- Iron
Iron is found in the red blood cells, where it is responsible for transporting oxygen to your cells; a very essential task.
There are two types of iron that can be consumed, heme iron and non-heme iron. The most popular, heme iron, is easily absorbed and is found in red meat.
Non-heme iron is a little more difficult to absorb and is mostly found in plant food, such as beans, broccoli, and seeds.
Chances are, you or someone in your family is iron deficient. According to Healthline, “Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world, affecting more than 25% of people worldwide.”
Picky little eaters are even more susceptible to iron deficiency, 47% of preschoolers are missing this key nutrient.
As a woman, you are losing iron every month through your cycle, or through increased blood demands in pregnancy, causing deficiency to be common.
If you are feeling tired, weak, or have impaired brain function, get your iron levels checked by a doctor.
Common iron deficiency is called anemia and is when the red blood cells decrease, limiting it from being able to deliver oxygen throughout the body.
Don’t take an iron supplement though, unless directed by your doctor, because it could be toxic to consume too much.