The Best Plant Based Iron Supplement For Vegans and Vegetarians
by Yaga Lifestyle on Sep 05, 2022
Unlike the average consumer, who obtains iron from meat, vegans and vegetarians must obtain their iron through plant-based sources. If not done adequately, vegans may suffer from iron deficiency (eg: anemia) which is caused by severely low iron levels.
Fortunately, there are a number of vegan iron sources in the form of supplements. One such plant based iron supplement is the Yaga Roots Tonic – Which is our #1 recommendation for an iron tonic. More on that later.
Now, there are certain factors to consider when adding iron to your vegan / vegetarian diet:
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Anemia and Iron Deficiency In Vegans
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How Do Vegans Increase Iron Levels
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Iron Tonic Benefits
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Adding An Iron Tonic To Your Diet
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How Much Iron Do Vegans Need Daily?
Anemia and Iron Deficiency In Vegans
Iron deficiency is a type of anemia that results directly from a lack of iron in your body. It is also the most common type of anemia.
Contrary to popular belief, vegans are not more likely to suffer from an iron deficiency than the average person. However, that does not mean they are not susceptible to the illness.
Some common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are:
- Fatigue
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Cold hands and feet
- Headaches
Because anemia and iron deficiency are linked directly to low iron levels, it is important to prioritize increasing it.
5 vegan ways to add iron to your diet
How Do Vegans Increase Iron Levels?
There are two key ways vegans can increase iron levels:- Eating more iron-rich foods
- Taking iron supplements
Firstly, iron-rich foods do not have to be meat, poultry or fish. There are dozens of examples of natural foods that contain adequate amounts of iron. For example:
- Whole wheat breads, pastas, cereals
- Cooked green vegetables, like: spinach
- Legumes: Beans, soybeans, lentils
- Avocados
- Dried nuts
- Baked potatoes
Adding these foods to one’s diet can increase iron levels over time.
However, increasing iron isn’t the only priority here. Vegans need to eat certain foods that help to absorb iron, specifically Vitamin C enriched foods, like citrus fruits and broccoli.
Another way vegans can increase iron levels is by taking iron supplements.
Iron supplements are man-made capsules, pills, gummies, drinks, tonics or powders that, when ingested. Because supplements can take on so many different forms, it is easy to add iron to one’s diet.
An example of this is the Yaga Roots Tonic.
Yaga Roots Tonic is made from a blend of Jamaican-grown herbs which are then brewed in natural spring water – A key ingredient in this tonic is iron, making it a beginner-friendly supplement for new vegans and vegetarians.
So, how can you benefit from taking this tonic?
Image of Yaga Roots Tonic
Iron Tonic Benefits
Unlike other tonics, the Yaga Roots Tonic is made without additives and artificial ingredients.Instead, it is entirely plant based and made from Sarsaparilla root, Chaney root, Blue vervain root, Strong back, Ironweed, Stinking toe bark, Ra Moon bark, Bitterwood and some other herbs.
In short, this is the best iron tonic for beginner vegans and vegetarians. Here are some benefits of the Yaga Roots Tonic:
- Bioavailable iron fluorine for optimal blood iron levels
- Increases energy and vitality
- Detoxes the blood of impurities, toxins, pathogens,
- Lowers blood sugar
- Improves sexual performance
- Regulates stress levels
- Eliminates mineral deficiencies
- Supports optimal brain and nerve function
Now, how do you add an iron tonic to your diet?
Adding An Iron Tonic To Your Diet
Those who add an iron tonic to their diet lower their risk of iron deficiencies and other notable health risks (like heart disease).
Choosing an iron tonic is entirely based on your own preferences, but our Yaga Roots Tonic remains one of the best on the market.
Simply take a shot of this tonic, then chase with water afterwards: You’re done!
How Much Iron Do Vegans Need Daily?
The human body needs iron for a number of reasons, but mainly for blood production.
Iron makes up a huge part of hemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen from your lungs to other parts of the body. Without iron, there won’t be enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body, resulting in fatigue.
There are two types of iron found in food: Iron from animals (or heme) and iron from plants (non-heme).
So, unlike popular belief, vegans do ingest iron from their plant-based diet. However, this iron is not nearly as potent as the ones found in poultry, fish and other meats.
This is because our bodies absorb iron from animals better than iron from plants. This is just one reason why a vegan or vegetarian may develop iron deficiency anemia.
Studies have shown that vegan women need 32 milligrams of iron per day, while vegan men need 14 milligrams of iron per day. This is roughly 1.8x more iron than what’s found in people who eat meat.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While vegans and vegetarians get iron from plants, this is not easily absorbed by the body. Due to this, iron deficiency is very common among them.
Iron deficiency or anemia is caused by a lack of adequate amounts of iron in the body. Iron is crucial for red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Fortunately, iron deficiency can be prevented. We all need to ensure that we are ingesting the right amount of iron daily: Vegans and vegetarians are no exception.
Adding iron-rich plants to your diet can significantly raise your iron levels to the recommended amounts, specifically 32 milligrams for women and 14 milligrams for men.
However, taking an iron supplement like the Yaga Roots Tonic is another great way – Because of the wide variety of natural ingredients, it’s an excellent source of iron. It is also a safe and reliable option for anyone looking for a quick and easy daily supplement.
Shop Yaga Roots Tonic while it’s still in stock!