The Healthy Temple

Consumingiron-rich foods can prevent fatigue, supply you with energy and help keep your immune system in top form. Failing to take in the required amount of iron affects everything from your red blood cells to your brain to your attention span; it may even put you at risk for anemia, a serious condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. The good news is that most people can get enough of this mineral simply by eating the right combination of iron-rich foods and other nutrients which support the absorption of iron.
Kidney beans: The canned variety supplies 1.5 mg per half-cup serving. Use these beans the next time you’re craving some old-fashioned southern cooking and whip up a hearty batch of red beans and rice.
Wheat bran: Shredded Wheat has about 1.5 mg per one-cup serving and a slice of wheat bran toast has about 1.11 mg. Consuming wheat bran will not only help prevent iron deficiency, it will supply you with fiber as well.
Raisins: This portable snack has .78 mg of iron per quarter cup. For a homemade trail mix, toss ‘em into a baggie with nuts, a little coconut and sunflower seeds, which will add 1.08 mg of iron per ounce to your snack.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with these iron-rich foods:
Blackstrap Molasses: This thick, bittersweet syrup contains 2.4 mg of iron per 2 teaspoons. Use it to flavor baked beans, gingerbread and chicken.

Clams: Iron powerhouses, these ocean dwellers pack 7.4 mg of iron per 3 oz serving. Pour fresh clam sauce over hot pasta or veggies and your red blood cells will thank you.

In Addition: Combine these foods with an orange or a handful of strawberries to pack more of an iron punch. Vitamin C has been shown to increase the absorption of iron, but avoid eating iron-rich foods with meals that contain calcium and caffeine; both of these substances interfere with the body’s ability to absorb the mineral.