Iron is obviously an essential mineral for your health. It helps to transmit nerve impulses and produces those all-important red blood cells. These then carry oxygen in the blood throughout the body. However, without enough iron present in your system, the natural process of transmitting oxygen throughout your body becomes a mammoth of a task. Lack of iron can lead to fatigue, tiredness, possible headaches and in the more serious cases, anaemia.
So, what can you do to boost your iron levels?
Many people indulge in a healthy diet which includes various food sources that are rich in iron minerals. This is a great way to ensure that you receive enough iron in your body. However, if you’d like to boost your iron supply naturally then you may consider combining a healthy diet with an iron supplement from blueiron.co.uk. Doing this will not only guarantee that you receive the required amount of daily iron consumption, but it will also increase your energy levels and reduce tiredness.
Here are 8 foods that are rich with natural iron minerals:
- Liver
Liver is one of the best sources of iron in everyday meats. Beef and pork liver is especially high in iron. However, it is important to keep in mind that pregnant women should not consume liver during pregnancy because the contained levels of vitamin A can harm an unborn child.
- Oysters
Everyday Health suggests that eating seafood such as oysters, clams and mussels is a great way to bring some extra iron into your diet. These foods also contain vitamin B12 and zinc, which are also very good for your health.
- Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds
Some seeds contain levels of natural iron minerals which are completely safe to consume. These include squash seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and even sesame seeds.
- Nuts
For a nice snack in the afternoon or when chilling at home etc. opt for a delicious bowl of assorted nuts. Nuts containing iron include pine, hazelnut, peanut, almonds, pistachios, macadamia and cashew. In fact, www.healthaliciousness.com states that 18 cashews contain 1.7mg of iron.
- Wholegrains
Wholegrain foods such as brown rice, oatmeal, barley, buckwheat and some fortified cereals all contain healthy amounts of iron.
- Chickpeas
Chickpeas are often found on the side of salads or pasta dishes. They are filled with plenty of iron and protein and are ideal for people who do not eat. Vegetarians often turn to chickpeas when in need of a healthy dose of iron.
- Dark Leafy Greens
Adding dark leafy green vegetables to your everyday diet is a great way to ensure you’re getting your daily recommended dose of iron. Options include spinach, Swiss chard, cooked turnip greens and even raw kale.
- Dark Chocolate
This one is great news for the chocoholics out there. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contains 5mg of iron per square! What a great excuse to indulge in your favourite chocolates!
