Top 10 Health Benefits of Iron

Iron is one of essential elements in the body, in which it contributes greatly to the formation of hemoglobin and myoglobin. Here is where 70% of iron in the body concentrates. Hemoglobin plays an important role in oxygen transportation throughout the body while myoglobin is needed for muscle cells. Besides, 5% of iron amount in the body work as components of several proteins and other elements in enzymatic systems. The 25% remaining of iron is stored in the cells and bloodstream. Accordingly, iron holds a great responsibility to the body functioning, including the production of red blood cells, transportation of oxygen, reduction of anemia, boosting immune system, etc.

Despite of the importance of iron in the body, most of people are affected by iron deficiency, in which you will notice such symptoms like fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and so on. Additionally, a lack of iron tends to lead to various ailments and diseases like anemia, skin ailments and slow metabolism.

The easiest and simplest way to improve the condition and ensure a good health of the body is to take in enough amount of iron through food sources or supplements. Fortunately, both of them are available now and easy to digest. You can find iron in numerous foods such as lentils, soybeans, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, cereal, bread, etc.

Here are top 10 health benefits of iron.

1. Hemoglobin Formation

First and foremost, iron plays a vital role in formation of hemoglobin, as it is an essential part of the protein molecule and a factor giving the dark shade to the blood. Furthermore, iron also has the function to stimulate the oxygen transportation throughout the body. Since the body can lose blood through injuries and especially menstruation in women, it is necessary to take in iron regularly.

2. Muscle Health

Iron is necessary for muscle health as it helps to strengthen muscle tone and flexibility. In detail, iron contributes to the present of muscle tissues and oxygen transportation for the contraction of muscles. This is the reason why you will definitely feel weaker when there is iron deficiency.

3. Immunity

Iron is also needed for the immune system of the body, in which it helps to strengthen and promote the defense line to protect us from various ailments and diseases. Furthermore, red blood cells are beneficial for healing process of damaged cells, tissues and organs as they are the carrier of oxygen. Therefore, to have a good health and stay safe from various diseases, you need to get a balanced diet with a proper amount of iron.

4. Brain Function

Another function of iron in the body is to promote the development of the brain. As we all known, brain needs roughly 20 % of oxygen in the blood to function properly. Meanwhile, iron is essential in assisting oxygen supply in the blood, which makes it an inevitable element to cognitive function. To take in a healthy amount of iron is to promote blood flow to the brain, stimulating cognitive system and preventing various diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Read also Top Superfoods for The Brain.

5. Body Temperature

Body temperature has a strong connection with the metabolic function as well as other organ systems functioning. Therefore, to keep the body working with its best condition, it is necessary to regulate the temperature. Iron is essential for this mission, in which the ability to adjust the temperature of iron depends on the body capacity of absorption.

6. Oxygen Carrier

Oxygen is an inevitable factor to keep the body in general and each organ system working properly. Meanwhile, iron acts as an oxygen carrier, transferring oxygen throughout the body and from cells to cells. Accordingly, regular iron intake is necessary for the body.

7. Anemia

Due to the fact that iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, a lack of iron can cause the condition of anemia, in which you will experience the symptoms such as weakness, pale skin, fatigue, dizziness, etc. It is estimated that this disease happens with millions of people in the world, even with children, men and especially women, who lose blood every month during the menstruation. In this case, new blood cells will be produced to make up for the lost ones, which definitely need iron for regeneration.

Read also Home Remedies for Anemia.

8. Fatigue

Another health benefit of iron you can get is the ability to get rid of chronic fatigue. Due to the fact iron is an essential element of hemoglobin, the deficiency caused by iron possibly lead to fatigue. Accordingly, it is advisable to include iron-rich food into your daily diet to keep the body healthy and energetic.

Read also Top Superfoods for Fatigue.

9. Chronic diseases

Iron is beneficial for those with chronic diseases related to blood, intestine or excretory system, etc. This is because iron is involved in not only circulatory system but also various other processes of the body’s organs. Therefore, make sure you get enough iron intakes to assist other treatments of chronic diseases.

10. Restless Leg Syndrome

Since one of major causes leading to the restless leg syndrome, the solution to treat it is taking in more iron amount. More specifically, it has been found out that low levels of iron in the blood can easily lead to various health problems, including restless leg syndrome. To deal with this, you can either take iron supplements according to doctor’s prescription or consume more food rich in iron such as spinach, broccoli, bread or cereal, etc.

Read also Home Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome.

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