These 8 foods will boost your hemoglobin level 

Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Anna Pelzer)
Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Anna Pelzer)

Hemoglobin is essential for carrying oxygen throughout our bodies. To boost Hgb levels, we can include iron-rich foods in our meals. Some good choices are lean red meat, poultry, and fish, as they contain heme iron, which our body uses to make Hgb.

For those who prefer plant-based options, foods like spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals are fantastic sources of non-heme iron. Interestingly, pairing these foods with vitamin C-rich fruits, such as oranges or strawberries, can help our body absorb iron even better. Leafy greens and beans, rich in folate, are also beneficial as they support red blood cell production.


Foods to boost hemoglobin levels

Here are 8 iron-rich foods that are going to boost your Hgb levels.

1. Lean Red Meat

Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Sven Brandsma)
Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Sven Brandsma)

Lean red meat, like beef and lamb, is rich in heme iron. This type of iron is absorbed effectively by our bodies, helping to boost Hgb levels and the formation of new red blood cells. This, in turn, increases our body's ability to transport oxygen.

Lean red meat is not only about iron; it also provides essential amino acids and vital vitamins, such as B12, that are fundamental for blood health and preventing anemia. So, when you add lean red meat to your meals, you're supporting your body in replenishing Hgb and ensuring efficient oxygen transport.


2. Spinach

Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Louis Hansel)
Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Louis Hansel)

When you think of spinach, envision a leafy green filled with non-heme iron. Although our bodies don't absorb non-heme iron as easily, the absorption improves if you consume spinach with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges or strawberries.

Beyond iron, spinach is packed with folate, which plays a key role in red blood cell production. So, by making spinach a regular on your plate, you're not just adding flavor but also supporting the synthesis of hemoglobin and fostering optimal oxygen distribution in your body.


3. Lentils

Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Calum Lewis)
Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Calum Lewis)

Lentils are truly a nutritional highlight. These tiny legumes come packed with iron, dietary fiber, and plant-based protein. Their iron is non-heme, but you can enhance its impact on hemoglobin by enjoying lentils with vitamin C-rich foods, say, tomatoes or bell peppers.

Lentils also bring along a generous serving of folate, essential for red blood cell production and hemoglobin synthesis. So, every spoonful of lentils you consume boosts iron absorption and enriches your blood health, paving the way for efficient oxygen delivery to all corners of your body.


4. Fortified Cereals

Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Etienne)
Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Etienne)

Starting your day with fortified cereals is a straightforward way to up your iron intake. These cereals come with added essential nutrients, iron being one of them. So, making fortified cereals a staple in your breakfast lineup is a smart strategy to strengthen hemoglobin levels.

Whether paired with milk, yogurt, or enjoyed solo, these cereals effortlessly feed your body the iron it craves, fostering red blood cell production and facilitating oxygen transport.


5. Poultry

Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Louis Hansel)
Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Louis Hansel)

Poultry, including favorites like chicken and turkey, is a wonderful lean source of heme iron. Including it in your meals helps maintain a healthy iron reservoir in your body, which is instrumental in producing red blood cells and hemoglobin.

The iron in poultry plays a central role in efficient oxygen transportation. So, by relishing your poultry dishes, you're not just satisfying your palate, but also boosting your hemoglobin levels and fortifying your blood health.


6. Beans

Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/ Shelley Pauls)
Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/ Shelley Pauls)

Beans, whether kidney, chickpea, or black, are little nuggets of iron goodness. Their iron is non-heme, but you can optimize its absorption by pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods.

Apart from iron, beans are generous providers of folate, essential for hemoglobin synthesis and healthy red blood cell generation. So, each time you indulge in a bean dish, you're taking a step toward increasing your hemoglobin and invigorating your body's oxygen transport mechanisms.


7. Fish

Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/CA Creative)
Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/CA Creative)

Fish varieties, be it salmon, tuna, or trout, are not just delectable but are also brimming with heme iron. Incorporating them into your meals aids in raising hemoglobin levels by promoting the creation of fresh red blood cells.

This ensures a seamless flow of oxygen throughout your body. The iron in fish is central to maintaining vibrant Hgb levels, thereby bolstering blood health. So, every time you enjoy a fish meal, you're actively nurturing your body's hemoglobin reservoir and oxygen transport system.


8. Tofu

Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Sherman)
Foods to increase Hgb (Image via Unsplash/Sherman)

Tofu is more than just a soy delight; it's a vegetarian's friend for elevating Hgb. It offers a mix of iron, plant proteins, and other vital nutrients. Although its iron is non-heme, pairing tofu with vitamin C-rich veggies like broccoli or cauliflower can uplift its effectiveness.

Plus, tofu is a good source of folate, which is imperative for Hgb synthesis and red blood cell health. So, by introducing tofu into your culinary mix, you're ensuring a well-rounded approach to iron absorption, Hgb growth, and holistic blood health.


Incorporating a diverse range of foods, from lean red meat to tofu, can effectively boost Hgb levels. These foods, rich in heme or non-heme iron, paired with vitamin C-rich items, optimize iron absorption. Folate and other nutrients present further support red blood cell production, promoting overall blood health and oxygen transport.

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