu is a good source of iron, and bok choy is rich in vitamin C. Combining tofu and bok choy can help enhance your iron absorption.
You can make a tofu and bok choy stir-fry with some garlic and ginger or grill some tofu and serve it with some steamed bok choy.
6. Oysters and red peppers
Oysters are one of the richest sources of iron, and red peppers are a great source of vitamin C. A combination of oysters and red peppers is a perfect way to improve your ferritin levels.
You can grill some oysters and serve them with some roasted red peppers or make an oyster and red pepper soup with some herbs.
7. Turkey and sweet potatoes
Turkey is a good source of iron, and sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin C. Combining turkey and sweet potatoes can help improve your ferritin levels.
You can make a turkey and sweet potato stew with some herbs or grill some turkey and serve it with some roasted sweet potatoes.
8. Dark chocolate and almonds
Dark chocolate is rich in iron, and almonds are a good source of vitamin E, which helps improve iron absorption. Combining dark chocolate and almonds is a healthy and delicious way to boost your ferritin levels.
You can make some dark chocolate and almond bars or sprinkle some chopped almonds over your dark chocolate pudding.
9. Quinoa and asparagus
Quinoa is a good source of iron, and asparagus is loaded with vitamin C. The combination of quinoa and asparagus provides a healthy and tasty way to improve your ferritin levels.
You can make a quinoa and asparagus salad with some vinaigrette or cook some quinoa and serve it with some roasted asparagus.
10. Clams and kale
Clams are a great source of iron, and kale is rich in vitamin C. Combining clams and kale can help improve your ferritin levels. You can make a clam and kale chowder with some bacon or grill some clams and serve them with some steamed kale.
By incorporating these food pairings in your diet, you can easily improve your ferritin levels and maintain good health.