Friday, November 13, 2009

Vegetarian Tips & Tid-bits: Iron

Oxygen is transported around the body by haemoglobin. Iron deficiency, which leads to low levels of haemoglobin (anaemea), is the most common mineral nutrient deficiency in the world.

There are two types of dietry iron: Haem iron and Non-haem iron.
Haem iron is found in animal tissue, and Non-haem iron in plant foods.
How well iron is aborbed depends on other foods being consumed with it. For example, tea and fibre can reduce aborption, whereas the presence of Vitamin C greatly increases the absorption of iron by the body.

Therefore, good sources of Non-haem iron for Vegetarians include leafy greens such as spinach, legumes such as lentils and kidney beans, molasses, dried fruits such as apricots and figs, and wholegrain cereals.

To find out more about dietry iron and Vegetarianism, go here.

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