Foods High in Iron

Iron, one of the most abundant metals on Earth, is essential to most life forms and to normal human physiology. Iron is an integral part of many proteins and enzymes that maintain good health. In humans, iron is an essential component of proteins involved in oxygen transport. It is also essential for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. A deficiency of iron limits oxygen delivery to cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work performance, and decreased immunity. On the other hand, excess amounts of iron can result in toxicity and even death.

Foods high in iron include corned beef, lean meat, baked beans, offal (particularly in liver and kidney), lentils, dried peas, egg-yolk, prunes, apricots, oatmeal, soya flour, canned sardines, nuts, treacle, mustard and cress, dandelions, nettle-tops, onions, all dark green vegetables, bread, carrots, raisins, sultanas, figs, strawberries and apples.