The Importance Of Iron

Tracing the connection between the mineral and our well-being

- Samantha Rideout

ALL LIFE REQUIRES IRON. Humans use it to make, among other things, hemoglobin and myoglobin, proteins that help store and carry oxygen throughout our bodies.

Our iron supply needs to be continually replenished with food. Good sources include meat, fish, egg yolks, beans, nuts and dark-green vegetables. You can boost your intake further by cooking in a cast iron pan: you’ll be eating microscopic pieces of your skillet along with your meal, but your body can use them. Iron supplements are another possibility; as their name suggests, they’re intended as an addition to a nutritious diet when necessary, not a substitute for it.