Nowadays, many people have concerned that eliminating meat from their diets may also lead to an iron deficiency in their bodies. The truth is that there are lots of Vegan iron sources.

Ensure that your body gets what it takes from your vegan diet. Also, make sure that you consume sufficient of these sources of iron that are vegan. So here we gonna share with you iron deficiency, iron sources from plant-based foods, and top Vegan iron sources.

Iron is a mineral that is frequently mentioned when whenever we talk about the vegan diet. But what exactly is iron? Is it necessary for vegans to worry about obtaining enough of it?

However, iron can be found in our surroundings, our food, and our body. Similarly, iron is also necessary for the production of hemoglobin, a protein that delivers oxygen throughout the body through RBCs (red blood cells).

That’s why it is also important for the functioning of the immune system, development and growth, and perhaps the evolution of learning and behavior.

Because of its critical significance in human health, it’s critical that we have a consistent supply of the food we eat.

Signs of Iron Deficiency

If not receive enough iron, for instance, then our bodies can’t generate enough hemoglobin, which limits our ability to supply oxygen to our muscles. Fatigue, low energy, and pale complexion are also some early indicators of iron insufficiency.

Severe iron deficiency, often known as “anemia,” can cause brittle nails, hair loss, skin rash, irregular heartbeat, and mouth ulcers. Therefore, we advised an iron consumption of 8.7mg per day in the UK. Due to constant blood loss over their monthly periods, thus menstruating women remain more at risk of iron deficiency.

Women between the age group of 19 to 50 are also advised to boost their consumption to 14.8mg per day.

In fact, iron deficiency was discovered in 54 percent of girls and 27 percent of women, irrespective of their dietary habits.

Does Vegan Diet Cause An iron Deficiency?

Although there is a widespread assumption that a vegan diet is inadequate in iron supplements due to historical and cultural emphasis on animal meat.

Vegans, on the other hand, did not have lower iron intakes than meat-eaters. In accordance with major research of over 40,000 women. In fact, research has also shown that vegans consume more iron than people who follow other dietary habits.

So, why should we be concerned if vegans consume plenty of dietary iron?

Availability of Plant Based Foods

There are two types of iron: haem iron and non-haem iron. Since animal food also includes haem iron, which is highly absorbable. Plants provide non-haem iron, which is less well absorbed.

This is due to the presence of other compounds in plant diets, such as phytates, which bind to minerals like iron, lowering their bioavailability.

Many healthful plant foods, such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, contain phytates. Thus, we should not strive to avoid these foods because they are high in beneficial components including fibers, phytochemicals, and antioxidants.

Furthermore, lower iron reserves are also reported in long-term vegans. That may be due to the reduced absorption of plant-derived iron. Despite this, vegans are no more likely than the normal population to acquire iron deficiency such as anemia.

Therefore,  eating iron produced from plants gives our bodies more control over absorption. When our iron levels are low, then the body adapts to absorb more iron from plant foods; when our iron stores are ample, then absorption decreases.

Unlike plant-based iron, meat-based iron is also easily absorbed, regardless of our iron level. Generally, it can be a problem because the human body has no effective mechanism of getting rid of surplus iron.

In spite of this, iron is also a pro-oxidant, and excessive concentrations have been linked to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, neurological illness, and cancer.

So, satisfying your iron needs with a variety of delectable vegan iron sources might be the best option after all.

How to Maximize Iron Absorption?

Although many plant-based foods are also high in iron. Yet there are methods to prepare them that will also improve your body’s ability to absorb them.

Combining plant-based iron with a source of vitamin C, for example, can boost the absorption process. Hence, Vitamin C is abundant in plant-based diets, which is convenient.

Also, avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals. Since it is due to the tannins in these beverages acting similarly to phytates in limiting iron absorption.

Besides, cooking use cast iron pans is an important tip. Due to the fact that little amounts of iron leak into your food and can also help you get more iron.

The Top 10 Vegan Iron Sources

Fortified Cereals

One packet of enriched instant oats also contains a remarkable 7.8 milligrams of iron. If you choose 30 grams of fortified bran flakes, you’ll get 2.4 milligrams of iron. Also, you can add 80 grams of strawberries to boost your absorption.

Pumpkin Seeds

Similarly, 3 milligrams of iron can be obtained by adding 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds to your diet. In addition, Vitamin C absorption is also enhanced by a 150ml glass of fruit juice.

Tempeh

However, the fermented soya food contains 3.6 milligrams of iron per 100 grams. Hence help your body to absorb more nutrients. Then serve it with steamed broccoli.

Wholewheat Pasta

If you cook 75 grams of dried whole wheat pasta, then you’ll get 2.4 milligrams of iron in your meal. Instead, add some kale for a boost of vitamin C.

Baked Beans

Beans on toast are also a great source of iron, with 200 grams of baked beans giving 2.8 milligrams. Therefore, to achieve the maximum iron efficiency from your diet, then complement it with a kiwi.

Wholemeal Bread

A sandwich made with two pieces of wholemeal bread also provides 1.8 milligrams of iron only from the bread. For added crunchiness and vitamin C, then sprinkle some sliced bell pepper.

Quinoa

To obtain 3.9mg of iron, cook 50 grams of quinoa and then incorporate it into a salad. For a citrusy flavor and an iron surge, also squeeze some lemon juice drops over the top of the salad.

Tahini

1 teaspoon contains 1.6 milligrams of iron. Drizzle it over salads or put it over hummus. Mixing it with lemon juice, on the other hand, is also a winning combination in terms of taste & iron absorption.

Sunflower Seeds

For 1 miligram of iron, drizzle 2 teaspoons in your your breakfast or lunch. Pineapple is high in vitamin C, so it’s a good idea to eat it after a meal.

Cashew Nuts

Finally, a mouthful of cashew nuts can also provide you with 1.9mg of iron. Thus, combine with blackcurrants for a vitamin C boost.