This iron-boosting orange green smoothie combines iron-rich ingredients with vitamin C to help enhance iron absorption.

Iron Boosting Orange Green Smoothie in a glass mason jar topped with a slice of orange.

Did you know that vitamin-C-rich foods such as oranges enhance iron absorption?

…You did? Okay.

BUT did you know fermented foods such as yogurt also increase the availability of iron? Even though calcium inhibits iron absorption, fermented foods seem to do the opposite.

And many of us could use a little boost. According to the World Health Organization, 2 billion people – more than 30% of the world’s population (!!!) – are anemic. (Iron-deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia.)

Iron-Boosting Orange Green Smoothie ingredients.

You know what that means? It means you need this iron-boosting orange green smoothie in your life!

Especially if you are a woman, pregnant (or both), a child or a cute baby.

Which reminds me of why I created this smoothie in the first place…

Spinach leaves, chia seeds, yogurt and slice of orange next to a glass mason jar filled with Iron-Boosting Orange Green Smoothie which is topped with a slice of orange.

Like most moms, much of my life revolves around my baby’s food intake. It’s an obsession, really.

“Is she eating enough?”

“Is she getting all the nutrients she needs?” 

And since iron stores start to deplete at 6 months, “Is she getting enough iron?” This one especially plagues my mind.

I offer her iron-rich foods, but since she’d much rather see said foods splatter on the floor or decorate the walls, and is currently eyeing anything in my cup/glass/mug, I thought of the perfect solution — green smoothies!

I set out to create a smoothie with foods that provide iron: spinach and chia seeds, and pair them with foods that enhance iron absorption: orange juice and yogurt…and Viola!

The creamy base of banana, the refreshing taste of citrus with the slight tartness of the yogurt….This smoothie is packed with nutrition and a treat for everyone, iron deficient or not.

Close up top view of Iron-Boosting Orange Green Smoothie in a glass mason jar topped with a slice of orange.

More Vegan/Vegetarian Iron-Rich recipes:

Easy Spinach & Potato Curry (Aloo Palak)

Red Lentil Curry (Masoor Dal)

Baked Honey Lemon Sweet Potato Fries

Iron-Boosting Orange Green Smoothie
4.94 (31 ratings)

Iron-Boosting Orange Green Smoothie

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
The creamy base of banana, the refreshing taste of citrus with the slight tartness of the yogurt….This smoothie is packed with nutrition and a treat for everyone, iron deficient or not.
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Ingredients 

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 ripe banana, previously frozen
  • 1 tangerine or small navel orange, around 125-135 grams, peeled
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt, (optional)*
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 3 ice cubes
  • 1/2 Medjool date, (optional – add if needed)

Instructions 

  • Add all ingredients except the date to a blender and blend until smooth. Add a half of a Medjool date if more sweetness is desired and blend again. Add additional ice cubes as necessary to thicken and cool. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

*Calcium is said to block iron absorption. However, I have still included yogurt in the recipe because of the low quantity, and because of studies have indicated probiotics help increase iron absorption. And of course, because I think it tastes better.
Calories: 298kcal, Carbohydrates: 57g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 83mg, Potassium: 1167mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 38g, Vitamin A: 6534IU, Vitamin C: 107mg, Calcium: 255mg, Iron: 3mg
Author: Izzah Cheema
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American