It is common in our society for most people to want to eat iron-rich foods in order to prevent anemia. Some people, however, need to be on low-iron diets. People with gastrointestinal problems, gout or an iron-overload disorder called hemochromatosis can all benefit from eating a diet low in iron. Eating foods rich in iron can even be very dangerous for some people. A low-iron diet doesn't have to be bland and boring. It can include many healthy and delicious foods.
Tea
Tea does not have any iron, so it can be enjoyed on a low-iron diet. An extra benefit of tea for someone on a low-iron diet is that the tannins contained in tea can actually block the absorption of iron by the body. Therefore, if someone eats something which does contain iron, such as meat, drinking tea at the same time can inhibit some of the iron from being absorbed.
Milk
Milk is another beverage which does not contain iron, so it can be included on the low-iron diet. All types of milk--whole, 2 percent, 1 percent and skim milk--are free of iron. One study from the journal of Infant, Child and Adolescent Nutrition even found that children and adolescents who drink more milk have lower iron levels in their blood.
Cheese
Some varieties of cheese, such as feta cheese and Colby cheese contain a small amount of iron, usually 5 or 6 percent of a normal adult's daily recommended value of iron per serving. Other types of cheese, such as blue cheese, mozzarella, Muenster and cheddar contain very little to no iron whatsoever. Cheese is a good source of other vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D, but because the iron amounts are generally low regardless of what type of cheese it is, cheese is acceptable as a daily snack on a low-iron diet.
Fruits
Most fruits, such as apples, bananas, peaches and pears, contain very little to no iron. Sometimes when fruits are processed and made into juices such as orange juice, iron is added. People on the low-iron diet need to be wary about checking for iron in fruit juices. However, fruit is acceptable for consumption every day as a low-iron food. One additional consideration is that fruits which contain a high level of vitamin C, such as oranges and grapefruits, increase iron absorption and should be limited or at least monitored by those on a low-iron diet.
Non-Cruciferous Vegetables
Non-cruciferous vegetables are another category of foods which generally do not contain iron. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, Brussels sprouts cabbage and bok choy, and are classified as cruciferous because of they all come from the mustard family. They all have iron. Vegetables which are non-cruciferous and contain very little iron include iceberg lettuce, onions and summer squash.
Images source pixabay.com