Myth or Fact ? Spinach contain more iron than meat

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

MYTH: Although usually portrayed as the richest source of iron, spinach is actually a good source but NOT the best source: -100g (almost 3 cups!!) of spinach contains 2.7 mg of iron – 100g of red meat contains 2.6 mg in. Almost the same amount… BUT the difference is that iron from animal foods has a higher absorption rate in the body than that from plant/vegetables sources. Hence, spinach contains a good amount of iron however in a form less available for absorption than iron in meat.  The good news is that you can enhance iron absorption from spinach and other green leafy vegetables by eating vitamin-C rich foods with your meal, such as tomatoes, bell pepper, oranges, melons, or strawberries.

By Ayla Coussa 

Clinical Dietitian