plant based iron sources

Did you know there are two forms of iron? ⁠

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1. Heme - mainly found in animal products.⁠

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2. Non-heme - mainly plant sources.⁠

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Iron is an important mineral that is needed for LOTs of functions in the body, including energy production. ⁠

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If you are feeling tired more than usual it's worth considering whether you are eating enough iron-rich food, especially if you are a veggie or have a plant-focused diet. ⁠

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Non-heme sources (plant sources) are also less well absorbed so we need to eat more of them, particularly if your levels are low.⁠

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Great plant-based sources include⁠...

• lentils⁠

• legumes like kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans⁠

• leafy greens - spinach, chard, beet greens

• seeds like pumpkin & sesame seeds⁠

• quinoa ⁠

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TIP: To increase the absorption of non-heme iron try adding some vitamin C foods to them e.g. squeeze some lemon on your spinach, lemon to hummus etc.⁠

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Also never take an iron supplement unless you've been told to do so by a GP or nutrition practitioner. You can have too much of a good thing :) ⁠.  

Michelle x