Your body needs iron so that it can produce hemoglobin and maintain a healthy count of your red blood cells. Beets are among foods rich in iron so do beets work as an iron supplement?
Beets contain non-heme iron like in legumes and grains which is not well absorbed by the body. But if taken with foods that contain vitamin C beets then beets become a great source for iron. Beets can work for a natural source of iron, but it’s best to talk with your doctor to see if this will work in replacement of an iron supplement.
In my last checkup, my doctor told me I needed to increase my iron levels because my red blood cell count was below average. So I have prescribed some iron medication that will add more iron in my body. The doctor also advised me to eat foods rich in iron so that instead of being on medication I can increase my iron levels naturally. Beetroot is one of the veggies rich in iron and folic acid that helps to produce more red blood cells.
Iron
Iron is an important mineral that your body needs to produce hemoglobin and increase your red blood cell count. It is also a nutrient good for your memory, cognitive functions, and energy.
Iron deficiency is a nutritional disorder. Some of its symptoms include heavy periods, fatigue, trouble concentrating, hair loss, reduced immunity, dizziness, headaches, pale skin, and chest pains. Women especially are more at risk of being iron deficient than men.
If your iron levels are low you may feel exhausted or weak because of lack of oxygen in your body and a lot of carbon monoxide.
Including foods rich in iron like fish, meat, and some greens in your diet can help increase iron levels in your body.
Kids need from 4-18 mg of iron daily while adults need around 18 mg daily. Women and girls require more iron than men.
Here are more natural ways of increasing iron in your body.
Types of iron
Heme iron
This is iron found in animal products like beef, fish, and poultry. Your body can easily absorb this type of iron.
Non-heme iron
This is iron found in plant foods or in vegetables like legumes, beets, and grains and is the most commonly used iron supplement. It’s not well absorbed into your body. However, to increase the absorption rate you can include foods rich in heme iron or vitamin C.
Do Beets Work as an Iron Supplement?
Beets and vitamin C to maintain your iron balance
Beets are rich in potassium, iron, vitamin C, phosphorous, and other vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C is very good at absorption.
It increases the absorption of vegetable iron and also increases the storage of iron in your body. When you combine beets with citric acid you help your body regenerate and reactivate the red blood cells and the supply of oxygen to your body.
Beets and folic acid in the formation of red blood cells
Beets are one of the best foods that are rich in folate or vitamin B9 which is folic acid. Folic acid is only found in vegetables and it’s very important when it comes to the production of red blood cells.
This is why beets are the best foods in regard to treating anemia and a good answer to the question, do beets work as an iron supplement. Folic acid is also good for pregnant women because they require high amounts of folic acid for proper growth of the fetus.
It also reduces the levels of homocysteine in your arteries which prevents you from having a stroke or a heart attack. Although the content of iron in beets isn’t very high, folic acid helps to stimulate the production of red blood cells in your body.
What you shouldn’t combine with beets
In order for beets to provide iron in your body, it’s advisable not to combine foods rich in iron with beets. Beets contain some oxalates that when combined with iron and calcium they prevent iron absorption to take place. Also when taking beet juice avoid other iron supplements.
So, now you know beets are a great source of iron
Iron is an important mineral in your body that helps to increase your red blood cells which increase oxygen in your body.
Without enough iron you will feel weak, fatigue, out of breath, headaches, irregular periods, etc. which can also lead to anemia. Beets contain iron that can help in treating anemia and restoring your red blood cell count with the help of folic acid.
Vitamin C is also needed in your body so that it can enhance iron absorption and help in regenerating and reactivating your red blood cells and oxygen supply.
Other Questions about Beets and Iron
Do beets increase red blood cells?
Folic acid in beets helps to stimulate the production of red blood cells in your body. Adding beets to your diet can help prevent anemia.
What level of hemoglobin is dangerously low?
If you don’t have enough oxygen in your blood it means your hemoglobin levels are low. If your blood level is below 13.5 g/dL in men and 12 g/dL in women, you’re anemic.
Do beets have a lot of iron?
Beets contain 0.8 mg of iron per 100g which is good because it’s not too much for your body. Green leafy vegetables contain more iron like spinach.
What does beet pills help with?
Beets are sometimes used together with other medication in treating liver problems, lowering your blood pressure, and improving your athletic performance. Beets being a plant is also used in natural medicine.
Do beets make you poop more?
The fiber content in beets helps in regulating your bowel movements, bloating, nausea, constipation, and gas. It also softens your poop so that you’re able to go to the restroom more easily and regularly.
