Benefits of Iron – Its Powerful Benefits in The Body. Call it Popeye’s Secret to Strength and Energy

Iron is a mineral with multiple benefits. It is the mineral that helps red blood cells carry oxygen in our circulatory system. Such a statement is supported by the findings of Paul Thomas, EdD, RD, a scientific consultant to the National Institutes of Health, who affirms that a paramount feature of Iron is its ability to transport oxygen throughout the body.

What the readers may not know is that Iron is surprisingly the most common nutritional deficiency in the United States. Even more surprising is that almost 10% of women are iron deficient, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

To reiterate, Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs and transports it throughout the body. Hemoglobin represents about two-thirds of the body’s iron. If you don’t have enough iron in your diet, your body can’t make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells. A lack of red blood cells is called iron deficiency anemia. Hence, the need for and importance of assuring adequate Iron intake.

1. Essential for brain/cognitive development in children.
2. Reduces the risk of perinatal mortality (miscarriages).
3. Needed to prevent anemia by helping production of hemoglobin, which is carried in the red blood cells that transport oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body.
4. Helps with body temperature regulation.
5. Over all energy and focus.
6. Helps prevent shortness of breath, fatigue, and irregular or fast heart rate.

Vegan Sources of Iron, Top 7

1. Dark green vegetables.
2. Prunes, raisins, and dates.
3. Whole grain enriched breads.
4. Peas.
5. Benas.
6. Millet.
7. Beets.

Special Considerations

1. Check with your doctor. Daily requirements vary based on age, gender, pregnancy and lactation, and other medical conditions.
2. Too much iron can actually cause oxidative damage to cells and tissues.
3. If your toddler is anemic be sure to check for high lead levels in the blood. 
4. ALL sources of animal protein: Milk, meat, eggs, chicken, etc. inhibit iron absorption. Knowing this game changing information allows us to choose a vegan life style.
5. If on supplements, don’t take your iron with black tea, calcium, or coffee as they can compete with Iron absorption.

Stay informed!! Stay proactive!!  Stay away from food that doesn’t serve your body!!

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