Why You Can’t Get Much Iron From Plant-Based Meat

Researchers found that most meat substitutes contain "antinutrients" that can block the body from absorbing key minerals like iron and zinc.

Headlines for a healthier you Daphne Lee, News Editor Your Body Might Not Absorb Iron Well From Plant-Based Meat A standard serving of the plant-based Impossible ground beef promises to have a whopping 4.2 milligrams of iron, which is 25% of the recommended daily value. This level of iron content is even higher than what's found in real ground beef. But what's listed on the nutrition label doesn't represent what stays in your body.   Researchers in Sweden found that most meat substitutes contain high amounts of phytates—a kind of "antinutrient" that can block the body from absorbing key minerals like iron and zinc. Know More Phytate isn't the only compound that can block iron. Calcium in milk and tannins in tea and coffee can also inhibit iron absorption if you drink these beverages while eating foods that are rich in iron. Feel Better If you're vegetarian or vegan, you're probably not eating meat substitutes every day to fulfill all your dietary needs. Along with iron-rich vegetables and grains, you can try to have more vitamin C-rich foods that are meant to enhance iron absorption, such as strawberries, oranges, and bell peppers. READ MORE What Else Should You Know How to Fix Your Sleep Schedule This Year If you have a hard time adjusting your post-holiday sleep schedule, we have some helpful tips from sleep researchers. Let's say you're trying to sleep earlier. Don't just go to bed three hours earlier than usual. Instead, try moving your bedtime forward by 15 minutes every night. READ NOW When Should You Get a Flu Test? Flu symptoms can be very similar to those of COVID-19: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and headache. If you have these symptoms, you can ask for a test at your healthcare provider's office. Testing should be done within the first three days of symptom onset, especially if you're at high risk of severe illness. READ NOW In Other News Even a Little Alcohol Can Harm Your Health. The New York Times How Climate Change Made Life More Expensive in 2022. Grist More From Verywell Tamiflu and Amoxicillin Are in Shortage READ MORE How Retirement Can Ruin Your Sleep READ MORE The New Obsession With Eating Raw Meat READ MORE Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Unsubscribe This email was sent to womanshealth1.female@blogger.com A DOTDASH MEREDITH BRAND 225 Liberty St, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10281 ©2023. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service