Why Is Iron Important?

Iron is a part of the blood-oxygen delivery system, and without proper levels of irons, you may begin to feel the weakening effects of low iron; tired all the time, pale, listless and irritable. Each and every cell in your body needs oxygen to produce energy. Not just for exercise, but for everyday life: brushing your teeth energy, walking up the stairs energy, going to work energy, baking cookies energy.

When you have normal iron levels, you have enough energy in every one of your body cells. Without enough iron, your cells produce less energy.

Where can I get Iron?

You get iron from a number of foods. There are 2 types of iron in our diet:

1. Heme Iron is found in animal products such as red meat, fish, and poultry.
 

2. Non-Heme Iron is found in plant products such as grains, nuts, beans, veggies, and fruit.




























Heme iron is absorbed better than non-heme iron, so it is best to eat non-heme iron with heme iron to increase absorption. If you do not eat animal products, you will need to eat twice as much as non-heme iron rich foods. Also including a source of vitamin C with your meals will help absorption (ie. Orange juice, Grapefruit, Potatoes, Broccoli).
*Coffee & Tea decrease iron absorption so drink at least one hour before or after an iron rich meal*

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