Why we need it: 
Iron’s main role is to accept, carry and release oxygen (via hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscle cells). Iron is essential in the for efficient metabolisation of energy, and plays a part in many enzymatic processes in the body. Iron is a key element for healthy growth (especially in infancy and adolescence) but also for supporting healthy pregnancies, and aiding efficient recovery from strenuous activity or illness. Iron is necessary during periods of brain development and also for maintaining sharp cognition throughout life. Iron also plays a part in maintaining stable core body temperatures. Iron is crucial for maintaining healthy blood cells.


Common Myth:
The best sources of Iron are Spinach, Kale and Broccolli – 
Yes, think PopEye – Although the popular 1932 cartoon character came first, and certainly helped to popularise the consupmtion of spinach around that time, it was confounded by a mismeasurement (a decimal point error) of the amount of Iron found in the leaves that suggested spinach was a richer source of Iron than other vegetables. Simultaneously, the 1936 Roosevelt ‘New Deal for Farmers’ Act incentivised big agriculture to produce and market more and more spinach under the guise of being a health food.


The Truth:
Not only is Spinach much lower in Iron than was initially reported, the Iron isn’t accessible to humans as spinach also contains high levels of Oxalic Acid, which blocks the absorbtion of Iron. – And even if it were, it’s not the type of Iron that humans need most – HEMEIRON


Try this:
As HemeIron is only found in animal products (and is blocked by antinutrients found in plant matter), be sure to make Red Meat, Fish, Poultry, Shellfish and Eggs a daily staple. While ever the majority of your caloric intake comes from real food with an emphasis on animal protein, it’s almost impossible to not get enough of this essential micro-nutrient.