Foods high in iron are what you need to start building the most basic component in your blood – the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Iron is a very essential element for creating this protein in healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to every single part of the body.
Not only that, iron also helps enhance the body’s immune system and promote healthy liver functions and therefore there is no way the body can work without iron.
Many functions of the body depends on iron in many ways. If the body is deprived of iron, many disease and conditions may develop and one of the most notorious condition of iron deficiency is anemia with is an distressing condition where the sufferer will feel fatigue and exhausted, lack of breath, lack of appetite and among others.
In fact, it can even lead to a loss of bone density and slows the brain functions. Therefore, consuming foods high in iron is vital to prevent these ailments from occuring especially pregnant women.
Foods High In Iron
As it is essential to maintain a healthy level of iron in the body, getting enough of iron is important and the best way to obtain it is through food sources. Below is a list of foods rich in iron.
Good sources of dietary iron include:
Vegetable sources
- Kidney beans
- Pumpkin seeds
- Lentils
- Seaweeds
- Kelp
- Spinach
- Cereals and grains
- Tofu
- Brocolli
Non-vegetable sources
- Red meat
- Poultry
- Eggs (especially egg yolks)
- Liver
- Oysters
- Salmon
- Tuna
Although one can get iron from these iron-rich food sources, vegetable food sources are the hardest to break down and absorbed by the body while meat sources on the other hand can be broken down much more easily and are more readily absorbable. Therefore, to prevent iron deficiency (particularly mild iron deficiency), one can counter the issue simply by eating a lot of foods high in iron.
Iron deficiency can bring many serious health consequences if not cared well but for a much more severe deficiency of iron cases, taking iron supplements is recommended. It is important to consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms that you believe is related to iron deficiency.
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