Which food sources are notably high in iron?

Which food sources are notably high in iron?

• A. Chickpeas and corn
• B. Red meat and lentils
• C. Potatoes and carrots
• D. Rice and avocados

Answer: (B)

Red meat and lentils are notably high in iron, which is why this option is the correct choice. Red meat, particularly beef, is a rich source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant sources. Lentils, while containing non-heme iron, are also an excellent plant-based source of iron, contributing significantly when consumed, especially in combination with vitamin C-rich foods that enhance iron absorption. In contrast, other food sources listed do not provide the same levels of iron. Chickpeas, while they do contain some iron, are not as concentrated as red meat. Corn contains very little iron compared to red meat and lentils. Potatoes and carrots are primarily carbohydrate-rich vegetables with minimal iron content. Similarly, rice and avocados provide insufficient amounts of iron, with rice being a source of non-heme iron in very small quantities and avocados containing negligible amounts of iron.

Red meat and lentils are notably high in iron, which is why this option is the correct choice. Red meat, particularly beef, is a rich source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant sources. Lentils, while containing non-heme iron, are also an excellent plant-based source of iron, contributing significantly when consumed, especially in combination with vitamin C-rich foods that enhance iron absorption.

In contrast, other food sources listed do not provide the same levels of iron. Chickpeas, while they do contain some iron, are not as concentrated as red meat. Corn contains very little iron compared to red meat and lentils. Potatoes and carrots are primarily carbohydrate-rich vegetables with minimal iron content. Similarly, rice and avocados provide insufficient amounts of iron, with rice being a source of non-heme iron in very small quantities and avocados containing negligible amounts of iron.