Taro leaves contain 1.1 milligrams of iron per 100 grams. Grams is a measure of weight. To put 100 grams in perspective, consider alternative measures for this food:
- 1 cup equals 145 grams.
In the category of vegetables, we included whole vegetable products in the Top 10 list. We excluded dried/dehydrated products from the Top 10. You will find some dehydrated vegetables high in iron per 100 grams,but they tend to be far more volume than anyone would consume. Furthermore, foods may be fortified with iron but are not included in this Top 10 list. The food tested for the particular graph below can be described more specifically as:
Taro leaves, cooked, steamed, without salt
Read more about iron in vegetables or visit our iron-rich foods list.
Vegetables typically are not a great source of iron. Those vegetables that are loaded with iron also have the tendency to be loaded with substances that inhibit iron, making it difficult to absorb a large amount of iron from the vegetable itself.
Yet, even a vegetable with little iron can play a valuable role in your ability to metabolize iron. Vegetables can often be a good source of vitamin C and vitamin C can assist you in utilizing the iron better in your vegetarian foods; cooked taro leaves are a high source of vitamin C.
For instance, you may wish to incorporate peppers and tomatoes with a whole grain salad or with a bean recipe to help you absorb more of the iron in your entire meal. A fresh pineapple treat with a meal would also improve your iron absorption because of the vitamin C in the fruit itself. A glass of fruit juice is yet another a great idea.