Cinco de Mayo ingredient stops DEADLY nutrient deficiency?

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Even if you’re not “celebrating” today…

Consider treating yourself to some cultural cuisine like decadent tacos, quesadillas… or a refreshing margarita or cerveza!

And while that delicious food and drink is synonymous with today… there’s a good reason to give them a try year-round…

An ingredient used often in Mexican cuisine can help keep you out of the crosshairs of a DEADLY vitamin deficiency.

I love a squeeze of fresh LIME on my tacos…

But I also love the sweet and sour kick it gives to boring, bland water, too.

But limes are not only refreshing and taste great, but they are one of the HEALTHIEST fruits in your produce department.

Though tiny in stature, limes pack a wallop of valuable nutrients – including VITAMIN C, with the average lime providing over 20% of your daily value.

But what most folks don’t know about limes is that they also help your body increase the absorption of IRON.

While not a nutrient that’s top-of-mind to most folks, not getting ENOUGH iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia.

Signs of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, trouble breathing during exercise, paleness, and dry skin and hair.

It seems harmless… but when left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can cause serious complications and even lead to DEATH!

One contributing factor to iron deficiency anemia are vegan and/or vegetarian diets. Plant-based products contain a form of iron that ISN’T as well absorbed as the iron in meat and other animal products

But it turns out that foods high in vitamin C — like limes – may help prevent iron deficiency anemia by improving the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

Eating quality meats is your best bet of ensuring you’re getting enough iron in your diet. You need to ensure you’re eating meat frequently.

And when you can’t eat meat, don’t forget foods like limes. They pack a wallop of sour flavor, so stick to squeezing the juice onto mouth-watering steak tacos, and even as a natural flavoring for your water.

If you’re unsure about your iron levels, talk to your doctor about a blood test that can determine if you’re inadequate.

In Your Corner,

Dr. Allan Spreen

Sources:

Ramen, Ryan. “Limes: A Citrus Fruit with Powerful Benefits.” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/limes#benefits

Levine, Hallie. “The Outlook on Untreated Iron Deficiency Anemia.” https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/iron-deficiency-anemia-untreated