Iron is essential for the proper growth and development of the human body. It helps metabolize proteins and plays a role in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Iron deficiency can lead to conditions like iron deficiency anemia, chronic anemia, cough, and pre-dialysis anemia.
The health benefits of iron include the eradication of different causes of fatigue. Iron also plays a key role in strengthening the immune system by making it strong enough to fight off infections. Iron builds concentration, treats insomnia, and regulates body temperature.
Legumes, lentils, soy beans, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, cereals, bread, spinach, turnip, fish, meat, sprouts, broccoli, and dry fruits are all foods that have a high iron content.
The top five health benefits of iron are:
1.Hemoglobin formation:
The main health benefit of a diet high in iron is the formation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the principal carrier of oxygen throughout the body and gives the dark red color to blood.
2.Oxygen carrier:
One of the most important health benefits of iron is that it acts as a carrier of oxygen and helps transfer oxygen from one body cell to another. This is a critical function of iron as oxygen is required by each and every body part to perform routine body functions.
3. Muscle function:
Iron is a vital element for muscle health and is found in myoglobin, a muscle protein. Myoglobin carries oxygen from hemoglobin and diffuses it throughout muscle cells. This is required for contraction of muscles.
4.Brain function:
Our brain uses approximately 20% of the oxygen in our bloodstream. Iron helps supply oxygen to blood making it very important for brain health.
5.Iron deficiency anemia:
When the body’s iron levels become severely depleted, you may get anemia. Iron is also important in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia and helps cure general symptoms of anemia like fatigue, body weakness, headaches, and enhanced sensitivity to cold temperatures. A host of other chronic ailments including renal failure anemia and predialysis anemia are also helped by adequate iron intake.
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