14 Foods With More Iron Than Beef - Tasting Table

"Although most of us would love nothing more than eating a delicious, perfectly-cooked steak for dinner at least once a week, the unfortunate truth is that we should all be eating less red meat in our diets, as red meat is linked heart disease and can lead to an increased risk of cancer. Many people look to red meat as a good source of not just protein but also iron, but in reality, there are so many foods that are a better source of iron."

"The National Institute of Health recommends that adult males between the ages of 19-50 years consume 8mg of iron daily, while adult females in the same age range require 18mg daily (this increases to 27mg per day for pregnant women). For males between the ages of 14-18, the NIH recommends 11mg of iron daily, and 15mg of iron per day for females in the same age bracket."

Red meat consumption should be reduced because red meat is linked to heart disease and associated with increased cancer risk. Red meat is often perceived as a prime source of protein and iron, but many other foods provide more iron. The National Institute of Health recommends 8 mg daily for adult males 19-50, 18 mg for adult females 19-50, and 27 mg during pregnancy. Teen males 14-18 need 11 mg and teen females 14-18 need 15 mg daily. A standard 3-ounce beef serving contains only 2 ½ mg of iron. Seafood, legumes, and vegetables can offer higher iron content.

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