Beans are packed with iron and are among the richest sources of this nutrient. You can boost absorption of iron from beans by pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, potatoes, and peppers. Here are five ways to ensure that you’re making good use of the iron in beans:

• Cook beans in tomato sauce
• Add a bag of fresh or frozen spinach to a pot of bean soup
• Add chopped red and green pepper to cooked or canned beans and flavor with any salad dressing
• Add pineapple chunks to baked beans
• Top a baked potato with cooked black beans and season with spicy salsa