Why do we need Iron?

Iron is an essential mineral. It helps move oxygen throughout the body. Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to move it throughout your body. Hemoglobin represents about two-thirds of the body’s iron. If you do not have enough iron, your body can’t make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells. A lack of red blood cells is called iron deficiency anemia.Without healthy red blood cells, your body can’t get enough oxygen.

Iron has other important functions, too. Iron is additionally necessary to take care of healthy cells, skin, hair, and nails.

Sources of Iron

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Beans and lentils
• Tofu
• Baked potatoes
• Cashews
• Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Whole-grain and enriched bread