• HOME
  • COVID-19 VISUALIZER
  • HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
    • Health
    • Mental Health
    • Public Health
    • Lifestyle
  • FEATURED
    • ENDOMETRIOSIS
      • THE SILENT KILLER: PART 1
  • Home
  • COVID-19 VISUALIZER
  • Get in Touch
  • Pages
    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
Subscribe
Afya Watch
4K
161
0
3
Afya Watch Afya Watch
  • HOME
  • COVID-19 VISUALIZER
  • HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
    • Health
    • Mental Health
    • Public Health
    • Lifestyle
  • FEATURED
    • ENDOMETRIOSIS
      • THE SILENT KILLER: PART 1
  • Health
  • Life

5 Foods that are Rich in Iron

  • February 15, 2019
  • Afya Watch
  • One comment
  • 2 minute read

Iron is to the body what fuel is to a car. You need iron because it helps make the haemoglobin in red blood cells which in turn is used to carry oxygen throughout the body.

Red blood cells also use haemoglobin to help carry carbon dioxide from other parts of the body to the lungs where we then exhale it out.

When you have Iron deficiency anaemia (or just anaemia), your blood cells cannot deliver oxygen to your tissues and organs as required. Symptoms of iron deficiency include

    • Fatigue
    • Heart palpitations
    • Shortness of breath
    • Dizziness

Sources of Iron

Beef; I know it has got a bad wrap as the source of all health evils. The thing to always remember with food is that moderation is key. Beef is a good source of iron. So next time you are thinking twice about, just remember, if for nothing else, take it for its rich source of iron.

How much iron do you need each day? It depends on your age and sex. Men need 8 milligrams (mg). Women belong to a special category when it comes to iron needs. Because of how much blood a woman loses during childbirth and menstruation, they should get 18 mg up to age 50, but only 8 after that. If you’re pregnant, you need as much as 27.

Poultry– Not a big fan of red meat? Then poultry will sort you out. Turkey, chicken or duck all come packed with a fair share of iron.

 

Dark, Leafy Greens –  If does not tickle your fancy, then dark leafy greens will be your friend when searching for iron-rich foods. Spinach, sukuma-wiki (kale),  and collards can give you an iron boost. You can eat them, drink them, steam, sautee, whatever suits your style. Just indulge.

Fish–  Fish is high in protein. If you are concerned about how much fat you are taking, then fish is low in fat source of iron.

Beans- If all else fails, then beans can be your solace. Kidney beans are especially awesome as a source of iron. Menstruating women are at a higher risk of iron deficiency. Consuming kidney beans boosts iron stores. You can choose these because they are low in calories and are fat-free.

NB: If you are lactating or pregnant, your iron-uptake should be higher. Speak to your doctor about it.

 

 

 

 

Share
Share
Tweet
Share
Share
Related Topics
  • Bone health
  • Iron
  • sources
Afya Watch

Previous Article
  • Health

Pregnant? 7 fast fruits to boost you and your baby’s immunity

  • February 6, 2019
  • Muchira Gachenge
View Post
Next Article
  • Health
  • Mental Health

How Social Media is causing social anxiety

  • February 18, 2019
  • Eddy Ashioya
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • Health
  • Public Health

Infertility in Men

  • Afya Watch
  • April 26, 2022
View Post
  • Health

Should adolescents get access to contraceptives?

  • Afya Watch
  • April 8, 2022
View Post
  • Health

Community Health Volunteers and a Mobile App Deliver The Health in Isiolo

  • Aggrey Omboki
  • March 31, 2022
View Post
  • Health

Use That Condom

  • Aggrey Omboki
  • November 24, 2021
View Post
  • Health
  • News

Rare Immune System Disorder is One of the Covid 19 Vaccine Side Effects

  • Aggrey Omboki
  • August 24, 2021
View Post
  • Health

Tobacco Companies Do Not Want Controls

  • Aggrey Omboki
  • August 3, 2021
View Post
  • Health
  • Mental Health
  • Uncategorized

Mental Health Care For People Living With HIV

  • Aggrey Omboki
  • June 18, 2021
View Post
  • Health
  • Uncategorized

One Health Will Prevent Health Crisis

  • Aggrey Omboki
  • June 2, 2021
1 comment
  1. Pingback: How Healthy Are Mushrooms? - Afya Watch

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe

Subscribe to get a healthy dose of our latest articles

Afya Watch
  • Crafted By StratHive
Engaged! Inspired! Healthy!

Input your search keywords and press Enter.