Spinach may not give you superpowers to fight off villains like Popeye’s enemy Pluto, but these leafy green foods and other foods that contain iron can help you fight a different kind of enemy – iron deficiency anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia, the most common form of anemia, is a low red blood cell count due to a severe iron deficiency.
Without enough iron, your body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that makes it possible for them to carry oxygen to body tissues. As a result, you may feel weak, tired and irritable.
About 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and 3% of men do not have enough iron in their bodies. The solution in many cases, is to consume more iron-rich foods.
How does your body use iron in food?
When you eat iron-rich food, your body absorbs iron mainly through the upper part of the small intestine.