What are some good, inexpensive sources of iron other than red meat?
Also, what are some good non-dairy sources of calcium? Basically I am not the best cook so I am looking for things that are cheap and easy to prepare. Thanks Answer: There are two forms of dietary iron called heme and nonheme. Iron in meat, fish, and poultry is known as heme. Heme iron is absorbed very efficiently by your body and is only found in animal products. Iron in plants such as lentils and beans, spinach, tofu, and grits contain nonheme iron. Nonheme iron is not as well absorbed as heme iron. Flours, cereals, and grain products that are enriched or fortified with iron are also good dietary sources of nonheme iron. You can experiment with a variety of these foods and will need to read labels to determine if they have been fortified with iron if they are not the type that naturally contain iron. Other than foods, taking an iron supplement in pill form can be the best and most inexpensive option to be sure you are meeting your dietary needs.
