15/06/2021
Content Partner: www.incyhealthcare.com
https://www.facebook.com/250116349150868/posts/970989207063575/
Iron is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in many bodily functions.
A diet lacking in iron can result in low energy levels, shortness of breath, headaches, irritability, dizziness or anemia.
The recommended daily intake (RDI) is based on an average intake of 18 mg per day. However, individual requirements vary based on a person’s gender and life stage.
Here is a list of 21 plant foods that are high in iron.
1. Tofu, Natto and Soybeans:
Soybeans and foods derived from soybeans are packed with iron.
In fact, soybeans contain around 8.8 mg of it per cup, or 49% of the RDI. The same portion of natto, a fermented soybean product, offers 15 mg, or 83% of the RDI.
Similarly, 6 ounces (168 grams) of tofu, offer 3–3.6 mg of iron, or up to approximately 20% of the RDI.
2. Lentils:
Lentils are another iron-filled food, providing 6.6 mg per cup cooked, or 37% of the RDI.
Lentils contain a significant amount of protein, complex carbs, fiber, folate and manganese as well. One cup of cooked lentils contains 18 grams of protein and covers around 50% of your recommended daily fiber intake.
3. Other Beans and Peas:
Other types of beans contain good amounts of iron as well.
White, lima, red kidney and navy beans closely follow soybeans, offering 4.4–6.6 mg of iron per cup cooked, or 24–37% of the RDI.
However, chickpeas and black-eyed peas have the highest iron content. They provide around 4.6–5.2 mg per cup cooked, or 26–29% of the RDI.
4: Nuts:
Nuts and seeds serve as two more iron-rich plant sources.
Those who wish to increase their total daily iron intake should add the following varieties to their diet, as they contain the highest amounts.
5. Pumpkin, Sesame, H**p and Flaxseeds
Pumpkin, sesame, h**p and flaxseeds are the seeds richest in iron, containing around 1.2–4.2 mg per two tablespoons, or 7–23% of the RDI.
Products derived from these seeds are also worth considering. For instance, two tablespoons of tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds, contain 2.6 mg of iron — which is 14% of the RDI.
Seeds contain good amounts of plant protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds, too. They’re also a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
5. Cashews, Pine Nuts and Other Nuts:
Nuts and nut butters contain quite a bit of non-heme iron.
This is especially true for almonds, cashews, pine nuts and macadamia nuts, which contain between 1–1.6 mg of iron per ounce, or around 6–9% of the RDI.
Similarly to seeds, nuts are a great source of protein, fiber, good fats, vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds.
6. Leafy Greens:
Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, swiss chard, collard and beet greens contain between 2.5–6.4 mg of iron per cooked cup, or 14–36% of the RDI.
Other iron-rich veggies that fit in this category include broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, which contain between 1 and 1.8 mg per cooked cup, or around 6–10% of the RDI.
7. Tomato Paste:
At 0.5 mg per cup, raw tomatoes contain very little iron. However, when dried or concentrated, they offer a much greater amount.
Sun-dried tomatoes are another iron-rich source, providing you with 1.3–2.5 mg per half cup, or up to 14% of the RDI.
Tomatoes are also a great source of vitamin C, which helps increase iron absorption. Moreover, they’re a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of sunburn.
8. Potatoes:
Potatoes contain significant amounts of iron, mostly concentrated in their skins.
More specifically, one large, unpeeled potato (10.5 ounces or 295 grams) provides 3.2 mg of iron, which is 18% of the RDI. Sweet potatoes contain slightly less — around 2.1 mg for the same quantity, or 12% of the RDI.
9. Mushrooms:
Certain varieties of mushrooms are particularly rich in iron.
For instance, one cooked cup of white mushrooms contains around 2.7 mg, or 15% of the RDI.
10. Olives:
Olives are technically a fruit, and one with a good iron content at that.
They contain around 3.3 mg of iron per 3.5 ounces (100 grams), or 18% of the RDI. In addition, fresh olives are also a great source of fiber, good fats and fat-soluble vitamins A and E.
Olives also contain a variety of beneficial plant compounds thought to provide several health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease.
11. Mulberries:
Mulberries are a type of fruit with a particularly impressive nutritional value.
Not only do they offer around 2.6 mg of iron per cup — 14% of the RDI — but this quantity of mulberries also meets 85% of the RDI for vitamin C .
12. Amaranth:
Amaranth is a gluten-free ancient grain that doesn’t grow from grasses like other grains do. For this reason, it is technically considered a “pseudocereal.”
Amaranth contains around 5.2 mg of iron per cup cooked, or 29% of the RDI.
Interestingly, amaranth is one of the few complete sources of plant proteins and also contains good amounts of complex carbs, fiber, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium.
13. Oats:
Oats are a tasty and easy way to add iron to your diet.
A cup of cooked oats contains around 3.4 mg of iron — 19% of the RDI — as well as good amounts of plant protein, fiber, magnesium, zinc and folate.
What’s more, oats contain a soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which may help promote gut health, increase feelings of fullness and reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
14. Quinoa:
Like amaranth, quinoa is a gluten-free pseudocereal rich in complete protein, fiber, complex carbs, vitamins and minerals.
It offers around 2.8 mg of iron per cup cooked, or 16% of the RDI. Plus, research links quinoa’s rich antioxidant content to a lower risk of medical conditions, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
15. Coconut Milk:
Coconut milk can be a tasty alternative to cow’s milk.
Although very high in fat, it’s a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, copper and manganese. Coconut milk also contains a good amount of iron — more specifically, around 3.8 mg per half cup (118 ml), or around 21% of the RDI.
16. Dark Chocolate:
Dark chocolate contains significantly more nutrients than its milk chocolate counterpart.
Not only does it offer 3.3 mg of iron per ounce (28 grams), meeting around 18% of the RDI, but it also contains a good amount of fiber, magnesium, copper and manganese.
17. Dried Thyme:
Dried thyme is one of the most popular culinary herbs.
Many consider it a nutritional powerhouse, and research has linked it to health benefits ranging from fighting bacterial infections and bronchitis to improving your mood.
Thyme also happens to be one of the herbs with the highest iron content, offering 1.2 mg per dried teaspoon, or around 7% of the RDI.