Myth # 21 : " But I need to eat meat to get my iron ."
Myth # 21 : " But I need to eat meat to get my iron ."
Actually , while meat-based iron ( a . k . a . " heme iron ") is indeed more easily absorbed into the bloodstream , higher levels of this type of iron have been directly linked to heart attacks in humans . Excellent plant-based sources of iron , on the other hand – sources that do not pose this health risk – are abundant .* In addition , even the " non-heme iron " found in plants can be absorbed efficiently by the human body when ingested alongside Vitamin C – either via plants that contain both of them ( like bok choy or broccoli ), or via iron-rich plants eaten alongside vitamin C rich foods .
Current status of this Myth : Expurgated Justification it provides for eating animals : NONE
* Great plant-based sources of iron include molasses , most nuts , dried beans ( soaked and cooked ), tahini and sesame seeds , pumpkin seeds , sunflower seeds , sun-dried tomatoes , dried apricots , parsley , dark green leafy vegetables , spinach , quinoa , tofu , soybeans & lentils .
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