Here’s how you can become an ‘iron’ woman

by | November 11, 2017, 12:57 PM IST

woman eating green

From juggling roles to responsibilities, being a superwoman is no mean task. And while doing so, being brought to a halt by a nutritional deficiency could be a real deal-breaker. Bring back ‘health’ in your diet by including all the essential nutrients, especially iron. Why is iron so vital? Getting enough iron guarantees a healthy supply of blood, good energy, and boosts immunity levels, and is also essential for neurological functioning. What's more, it is also vital in maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. 

Are you getting enough iron?
Studies show that almost every second woman in India is iron-deficient. Apart from making you look paler, iron deficiency-induced anaemia also reduces your work capacity, making you tired, weak and dizzy. This occurs because your body needs iron to produce hemoglobin, which in turn helps transport oxygen throughout the body. Lack of iron may make you feel cold even in a warm environment. If you notice any of these, it’s time to make some right food choices so that your daily diet includes the required 15-18 mg of iron.

orange juice
What to eat 

Stock up on vitamin C
Fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, cherries, mangoes, pineapples, lychees and cantaloupes are loaded with vitamin C, which helps improve the absorption of iron.
woman eating snack

Snack right
Munch on nuts such as hazelnuts, raisins, apricots, almonds, cashew nuts and walnuts or add them to your salads and/or desserts. Additionally, seeds such as chia, pumpkin, flaxseeds also make for great snacking options.

woma with green vegeis

Include greens
Veggies such as kale, cabbage, fenugreek, etc. are great sources of iron. Toss them into a salad or blend them into a smoothie, if you are not a great fan of greens.

woman eating snacks

Other food sources
Legumes such as black-eyed peas and chickpeas, and soybeans are said to be some of the best sources of iron. On the other hand, non-vegetarians can bank on red meat for their daily dose of iron.


Back it up with supplements
At times, solely relying on food may not be enough. Enter doctor recommended iron supplement Livogen, which contains iron and folic acid to help maintain the required levels in your body.

Livogen also brings you an exciting platform ‘Iron Chef’ that not only helps you take care of your iron levels but also enables you to share your knowledge with other women. So, go ahead ladies, showcase your best iron-rich recipes, carefully developed or passed on from generation to generation, to become the Livogen ‘Iron Chef’. You not only stand a chance to bag the Iron Chef title, but will also win Amazon vouchers worth Rs 20,000 and be featured in the special Femina Coffee Table Book. Participate now!