• Source:JND

Did you know that iron is among the most vital nutrients, particularly for women because of their distinct physiological needs? In order to replace the blood lost during menstruation, which can deplete iron levels and potentially result in iron-deficiency anemia, women of reproductive age need extra iron. This condition can adversely affect daily life and productivity by causing symptoms like weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function.

Iron is also necessary for the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body to maintain healthy tissues and organs. Sufficient iron levels are even more important during pregnancy because they support both the proper growth of the fetus and increased blood volume. Additionally, iron helps maintain a healthy immune system, which helps the body resist infections.

Therefore, it's critical to maintain optimum health and prevent iron deficiency, especially in women, by including iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans, spinach, and fortified cereals in the diet or, if needed, by taking supplements.

What Leads To Iron Deficiency In Women?

Body Changes

Red blood cells and iron are needed in greater quantities during pregnancy, nursing, or growth spurts, and insufficient consumption can lower iron levels, according to WebMD.

Heavy Bleeding

Heavy periods in women can result in iron deficiency due to prolonged blood loss, and endometriosis, a disorder that causes heavy bleeding during menstruation.

Also Read: Want To Burn Calories Fast? 5 Fantastic Benefits Of Practising Hula Hoop Exercise For 30 Minutes Daily

Consuming Less Iron-Rich Foods

For a healthy diet, iron-rich foods such as meats, poultry, fish, cereal, bread, tofu, dried fruit, broccoli, and nuts are necessary, according to WebMD.

Top Iron-Rich Foods For Women

Leafy Green Vegetables

You can eat salads made with spinach and kale, steam them, or blend them into smoothies. They are both healthy side dishes, according to WebMD.

Dried Fruits

For an iron-rich snack, mix dried fruit with cashews, pistachios, raisins, prunes, dates, or peaches to create your own dry fruit mix.

Eggs

A good source of iron can be found in cooked foods like scrambled, boiled, or sunny-side-up eggs.

To prevent iron deficiency, women should consume iron-rich foods.(Image Credit:Canva)

Dark Chocolate

Did you know that dark chocolate naturally contains a high level of iron?

Also Read: 5 Simple Tricks To Remove Negativity From Your Home

Fish

The best fish to eat for iron are tuna, sardines, mackerel, and haddock because they are low in fat and high in protein, according to WebMD.

 

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)