6 iron-rich foods to boost your energy

Iron is an essential mineral that we get through the foods we eat. There are two sources of iron: heme iron, found in animal protein and fish; and nonheme iron, which is primarily found in plants and foods that have been fortified with iron.

Iron plays a critical role in energy production in the human body. As a component of red blood cells, it binds with oxygen that is absorbed through the lungs and then carries that oxygen to cells throughout the body; that oxygen then becomes part of the chemical process of energy production.

When your body does not have enough iron, your cells do not receive enough oxygen and cannot produce enough energy. End result: You’re tired.

If your healthcare provider tells you that you need more iron in your diet, try adding these energy boosters to your shopping list.