What Can I Drink to Add Blood to My Body?

November 30, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide. Fortunately, what you can drink to add blood to your body can help, with options including beet juice, pomegranate juice, and spinach smoothies. These nutrient-rich beverages can assist in increasing hemoglobin levels and addressing anemia.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an overview of various beverages, including juices and smoothies, that can help raise hemoglobin levels and combat iron deficiency. It details the key nutrients involved, offers specific drink recipes, and discusses foods to pair with drinks for better iron absorption.

Key Points

Beetroot Juice: A powerful source of iron, folate, and vitamin C, known to boost hemoglobin and improve circulation.
Pair with Vitamin C: Boost iron absorption from plant-based drinks by adding citrus fruits like oranges or lemon.
Spinach Smoothies: Combining iron-rich spinach with a fruit high in vitamin C is an effective way to increase hemoglobin.
Avoid Inhibitors: Substances like tannins in tea and coffee, as well as calcium, can block iron absorption.
Pomegranate and Prune Juice: Excellent choices for their high iron content and ability to support healthy blood flow.
Folate is Key: Ensure your drinks include folate-rich ingredients, as this B vitamin is crucial for red blood cell production.
Check with a Doctor: Always consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for persistent low hemoglobin or anemia.

The phrase "add blood" is commonly used, but what people are actually looking to do is increase their body's hemoglobin and red blood cell count. Low levels of these are often caused by iron deficiency anemia, a widespread condition. By consuming drinks rich in essential nutrients like iron, folate, and Vitamin C, you can support your body's ability to produce more red blood cells. Below are some of the most effective drinks and ingredients to help you on your way to better blood health.

Nutrient-Rich Drinks to Increase Hemoglobin

Beetroot Juice Beetroot is a powerful natural blood booster, packed with iron, folate, and vitamin C. The nitrates in beets also help improve blood flow and oxygenation.

Recipe: Classic Beet Juice

1 raw beetroot
1 carrot
A squeeze of lemon juice (for vitamin C)
Blend and drink, preferably on an empty stomach for maximum absorption.

Pomegranate Juice Rich in iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants, pomegranate juice helps enhance hemoglobin levels and supports healthy blood circulation. A daily glass can be a tasty and effective way to boost your blood health.

Spinach Smoothies Dark leafy greens like spinach are excellent non-heme iron sources. Combining them with vitamin C-rich fruits like apples or oranges significantly increases iron absorption.

Recipe: Spinach and Apple Smoothie

1 cup fresh spinach
1 apple (peeled and cored)
½ lemon juice
Water or coconut water to blend
Blend until smooth and enjoy.

Prune Juice Dried plums, or prunes, are a great source of plant-based iron and fiber. A cup of prune juice can contribute significantly to your daily iron intake and also aids in digestion.

Nettle Tea Nettle leaves are surprisingly high in iron and vitamin C. This herbal tea is a gentle yet effective way to increase hemoglobin levels. Brew 1 tsp of dried nettle leaves in hot water for 5-7 minutes for a soothing and iron-rich beverage.

Dates and Milk Elixir Dates are loaded with iron and copper, making them a potent remedy for low hemoglobin.

Recipe: Dates and Milk Drink

Soak 3-4 dates in warm milk overnight.
Blend in the morning for a nourishing iron tonic.

Important Nutrients for Blood Production

To effectively increase blood, it's not enough to simply consume iron. You need to ensure your body can properly absorb and utilize it. This is where other nutrients play a crucial role.

Vitamin C: This vitamin is a powerful enhancer of non-heme iron absorption. When consuming plant-based iron sources, pairing them with vitamin C-rich drinks or foods can increase absorption significantly.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Your body needs folate to produce heme, a component of hemoglobin that carries oxygen. Without enough folate, red blood cells cannot mature properly, leading to a specific type of anemia. Folate-rich drinks can be made with ingredients like spinach and beetroot.
Vitamin A and Beta-carotene: These also help the body absorb iron. Beta-carotene is found in red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots.

Comparison of Iron-Rich Drinks

To help you decide which beverage is right for you, here is a comparison of some popular iron-boosting drinks based on their nutritional profile.


Drink	Key Iron Source	Vitamin C Content	Folate Content	Notes
Beetroot Juice	Plant-based (Non-heme)	High	High	Supports circulation and detoxification.
Pomegranate Juice	Plant-based (Non-heme)	High	Low	Excellent for overall blood health and circulation.
Spinach Smoothie	Plant-based (Non-heme)	Very High (with added fruit)	Very High	Versatile and can be customized with other nutrient-rich ingredients.
Prune Juice	Plant-based (Non-heme)	Low	Low	Also helps with digestion due to fiber content.
Dates and Milk	Plant-based (Non-heme)	Low	Low	Traditional remedy, best consumed on an empty stomach.

What to Avoid While Increasing Iron

While focusing on what you can drink to add blood to your body, it's equally important to know what can hinder the process. Certain substances can interfere with iron absorption and should be avoided or consumed separately from iron-rich meals and drinks.

Tea and Coffee: These beverages contain tannins and polyphenols that can block iron absorption. It's best to wait at least an hour or two after consuming an iron-rich meal or drink before having tea or coffee.
Calcium: High levels of calcium can interfere with iron absorption. While dairy is an important nutrient source, consider consuming calcium-rich products at different times of the day than your primary iron intake.

Conclusion: Strategic Sipping for Blood Health

Increasing your blood's hemoglobin and red cell count requires a strategic approach, focusing on key nutrients like iron, vitamin C, and folate. Incorporating beverages like beetroot juice, pomegranate juice, and spinach smoothies is an accessible and effective way to achieve this. Remember to pair plant-based iron sources with vitamin C to enhance absorption and be mindful of inhibitors like coffee and tea. By focusing on these dietary changes, combined with guidance from a healthcare professional, you can naturally and effectively improve your blood health.

Authoritative Link

For more information on iron deficiency, consult the World Health Organization's page on anemia.

How to create healthy drinks to add blood to your body

To create nutrient-rich drinks, use fresh, whole ingredients and focus on pairing iron sources with vitamin C. Here’s a quick guide:

Start with an iron-rich base, such as spinach, beetroot, or prune juice.
Add a vitamin C source, like lemon, orange, or kiwi, to boost absorption.
Incorporate other blood-building nutrients like folate (from leafy greens).
Avoid adding sugar, as it can be counterproductive to overall health goals.
Blend ingredients thoroughly for a smooth, palatable drink.
Consume fresh to retain the most vitamins and minerals.

Considerations for different diets

Regardless of your dietary preferences, you can find effective drinks to support blood health:

Vegetarian/Vegan: Focus on plant-based sources of iron, like spinach, beetroot, and lentils. Pair with Vitamin C for optimal absorption.
Omnivore: Can include beef broth or organ meat smoothies for heme iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body.
Lactose-Intolerant: Use plant-based milks (almond or oat) when making date elixirs or smoothies instead of dairy milk.

Benefits beyond hemoglobin

Many of these drinks offer additional health benefits beyond just increasing hemoglobin levels:

Beetroot: Can improve blood pressure and athletic performance.
Pomegranate: Strong antioxidant properties can help reduce inflammation.
Spinach: Rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall wellness.
Nettle Tea: Can help with inflammation and seasonal allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there's no single "fastest" way, consistently drinking beverages rich in iron and Vitamin C, like a beetroot and orange juice blend, can help increase hemoglobin levels effectively over time. Combining dietary changes with professional medical advice is the most reliable approach.

Drinking water helps maintain proper blood volume and hydration but does not directly increase red blood cell or hemoglobin count. However, staying hydrated is essential for overall health and blood function.

While iron-rich drinks are beneficial, they should not be your only source of iron. A balanced diet including iron-rich foods, and potentially supplements under a doctor's guidance, is the most comprehensive strategy.

Vegetarian drinks that help increase blood include smoothies made with spinach, kale, and fortified plant milks, as well as juices from beetroot, pomegranate, and prunes. Pair these with a Vitamin C source like orange juice for better absorption.

The frequency depends on your specific needs, but consuming these drinks regularly as part of a balanced diet can be effective. For best results, follow the advice of a healthcare professional, especially if you have a diagnosed deficiency.

Certain herbal teas, like nettle tea, are known to be rich in iron and Vitamin C, which can contribute to increasing hemoglobin levels. However, avoid drinking traditional black or green tea with meals, as their tannins can inhibit iron absorption.

Liquid iron supplements can be highly effective, especially for those with severe deficiencies, and are an option often recommended by doctors. Always take them under medical supervision to ensure proper dosage and to avoid potential side effects.

The best choice depends on personal preference and your specific health goals. Juices allow for faster nutrient absorption, while smoothies retain fiber, which is beneficial for digestion. Both can be effective for increasing hemoglobin.