The most iron-rich fruits, when we talk about the supply of iron in the body, most of us immediately think of the most famous sources of the valuable element among food products – meat, spinach, nettles, buckwheat and others. But it almost never occurs to us that it is also found in fruits. Not all, of course, but some are great sources of iron and consuming them in larger quantities can protect us from anemia.
Here are the fruits with the most iron.
Iron is a crucial mineral for the body, essential for the production of hemoglobin and for the efficient transportation of oxygen in the blood. While fruits are not typically known for being rich in iron compared to other food groups, such as meats or legumes, there are some fruits with a modest iron content that can contribute to the daily iron intake, especially in diets that limit or exclude animal products.
Among fruits, those with higher iron content tend to include:
- Dried fruits, such as apricots, raisins, and prunes, are often cited as good fruit sources of iron. The drying process removes water which concentrates the nutrient content, including iron.
- Olives are also a notable source of iron. More commonly known for their healthy fats, they also provide a measure of iron.
- Mulberries and elderberries have a respectable iron content among the berry family.
- Tropical fruits such as coconut, lychee, and passion fruit have trace amounts of iron.
It is important to note that the iron in plant sources (non-heme iron) is not absorbed as efficiently as the iron from animal sources (heme iron), but the absorption can be enhanced by consuming vitamin C rich foods along with the iron sources. Therefore, having fruits high in vitamin C, like oranges or strawberries, alongside iron-rich fruits can help increase iron absorption.
While these fruits can contribute to iron intake, individuals who are iron-deficient or looking for high iron foods should consider a diet that includes a variety of iron-rich foods. Since any events or developments in the nutritional content of fruits post-early 2023 are beyond my knowledge base, for the most current information, consider consulting a nutrition database or a healthcare provider.