Iron

Iron's most critical role is building haemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells that acts like a transport system, carrying oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. This oxygen delivery is fundamental to your body’s energy production and overall vitality. There are two forms of iron in our diet. Heme iron, found in animal products like red meat, is easily absorbed. Non-heme iron, found in plant-based sources like beans, nuts, and leafy greens, is also valuable, and its absorption can be boosted by pairing it with a source of Vitamin C. Because of menstrual blood loss, the iron needs for pre-menopausal women are significantly higher than for men. This is why being mindful of regular iron-rich sources in the diet is particularly important for this group.