Contents
Iron
✨ AIThe mineral that carries oxygen in your blood. Low iron is one of the most common deficiencies.
Iron is central to hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that ferries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Too little leads to iron-deficiency anemia: fatigue, weakness, and poor concentration.
What is Iron?
Iron is central to hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that ferries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Too little leads to iron-deficiency anemia: fatigue, weakness, and poor concentration.
Why Iron matters
There are two forms: heme iron from meat, poultry, and fish, which is absorbed well, and non-heme iron from plants (beans, lentils, tofu, spinach, fortified grains), which is absorbed less efficiently.
Best sources of Iron
- Red meat
- Lentils & beans
- Tofu
- Spinach
- Fortified cereals
- Pumpkin seeds
Practical tips
Pairing plant iron with vitamin C (peppers, citrus, tomatoes) boosts absorption, while tea or coffee with a meal reduces it.
References
FAQ
What is Iron?
The mineral that carries oxygen in your blood. Low iron is one of the most common deficiencies.
Why is Iron important?
There are two forms: heme iron from meat, poultry, and fish, which is absorbed well, and non-heme iron from plants (beans, lentils, tofu, spinach, fortified grains), which is absorbed less efficiently.
What are the best food sources of Iron?
Red meat, Lentils & beans, Tofu, Spinach, Fortified cereals, Pumpkin seeds.
Any practical tips?
Pairing plant iron with vitamin C (peppers, citrus, tomatoes) boosts absorption, while tea or coffee with a meal reduces it.
