Carnivore? Eat lean meat, regularly, as it’s a great source of haem iron that the body easily absorbs. Red meats are richer in haem iron than white meats. Of course it’s up to you to make sure you choose locally sourced, organic meat that you know had a happy life. Haem iron foods: beef, lamb, liver, kidney, pork, poultry, seafood.
Vegetarian? You do not have to be a meat-eater to find iron-rich foods. Non-haem iron foods: bread, cereals, beans and lentils, eggs, nuts, fruit and vegetables.
What to choose? Try these foods that are rich in iron: dandelion greens, parsley, cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds, kelp, brewers yeast, apricots, prunes, dates and molasses.Vitamin C will help your body absorb the non-haem iron much better, so make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C, like kiwifruit, citrus fruits, capsicum and broccoli.
The tannins in tea, coffee, chocolate and red wine can impair your body’s ability to absorb iron in your diet, so consume them away from mealtimes.
For more great information, visit www.ironweek.co.nz.
You might also like to read: MAINTAINING HEALTHY IRON LEVELS DURING PREGNANCY
Hannah Schenker is a freelance writer, editor and regular contributor to The Natural Parent Magazine. She lives with a touch of magic in Golden Bay, New Zealand.
