Eat Your Way Out of Anemia: Top Nigerian Foods That Boost Iron Naturally

Yes! You can eat your way out of anemia and I’m gonna tell you how. Bur first, here’s my story.

There was a season in my life when I just knew something wasn’t right. I would wake up tired, my body would feel somehow, and even small tasks like walking to the store or climbing stairs would leave me panting like I just ran marathon. I thought maybe I was overthinking it — you know how we like to “strong woman” everything.

But one day, I just had to go to the doctor and find out what was going on with me. That’s when I did a blood test and found out I had anemia.

If you’ve been feeling weak, dizzy, tired all the time, or even struggling with shortness of breath, my dear, don’t ignore it. It may not be laziness or spiritual attack — your blood may be crying for help.

The good news? I started eating my way back to health — and by God’s grace, it’s working.

Understanding Anemia in Simple Terms

Anemia simply means your blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen. In Nigeria, many women suffer from iron deficiency anemia because of either heavy periods, childbirth, poor diet, or malaria.

I didn’t want to depend only on drugs and iron tablets. I knew food is medicine, and that was how I began to intentionally fuel my body.

Here’s What to Eat to Rebuild Your Blood

Focus on Blood-Building Nigerian Foods

Iron is what your body uses to make red blood cells. Start eating more of these:

Ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves) – I blended it, I cooked it, I even drank it raw sometimes with malt!
Beef liver (fry it well o, but not overkill!)
Ponmo with meat (especially red meat)
Moi Moi made with beans and liver
Egusi soup with Ugu and crayfish
Okra soup loaded with fish and greens
Beans porridge with scent leaf and palm oil

Also stock up on sardine, dry fish, and snail. These are all rich in iron and good for the blood.

Boost Your Iron Absorption with Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps the body absorb more iron. So add things like:

Orange juice (fresh squeezed, not the diluted ones!)
Zobo drink with pineapple and orange
Tomatoes and pepper sauce — No pepper for me please
Garden egg + pepper dip as snacks

Reduce Iron Blockers (Wahala Dey!)

Yes, I love tea and coffee too — but I found out they can block your body from absorbing iron if you take them around meals. So as you eat your way our of anemia, please avoid these foods.

Stop taking Lipton or Milo immediately after eating
Reduce dairy during iron-rich meals
Drink tea in the evening, far after your main meals

Start Drinking Local Juices That Help Build Blood

Added bonus if you can make these drinks yourself.

Ugu + malt (blended raw — powerful!)
Beetroot + carrot + orange if you can find beetroot in your area
Zobo + pineapple + ginger is a serious blood tonic combo.

BONUS: Blood-Building Nigerian Recipes

I’ve packaged some serious blood-boosting Nigerian recipes into a simple PDF you can save and use to eat your way out of anemia. These are tried-and-true meals that will help you regain your energy, glow up, and feel like yourself again.

Here’s a taste of what’s inside:

Ugu & Liver Stir-Fry
Quick, spicy and rich in iron. Serve with boiled yam or rice.
Beans & Snail Porridge
A luxurious twist to your regular beans porridge — high in protein and iron!
Blood Tonic Zobo Drink
Zobo, orange, pineapple, ginger, and a touch of honey.
Moi Moi with Sardine & Egg
Beans, sardine, egg, and crayfish come together to build your strength.
Egusi Soup with Ugu & Goat Meat
Rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying — this soup nourishes body and soul.

👉🏾 Click here to receive the FREE Recipe PDF

Final Word from Your Sister in Progress

If you’re dealing with anemia, don’t just suffer in silence. Food is a gift from God — and it can be used to eat your way out of anemia and restore your strength. You don’t have to feel weak all the time. You are not lazy and you are not alone.

Start small. Make your meals matter. One step at a time, you’ll begin to feel like yourself again.

Sending you love, encouragement, and a pot of hot, nourishing egusi.

SEO Keywords

anemia in women
iron-rich Nigerian foods
natural cure for anemia
foods that build blood
ugu and liver for anemia
how to overcome anemia naturally
Nigerian recipes for anemia
what to eat for low blood
build blood with food
anemia diet plan Nigeria