10 Iron-Rich Foods You Should Be Eating
CLAMS
Surprise! Clams take the top prize for providing the most iron. Three ounces of the shellfish provide 23.8 milligrams of iron and 126 calories.
Whether you like them raw on the half shell or cooked in your clam chowder, clams are also a surprising king of the superfoods: clams are also a top source of potassium and Vitamin B12.
WHOLE GRAIN OATS
The amount of iron you can get from cold cereals ranges, but since most can be chock-full of added sugar, you're better off sticking with whole-grain plain oats (and sweetening with fruit, nuts, or nut butter instead!). Bonus: Adding vitamin-C rich citrus, kiwi, or strawberries, which can help you absorb the iron from oats.
OYSTERS
Three ounces of wild oysters contain 10.2 milligrams of iron and 116 calories. A true superfood, oysters are also a top source of vitamin B12.
Wild oysters can have high amounts of contaminants, and may be harvested using destructive methods, according to Environmental Defense Fund's Seafood Selector, so stick with farmed Pacific or edible European oysters.
FISH
Not only does fish reduce the risk of depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline, but also it supplies a healthy dose of iron. Aim to eat at least eight ounces of canned sardines, fresh tuna, salmon, or halibut each week.
EDAMAME
A half cup of cooked edamame contains 4.4 milligrams of iron and 149 calories.
PUMPKIN SEEDS
An ounce of roasted pumpkin and squash seed kernels contain 4.2 milligrams of iron and 148 calories.
WHITE BEANS
White beans deliver 3.9 milligrams of iron and 153 calories per half cup. A true superfood, pulses are also atop source of potassium.
DARK CHOCOLATE
This guilty pleasure is also high in antioxidants, which can help boost cognition and reduce risk of heart disease, but be sure to stick to a 1 to 1.5 oz. portion.
LENTILS
Hearty lentils are delicious and nutritious: a half cup offers 3.3 milligrams of iron and 115 calories.
SPINACH
Cooked spinach follows closely behind lentils. A half cup has 3.2 milligrams of iron and 21 calories.
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