How to Increase Green Leafy Vegetable Intake for Anemia

Iron and folic acid, as well as other vitamins and minerals, are important in fighting anemia. You don't have to ingest more meat to fight that condition. Here is how to increase green leafy vegetable intake as a remedy for anemia.

Instructions

1. Check the hue. As a rule, the darker the green vegetable, the more iron it contains. Spinach, kale, turnip greens, parsley, collard greens, beet tops, prickly pear cactus leaves, nopalitos, green bell peppers, jalapeno and habanero peppers, broccoli, peas, string beans, celery, bok choy, lettuce, epazote, basil, chives and cilantro all combat anemia.

2. Mix in other flavors. If you are not a fan of vegetables, add shredded lettuce, fresh snow peas, sliced green bell peppers and parsley to some chopped roasted chicken, then toss with vinegar and olive oil. Or add lean strips of beef for additional iron.

3. Improve the taste. Spinach and other greens are sometimes bitter. Add hard-boiled eggs, diced ham or bacon and vinegar or lemon juice to improve the flavor. Broccoli, celery, cilantro, chives, basil and epazote can be shredded or chopped and added to hamburgers. Mix greens, add soup base, toss in a pound of chopped ham, beef, or pork for a delicious soup.

4. Stuff pork chops with chopped celery, parsley, and chives. Wrap fish in turnip greens, tie with a braid of chives and sprinkle with lime juice.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with your favorite recipes. Add a handful of green vegetables to every meal.