Iron is an essential nutrient that we need to consume every day in order to stay healthy. It plays a major role in many important bodily functions, from forming red blood cells to boosting energy levels and supporting our immune system.

Meats with the Most Iron

According to dietitians, some of the meats with the most iron per serving include chicken liver, shellfish, mussels, duck, bison, sardines, and beef. Three ounces of cooked chicken liver, for example, packs 11 milligrams of iron, over 60% of the daily value.

Shellfish, such as oysters and mussels, are also excellent sources of iron. One serving of cooked eastern oysters has 7.8 milligrams of iron, or 44% of the daily value. Mussels are another iron-rich shellfish, with three ounces of cooked blue mussels providing nearly 6 milligrams of iron.

Duck is a nutrient-rich poultry option that will provide a hefty dose of iron along with amino acids and other micronutrients. One serving of cooked, meat-only duck breast contains nearly 4 milligrams of iron, or about 22% of the daily value.

Bison is a great source of iron, with one serving of cooked grass-fed ground bison containing over 3.2 milligrams of iron, 18% of the daily value. Sardines are a nutritional powerhouse known for their protein and healthy fat content, and are also a good source of heme iron.

Beef is also a good source of iron, with one serving of bottom round steak, trimmed to 0% fat, providing about 2.5 milligrams of iron, which is about 11% of the daily value.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.