Importance of Iron in Body
Iron is an important nutrient for our body and for our health. Iron (haeme) works with Protein (globin) to make “haemoglobin’ in red blood cells. The haemoglobin carries oxygen to all parts of the body so it can perform its normal functions. Iron is also a part of ‘myoglobin’, a protein that helps muscle cells store oxygen. Without enough iron, the body’s fuel cannot be properly synthesized. Thus it’s easy to notice why iron is so vital for life and especially for breakfast which is the first day of meal after around 8 hours of fast.
Green leafy vegetables are one of the good sources of iron. You can rely on the most common ones like spinach, fenugreek leaves and Romaine lettuce, while also turning towards to unusual greens like cauliflower greens, chawli leaves and colocassia leaves.
You will be surprised to know that 1 serving of Cauliflower Greens and Besan Muthia fulfils 24% of your day’s need for iron. Alternatively also try a unique fare like Quinoa and Red Chawli Leaves Khakhra. For a satiating breakfast Oats Methi Roti is a good option.
Sprouts are known as the ‘bundle of health’. Chana, matki, rajma, moong etc. are all a good source of iron, but the process of sprouting increases their iron content by 30 to 40%. Moreover they contain extra protein and a wealth of other key nutrients as well. Including them in the breakfast is a notable way of whipping up a calorie and iron rich meal – a meal which would avoid fatigue through the day.
Moong Sprouts Pesarattu, Sprouts Dhokla and Sprouts Pancakes are a few options you can try using sprouts. Of course you need to plan them in advance and learn the process of sprouting. Learn the Easy Way of Sprouting.
Ragi (also known as nachni) is in reality a very good source of iron, though it’s not known to many other than Maharashtrians. Nachni Roti of Bhakri is one of their staple food. 100 gram of ragi provides as much as 3.9 mg of iron.
Create iron rich breakfast using this cereal – Nachni Pancakes (1.2 mg iron / pancake) and Ragi Upma (2 mg iron / serving) and Nachni Nimki (1.5 mg / serving). Enhance your haemoglobin levels with these recipes and quick off iron deficiency anemia.
Breakfast using Bajra – A Source of Iron
Bajra is a cereal which abounds in iron… more than even whole wheat flour. While some people prefer having bajra only during winters, for those who wish to boost their iron intake should make it a regular part of their diet. There is no need to go out of your way to think of unique ways to cook with bajra. Just replace ingredients and create delicacies like Bajra and Cauliflower Roti and Bajra Onion Muthia. These aren’t deep-fried either… that’s the best part about these recipes. Excess fat isn’t good for iron absorption.
Halim Drink – Best Source of Iron for Morning
Halim, also called garden cress seeds, are the treasure trove of health, especially iron. 100 grams of halim gives 100 mg of iron…. no other ingredient can beat this. Learn how to make Halim Drink with step-by-step photos. This drink mentions about adding lemon juice before serving. Make it a habit while serving this drink, as lemon abounds in vitamin C, which further helps in iron absorption. This drink can be consumed in the morning half an hour before breakfast or at any time of the day in between meals.
Pump in your iron levels with these wholesome recipes as the first meal of your day and bubble with energy all day long!
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