Anemia is the result of an iron deficiency in your body. Iron rich foods are an essential factor in obtaining the adequate amounts of iron that your body demands and lowering the risk of anemia. A diet that lacks adequate nutrition and that is not supplying the body's demand of this potent mineral is often the cause of anemia.
Anemia
Anemia is a common blood condition that is the result of a lack of sufficient levels of hemoglobin in the red blood that carries oxygen throughout the body. There are many factors that can cause anemia, such as heredity and certain medical conditions, however poor diet and nutrition are common factors that are easily correctable. Consuming iron-rich food sources greatly assist in producing and sustaining the necessary amount of iron in the body.
Iron
Iron is one of the most common elements in the earth and is a vital mineral that is essential for our body and our life. Iron exist in all the cells, tissues and muscles of your body and is often a preventable deficiency. Iron produces myoglobin a major protein found in muscle cells and hemoglobin the primary component of red blood cells. Iron is responsible for delivering oxygen to all the muscles, organs and cells of the body and is vital for energy production, a healthy immune system, proper growth and development, healing and mental alertness. Iron is necessary for the proper metabolization of vitamin B and is better absorbed when consumed with foods rich in vitamin C.
Misconceptions
Red meat is a very effective way of adding iron to your diet. However it is not the only option and for those on low fat diets, or those who eat restrictive diets such as vegetarians and vegans. There are many other food sources that are iron rich.
Heme Iron Rich Foods
Heme Iron foods have a high level of absorption and are found in animal-based food sources. Because of heme iron's high ability to absorb into the body, it is a highly recommended iron-rich food source. Such iron-rich foods include meat, pork, beef and chicken liver, fish, especially sardines, oysters, clams, shrimp, poultry and egg yolks.
Non Heme Iron Rich Foods
Non heme iron based food sources are iron rich yet do not absorb as easily as the heme iron food sources. Non heme food sources contain no saturated fat and are a nutritious part of a healthy diet. Non heme iron rich foods include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans and whole grains. Iron from non heme foods are more easily absorbed when eaten raw, so fruits and vegetables best eaten before being cooked.
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