Iron- What is it Good For?
Iron's Use in the Body
How Iron Helps the Body
Iron is mainly used to transport oxygen throughout the body, make haemoglobin, turn blood red, and turn blood sugar into energy.
Where Iron is in Foods
Iron is found in red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, spinach, dried fruit such as apricots and raisins, and iron-fortified cereals, breads, and pastas.
Iron Deficiency
When one does not have enough iron in his or her system, they can get medical conditions such as lethargy and a weakened immune system. It also causes exhaustion in the person because there is not enough iron to transport oxygen well. When this happens, the heart beats faster than it needs to.
Iron Toxicity
If someone takes in too much iron, they may experience dizziness, fatigue, headache, weight loss, vomiting, nausea, gray skin and shortness of breath. Later, the iron is stored up in organs and the victim will eventually die.
Iron Facts
There is enough iron in an average human to make a 3 inch nail.
To help the absorption of iron, eating foods rich in Vitamin C will help.
Iron Deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world today.