Iron In Food - Why Is It So Vital?

There are two variants of iron - non-heme and heme iron. For instance, chicken, eggs and meat are the most reliable sources of heme iron which is well-absorbed by the body and can support good health. Plant-based iron-rich foods contain non-heme iron, but they are not absorbed easily by the body. If you are a vegetarian, then you should take adequate amounts of Vitamin C while taking cereals, bread, fruits and vegetables.

When you are suffering from a severe lack of iron in the body, then you can consider taking iron supplements besides eating foods rich in iron. These pills are required to be taken for a span of months together, but they can lead to side effects such as constipation and heartburn. You should never take iron supplement pills before bedtime since they tend to upset the functions of the stomach.

The most common nutrient deficiency all across the world is probably iron, lack of which is most commonly seen among women of varying age groups. A woman especially, a pregnant or breastfeeding has a requirement of twice the amount of iron that a man needs. Even children who do not take enough iron in their foods are also at risk. Iron is mainly required for the production of an indispensable protein called hemoglobin that helps transport oxygen from the lungs to all other parts of the body. You should take iron-rich diet on a regular basis.

When you eat high-quality dark chocolate with 75 percent cocoa, you will not just satisfy your sweet tooth, but your body will get a good amount of iron as well. One ounce of this chocolate can fulfill your regular need of iron besides giving you a host of antioxidants. It's good to make it a habit to munch in dark chocolate whenever you can.