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Iron rich foods do include both plant and animal foods. Although, heme iron from animal sources is said to be much more absorbable.
What is Iron?
Iron is a vital mineral because it is involved with the transportation of oxygen to your cells.
The health benefits of iron make it a very important mineral, so make sure you include a variety of iron foods in your diet everyday.
Even though heme iron from animal sources is more absorbable, vegetarians do not seem to have a higher rate of iron deficiency than the meat eaters.
What is Iron?
Iron is a mineral that comes in two forms - heme or non-heme. This mineral is needed for the formation of healthy red blood cells and is the central part of hemoglobin which is responsible for carrying oxygen to your cells.
The adult human body contains somewhere in the range of 3 to 5 grams of iron and approximately 65% or more is circulating in your blood while most of the rest gets stored for future use.
Heme Iron and Non-Heme Iron
Heme iron is found in animal food sources which include Seafood, Pork, Beef, Poultry, Lamb, and Organ Meats.
This type of iron makes up about 40% or more of animal tissue and the rest is in non-heme form. Heme iron is readily available for absorption.
Non-heme iron is found in plant foods which include fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and seeds.
Non-heme iron makes up all the iron in plant foods and is not as well absorbed by the human body.
Plant based iron foods can be made much more absorbable by consuming some vitamin C with your meals.
Iron Deficiency Symptoms are some of the most common problems in the world. Woman and children seem to be the most susceptible to having this type of deficiency.