Top Benefits of Iron

What is Iron?

Iron is one of the most important minerals to overall health, however, it is also the most common nutritional deficiency in the United States. Iron is mostly found in red blood cells and it’s responsible for preserving many vital functions in the body such as carrying oxygen throughout your body, making it vital for development.

Many people can get the iron they need from diet alone, but certain illnesses may make it necessary to use iron supplements. To increase your iron intake, you can eat foods like white beans, dark chocolates, spinach, blueberries, tomatoes, and cashew nuts.

Let's take a deeper look at how iron helps your bodily functions and overall health.

Boosts Immunity 

Iron plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system by promoting hemoglobin, which provides oxygen to damaged cells, tissues, and organs and is necessary for fighting disease and infection.

Low iron levels can limit your immune system’s ability to heal itself properly.

Improves Muscle Endurance

Muscle weakness and fatigue are two of the most common signs of iron deficiency.

Iron levels help provide your body with the oxygen necessary for muscle contraction and endurance. If the iron levels in your body are low, you risk starving your muscles of oxygen needed to repair muscles and reduce inflammation.

Improves Concentration  

When iron levels drop, your cognitive function is negatively affected. Maintaining proper iron levels will help boost your cognitive performance.           

Boosts Hemoglobin 

The main function of iron is to facilitate the formation of hemoglobin, which is a red blood cell protein that is responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Low levels of oxygen in the blood can lead to a compromised immune system and a heightened susceptibility to illness.

Reduces Fatigue 

Low iron levels reduce your overall energy levels and cause fatigue that is more than just a normal level of sleepiness. Activities that would normally be a part of your daily routine can feel exhausting.

Iron rich foods and supplements can help to raise iron levels and eliminate feelings of fatigue and exhaustion caused by low iron levels.