The Best Iron Rich Foods

Iron is an important mineral for your body. It is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout your body. Having a high amount of iron in your body enables your cells to grow. Iron deficiency is a nutritional deficiency that often leads to anemia. According to the University of California, Los Angeles Blood and Platelet Center, the primary cause of anemia is excessive bleeding. Eating the following iron rich foods will prevent you from developing iron deficiency and anemia.

Seafood

According to Drugs.com, fish is one of the best iron rich foods. Oysters, mussels and scallops are some of the best types of seafood for iron content, as they contain a significant 3.5 milligrams of iron per serving. Cod, salmon, tuna, shrimp and sardines are also good sources of iron in seafood.

Fruits & Vegetables

According to the University of California, Los Angeles Blood and Platelet Center, figs, watermelon, apples, prunes and prune juice comprise the best fruit sources of iron. The best iron rich vegetables include broccoli, spinach and beets. Green, leafy vegetables also have high iron content. Beans (including soybeans, kidney beans, green beans and baked beans) are also good sources of iron.

Breakfast Foods & Nuts

Breakfast cereals can be excellent sources of iron, especially corn flakes and bran cereals. Check the nutrition facts on cereal boxes for specific iron content for individual cereals, however, as iron content may vary. Whole wheat grains, yeast and flour also have high iron content. Nuts are another excellent iron rich food; cashews, pistachios and almonds have the highest iron content.

Meat & Eggs

Meat products have less iron content than cereals and grains, but your body is better able to absorb the iron found in meat products. Pork is the best meat source of iron. Chicken has a good amount of iron, but red meat like beef is an even better source of it. The University of California, Los Angeles Blood and Platelet Center reports that liver is the best source of iron you can get from eating meat. Liver contains at least ten mg of iron per serving. Egg yolks are also a significant source of iron.