Iron is a mineral needed for healthy red blood cells and for overall good health. You can suffer anemia without enough iron so make sure you’re getting enough in your diet. Breakfast is easily considered the most important meal of the day, thus, choosing the right cereal that has a high level of iron is recommended. Here are a few ideas from illume-emag.
Why is iron important.
Your body needs iron to make red blood cells. Without enough iron, you may get anemia. Anemia means you do not have enough red blood cells. As a result, your blood can not carry enough oxygen through your body. Making sure you have enough iron helps to correct anemia.
The iron requirement for cereals
Any breakfast cereal that supplies at least 3.6 milligrams of iron per serving is considered high in iron or is among the excellent sources of iron. This amount is equal to 20% of the recommended daily iron intake.
Boost the Absorption
Even iron-fortified cereal has iron that’s not as readily available as from animal sources of iron. You can significantly boost the amount of iron you’re able to absorb from cereal by consuming it along with a glass of orange juice, some fresh strawberries, or any other vitamin C-rich food. Just as vitamin C enhances iron absorption, however, drinking coffee or tea with your bowl of cereal will decrease the mineral’s absorption.
Iron-Rich Cereals
- Quaker Quick Oats 19.8mg/100g
- Wheat Biscuits 12mg/100g
- Bran Flakes 8.8mg/100g
- Muesli 8.8mg/100g
- Special K 8mg/100g
- Shredded Wholegrain Pillows 7.6gm/100g
- Granola 3mg/100g
- Millet 3mg/100g
Note: Eating a breakfast cereal that is high in iron alone may not provide enough iron for your body, so make sure to follow a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle that should allow you to meet your iron needs. Furthermore, be aware of other foods that temporarily stop your body from absorbing iron, like tea and coffee.