Both spinach and broccoli are good sources of iron, but spinach generally contains more iron per serving; however, your body absorbs iron from broccoli more efficiently due to spinach's oxalates and broccoli's higher Vitamin C content, which boosts absorption, making broccoli a surprisingly effective iron source.
The difference is small, but spinach does contain slightly more iron per serving. However, there's a twist, your body absorbs more iron from broccoli because spinach contains oxalates, which reduce iron absorption. Broccoli, on the other hand, is rich in vitamin C, which helps absorb iron more efficiently.
Iron is an essential building block of the human body. Here are ten of the best iron-rich vegetables to help you meet your daily needs.
Does spinach have iron? Yes, spinach contains between 2.1mg and 2.7mg of iron per 100g – this however does not mean that spinach is rich in iron, compared to other foods when we consider the benchmark needed to describe it as high in iron.
Vegetables
For quick iron, focus on easily absorbed heme iron from red meat, poultry, and seafood (beef, chicken, oysters, tuna) or plant-based non-heme iron from spinach, lentils, beans, tofu, fortified cereals, and pumpkin seeds, pairing plant sources with Vitamin C (citrus, tomatoes, peppers) for better absorption.
Good nutrition can also prevent iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Dietary sources of iron include lean red meat, poultry and fish. Other options include iron-fortified breakfast cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas. The iron from animal products, such as meat, is most easily absorbed.
Iron is depleted by blood loss (heavy periods, bleeding ulcers, surgery), increased demand (pregnancy, growth spurts, intense exercise), poor dietary intake, and conditions that hinder iron absorption (celiac disease, gastric bypass, some medications, or certain foods/drinks like tea/coffee/dairy with meals). Exercise can cause loss through sweating, red blood cell damage (hemolysis), and increased needs, while poor absorption is a major factor, even with good intake.
Ideal Foods to Eat During Pregnancy
The following foods are beneficial to your health and fetal development during pregnancy: Vegetables: carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, cooked greens, tomatoes and red sweet peppers (for vitamin A and potassium)
Two eggs a day provide a decent start to your iron intake (around 1.4-1.7mg, or 10-14% of RDI for adults), but it's usually not enough on its own to meet daily needs (8-18mg for adults), especially for women of childbearing age, and the iron in eggs (non-heme iron) is less easily absorbed than iron from meat. To boost iron, pair eggs with Vitamin C sources like spinach or bell peppers and include other iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans, and fortified cereals in your diet, as recommended by Dietitians Australia and Meat & Livestock Australia.
Iron deficiency symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, cold hands/feet, brittle nails, headaches, and unusual cravings like ice (pica), stemming from reduced oxygen in the body, affecting energy and physical appearance. Other signs can involve a sore tongue, hair loss, rapid heartbeat, and poor concentration.
Iron is found naturally in many foods such as:
The avocado boasts the highest iron content (1.02 mg/100 g) of any fresh fruit.
Fruit
Spinach. The leafy green is packed with nutrients, but you'll absorb more calcium and iron if you eat it cooked. The reason: Spinach is loaded with oxalic acid, which blocks the absorption of iron and calcium but breaks down under high temperatures. What Do You Really Get When You Buy Organic?
Mangoes are a good fruit choice for pregnant women because they are rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A is beneficial for the development of a baby's cells, skin, bones, and eyes during pregnancy. Adequate vitamin A intake can also prevent health problems in pregnant women.
Cooked spinach, per cup, provides 129% of the recommended daily vitamin A for women and 105% of the suggested amount for men. Spinach also provides more of the minerals magnesium, potassium and iron than cabbage, lettuce or broccoli.
Do avoid exposure to pesticides, lead, and mercury. Don't smoke or vape tobacco or marijuana, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs during your pregnancy. If you face addiction or substance use challenges, tell your pregnancy health provider. They can help you to quit and connect you to support groups.
To quickly increase iron levels, eat heme iron from red meat, poultry, and seafood, pairing plant-based iron (spinach, beans, lentils) with Vitamin C sources like citrus or tomatoes to boost absorption, while avoiding coffee, tea, and milk with meals; iron supplements may also be needed, but consult a doctor first.
Foods That Block Iron Absorption
The total iron needs of slightly more than 1,000 mg are concentrated in the last two trimesters of pregnancy. This amount is equivalent to about 6 mg of iron absorbed per day in a woman who starts pregnancy with absent or minimal storage iron.
Based on in-depth research, expert advice and survey feedback from over 350 new and expectant parents, we selected Nature Made Iron 65 Mg Tablets as the overall best iron supplement for pregnancy. It's easy to swallow and has more than double the recommended daily amount of iron in a single tablet.
Preventing Anemia