Iron is one of the most important minerals that play a key role in the overall development of the human body. It helps the body in discharging several of its important functions, like production of adequate amount of hemoglobin in the body. Iron deficiency can lead to the dangerous disease of anemia in human beings. The disease is characterized by symptoms like pallor, constipation, tinnitus, hair loss, depression, pruritus and poor appetite. The people who are at higher risk of iron deficiency are menstruating woman, lactating woman, pregnant woman, elderly people, strict vegetarians and patients of wounds and surgery. Similar to the deficiency of iron, excess intake of iron is also harmful to body. Excess intake of iron can lead to the destruction of DNA, lipids and protein content of the body. Therefore, it is very essential that iron should be taken in the proper amount, as required by the body. It should be compulsorily made a part of one’s diet, to ensure the proper functioning of the body. Here, we bring you the list of foods that are rich in iron. These foods are easily available and can be conveniently included in your everyday diet. We have also highlighted the role of iron in the growth and development of body.
List Of Foods High In Iron
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Parsley
- Watercress
- Brussels sprouts
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Liver
- Egg yolks
- Chicken giblets
- Lean red meats – beef, pork and lamb
- Turkey
- Lentils
- Chick peas
- Soybeans
- Red kidney beans
- Artichokes
- Oats
- Whole meal bread
- Hazelnuts
- Raisins
- Dates
- Apricot
- Prunes
- Seafood – oysters, clams, tuna and salmon
- Bran Wheat
- Faggots
- Blackstrap molasses
- Millet
- Sprouts
- Kale Cabbage
- Sunflower seeds
- Almond
- Tofu
- Soy yogurt
- Alfalfa
Benefits Of Iron
- The main role of iron lies in the formation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
- Iron is highly essential for the growth and development of brain.
- It regulates body temperature and contributes to the proper functioning of body muscles.
- Iron also finds a great role to play in the catecholamine metabolism.
- It facilitates the binding of oxygen to the blood cells, which in turn contributes to cell respiration.
- Iron is found in myoglobin, which is a kind of muscle protein. Myoglobin helps in taking oxygen from hemoglobin and thus, facilitates the diffusion of oxygen through muscle cells.
- It is required for the formation of collagen, which is a kind of connective tissue joining the body tissues together.
- The mineral is also known to improve the concentration power of an individual.
- Iron helps in boosting the immune system of the body. Thus, consuming it in proper quantity can help an individual in fighting against infections.
- Iron also helps body to produce amino acids, which is a kind of health beneficial protein.