It is a widely believed that vegetarians need more iron as compared to non vegetarians because plants naturally do not have the tendency to absorb irons as efficiently as meat. However, it is a myth that vegetarian diets are not rich in iron.
When the question arises ‘where vegetarians get iron from?’ the sources are endless. Despite all the debate, the surprising truth is that vegetarians tend to get more iron in their diets. A well balanced and smartly planned diet has enough iron to fulfil every individual’s need.
Vegetarians get more iron as compared to non-vegetarians as they are heavily relying on fruits that have plenty of iron. As far as the question of vegetarians getting enough iron is concerned, the plant world is enriched with iron. Available In breads, cereals, legumes, nuts, leafy vegetables, seeds, dried fruits etc, vegetarians actually never face any trouble getting sufficient quantity of iron.
Why sufficient quantity of iron is so important? Because iron deficiency is synonymous to anemia. Anemia is a condition of the body in which it suffers from the scarcity of red blood cells. Initial symptoms of anemia include fatigue, irregular and rapid heartbeat, dizziness etc.
How to Get Vegetarians Adequate Amounts of Iron?
Since the iron supplied to the body by vegetables is not as well absorbed as that provided by meat, this problem can easily be remedied by taking a few simple measures.
Vitamin C plays a significant role in increasing iron absorption. Therefore, vegetarians should make food rich in vitamin C an essential part of their diet.
Dairy products decrease iron absorption so vegetarians should go easy when consuming dairy products.
Calcium also prevents the body from absorbing iron from meals so vegetarians should prefer taking calcium between meals rather than taking them along with meals.
Vegetarians have a higher intake of iron, but in spite of this it is not stored as effectively in their bodies, making them prone to iron deficiency. Vegetarians can easily get the desired supply of iron by using the huge variety of plant foods that are available.
It is important to note that consuming foods in large quantities that discourage iron absorption in the body can lead to drastic consequences. While there are a lot of myths about vegetarians getting inadequate amounts of iron, with the above mentioned simple steps, anyone can ensure a constant supply of it.
Remember that iron is vital for a number of vital body functions and by eating smart, vegetarians can easily get iron and store it effortlessly.