this post was submitted on 19 Apr 2024
862 points (100.0% liked)

196

16478 readers
2231 users here now

Be sure to follow the rule before you head out.

Rule: You must post before you leave.

^other^ ^rules^

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

Most of the iron in spinach is not bioavailable. Veggies generally aren't good at the iron being bioavailable but spinach is especially bad, and lentils are quite good and contain a ton. Apples have excellent bioavailability but comparatively low iron content OTOH you can just stick a nail into them. Or use an iron pan that also helps. And yes diced apples work quite well in lentil stew the lentils need acid anyway, add spices and aromatics, either noodles or a slice or two of good bread and you have yourself a meal.

[โ€“] [email protected] 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

You have it reversed, iirc. The iron in broccoli is one of the best in terms of plant based bioavailability, and has a higher base amount, and the iron in lentils has some of the least amount of bioavailability, around 2%. Spinach's bioavailability is low too, but still higher than that at 6%.

Of course, in practice, you can just take an iron supplement or cook with cast iron and not worry about this at all.