10 Foods Loaded With Iron

3. Ham

Ham is a popular deli meat, appetizer, and main course that you’ve probably had on sandwiches or accompanying holiday feasts. It’s a pork product made from the legs of pigs. Red meat is typically preserved using salt or smoke, though the method varies depending on the variety. You may be wondering if ham is healthy because it is a processed meat. Ham is especially high in selenium, delivering up to 76 percent of the daily value (DV) per 2 ounces (57 grams), depending on the kind. Selenium is a vital nutrient that helps with reproduction, DNA formation, and infection resistance. Pork products, such as ham, contain more iron, thiamine, and other B vitamins than chicken and fish. However, pork may contain fewer nutrients than other red meats, such as beef. In addition, ham contains all nine necessary amino acids, making it a complete protein. Amino acids aid in protein synthesis and serve important roles in metabolism, gene expression, and cell communication. Furthermore, this beloved red meat includes enough amounts of phosphorus, zinc, and potassium, which aid in the production of energy, the fight against infections, and the maintenance of heart health.