Iron
Minerals, Health & Weight Loss
Good diet nutrition is essential for optimum health – including efficient metabolism, stable blood sugar levels and appetite, all of which affect weight control and how fast we lose weight. Minerals play an essential role in this nutritional process.
Iron
Iron deficiency is more common in woman. Iron’s principal job is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Animal foods (e.g. meat) are the best sources of iron and the best way to absorb iron is to eat vitamin C rich foods at the same time.
Good sources of Iron include
Pig’s liver, sardines, lean beef, chicken, black molasses, Marmite, wheatgerm, Brazil nuts, dark green vegetables.
How Iron helps
Prevents iron-deficiency anemia, thus maintaining our energy levels
Good for the immune system
Improves physical performance
Stimulates the appetite
Iron deficiency symptoms include
Pallor.
Tiredness.
Insomnia.
Palpitations.
Note:
Iron levels are depleted by too much tea, coffee or bran.
Recommended daily allowance for Iron
US RDA: 10-18mg (30mg if pregnant)
EU RDA: 14mg
The Importance of a Balanced Diet
If you have been a regular follower of fad diets, regular fasting, single food diets, yo-yo dieting or diet/weight loss pills, you may already be deficient in vitamins and minerals. This may be why you find it difficult to lose weight, or sustain weight loss in the long term.
Solution: Follow a balanced diet that offers slow steady weight loss and includes advice on exercise. Anne Collins Weight Loss Diet Program is a good choice.