7 Foods That Are Great Sources of Iron And Treat Anemia And Prevent Blood Cancer

If you’ve been told you’re not getting enough iron, you’re not alone. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency globally especially among children and pregnant women and the only nutrient deficiency that is widely prevalent in developed countries, according to the World Health Organization. That’s a problem because the mineral plays a number of critical roles in the body, says Sarah Gold Anzlovar, RDN, the Boston-based owner of Sarah Gold Nutrition. “Most well known is that it's a key component of red blood cells and helps transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of the body,” says Anzlovar. Iron deficiency, a condition called anemia, makes it difficult for your red blood cells to deliver oxygen, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

          1. Pumpkin Seeds

 

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“Sesame seeds have a wonderful nutty taste and are a rich source of iron,” says Largeman-Roth. The seeds contain some iron 1.31 mg per tablespoon, per the USDA and offer a slew of other essential nutrients, like copper. Not to mention, they contain phosphorus, vitamin E, and zinc. An easy way to incorporate the seeds into your diet is to sprinkle them on a salad: Each tablespoon will add over a milligram of iron to your daily count and when you’re aiming for 18 mg a day, every bit counts!

Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, chest pain or shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, dizziness and headache, poor appetite, and unusual cravings for substances like ice, dirt, or starch.