Shortness of breath, an accelerated heartbeat, extreme exhaustion, and trouble concentrating seem like signs that would make most people run to the doctor. However, the World Health Organisation states that the most common nutritional disorder worldwide is a mineral deficiency, which can also be indicated by them.
Spinach is the most famous food in terms of iron, but there are other vegetarian as well as non vegetarian foods that are rich in iron.
Beef
Iron is commonly associated with red meat, and for good reason. According to Taub-Dix, a four-ounce beef patty contains almost three milligrammes of iron in addition to zinc, selenium, and vitamin B-12. Additionally, despite the negative connotation associated with fat in red meat, many cuts—such as sirloin and top and bottom roasts—are actually fairly lean.
Chicken
Even though poultry only contains half the iron of beef, a 4-oz serving can provide 1.3 mg of iron. More significantly, according to Taub-Dix, it’s heme iron—a form of iron that your body can absorb more readily than non-heme iron—as opposed to iron derived from plant sources. Dark meat, like thighs, will contain a little bit more iron than white meat, like breasts, so if you want to maximise your intake of the mineral, go for that.
oysters
Eating shellfish is highly recommended for several reasons: They are low in calories, high in protein, and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Most also have a lot of iron, according to Taub-Dix. Oysters make this list of aphrodisiac foods because three ounces of raw oysters contain 4.5 mg of the mineral plus zinc, which is good for your immune system and may help men become more fertile because it helps produce testosterone.
Dried apricots
For just under 160 calories, half a cup of the dried fruit provides almost two milligrammes of the mineral that builds muscle. According to Taub-Dix, apricots can be a great way for vegetarians to meet their iron needs because they also contain a fair amount of vitamin C, which aids in the body’s absorption of iron. Look for additional foods high in vitamin C and stock up.
Also read: 5 Important Vitamins Men should add to their Diet
Lentils
Members of the pulse family are among the best vegetarian sources of iron. In addition to being a fantastic source of protein, cooked lentils contain more than three mg per half cup. Additionally, according to Zeitlin, their high fibre content supports gut health, which in turn facilitates the absorption of all the minerals, including iron, that are obtained from food. Find out how much fibre is necessary to protect your health.
