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This bright blood-boosting drink has completely changed how I deal with low iron. Instead of popping pills, I now enjoy this tasty, deep red mix that delivers iron plus other nutrients that help your body absorb it better.
I came up with this drink when my iron dropped dangerously low during pregnancy. What started as a health fix has turned into a family favorite that my kids ask for every week.
What You'll Need
- Spinach: 1 cup fresh leaves gives you plant-based iron plus folate and magnesium. Go for bright green crispy leaves without any yellow spots.
- Beet: 1 medium peeled and diced offers iron and nitrates that boost circulation. Pick firm, smooth beets with rich color.
- Strawberries: 1 cup with tops removed adds sweetness and vitamin C to help iron absorption. Look for bright, firm berries with no mushy parts.
- Orange: 1 medium peeled and pulled apart provides vitamin C that helps your body use the iron. Choose heavy oranges with tight, unblemished skin.
- Lemon juice: From half a lemon adds tang and extra vitamin C. Squeeze more juice by pressing and rolling the lemon first.
- Ginger: 1 inch chunk peeled gives warmth and fights inflammation. Get pieces that feel solid with smooth skin.
Easy Preparation Steps
- Clean Everything:
- Wash all produce under cold water thoroughly. With spinach, take extra time to get rid of any dirt hiding in the leaves. Dry everything with a clean towel. This step keeps your juice from tasting gritty.
- Get Everything Ready:
- Take all the skin off the beet with a peeler and cut into small chunks for easier processing. Remove the green tops from strawberries. Take off the orange peel and break into sections, removing any white stringy bits that taste bitter. Peel ginger by scraping with the edge of a spoon to waste less. Squeeze your lemon and set the juice aside.
- Fill Your Juicer:
- Start with the spinach, then add harder items. This order helps push all the leafy bits through properly. For spinning-type juicers, switch between soft fruits and hard veggies for best results. With slow juicers, add items gradually and let each one fully process.
- Finish and Drink:
- Run everything through your juicer and catch the bright liquid in a container. If you see foam on top, scoop it off with a spoon for a prettier drink. Pour right away into glasses and drink within 15 minutes when the nutrients are freshest and most active.
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The beets really make this drink special. My grandma always told me beets build strong blood, and science now backs her up. Their natural sweetness turns what could taste like medicine into something you'll actually crave.
When To Enjoy It
Drinking this iron booster in the morning works best. The natural fruit sugars keep your energy up for hours while your empty stomach helps absorb all the good stuff more easily. I can totally tell the difference when I drink it before 10am compared to later hours. Think of it as your morning fuel rather than an afternoon pick-me-up.
Keeping It Fresh
This juice tastes best right after making it when all the nutrients are at their strongest. But sometimes you need to plan ahead. If you must store it, pour into a glass container with a tight lid, filling it completely to keep air out. Keep it in the fridge for no more than 24 hours. It might get a bit darker but will still be good for you. Don't ever freeze it though—that ruins both how it feels and its health benefits.
Changing With The Seasons
In summer, try adding apples and blackberries while keeping the main iron-rich ingredients. During cold months, throw in a stick of cinnamon or star anise while making it for warm flavors that go well with the earthy beets. Spring gives you young, mild spinach to use. Fall brings the sweetest beets of the year, making it the best time for this particular mix. Always pick the freshest in-season produce for maximum nutrition.
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Beyond just the health perks, this drink brings a special feeling that connects my family. Here's to feeling great!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which ingredients help with iron absorption?
Spinach contributes iron, while strawberries, orange, and lemon add vitamin C, which helps your body absorb it better.
- → Can frozen fruits or vegetables be swapped in?
Sure! Frozen options work, though fresh ones usually give better taste and nutrients.
- → Is this drink good for children?
Definitely! It’s nutrient-rich and naturally sweet, so kids tend to enjoy it.
- → Can I save this juice for later?
It’s best to drink it fresh, but you can keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours in a sealed container.
- → Can I add something to make it sweeter?
The fruits already make it sweet, but feel free to mix in honey if you like it sweeter.