Iron-rich Foods

Definition

Iron-rich foods are foods that contain high levels of iron, an essential mineral that supports oxygen transport in the blood and overall energy levels.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Iron-rich foods include plant and animal sources that supply iron, a critical mineral for hemoglobin production and oxygen transport. These foods are often classified as heme (animal-based) or non-heme (plant-based) sources, with varying bioavailability based on dietary factors.

Benefits

• Supports healthy red blood cell production.
• Prevents iron-deficiency anemia.
• Boosts energy and overall physical performance.

Examples

• Spinach, a plant-based source of non-heme iron.
• Red meat, a rich source of heme iron with high bioavailability.
• Legumes like lentils and beans, which provide non-heme iron.

Additional Information

• Iron Absorption: Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, especially for non-heme sources like leafy greens.

Related Terms

• Leafy Greens
• Spinach
• Heme Iron
• Non-heme Iron

References

• Iron in the Diet: Plant vs Animal Sources
• Health Benefits of Iron-rich Foods