One of the top questions is “how to increase my iron levels”. That is always tricky to answer as Iron is the supplement you don’t want to take too much of.
Turns out there is a more effortless and super affordable way to increase iron and it is The Lucky Iron Fish. Don’t worry, it is not actually a fish.
The Lucky Iron Fish is an actual product; even better, it works well to help you increase and maintain healthy iron levels.
I was also skeptical when I first heard about it. I sent off an email to confirm that it is indeed legit and very effective for most athletes that are low in iron.
“For years, I’ve recommended cooking in cast iron for the same reason as using the Iron Fish, though this is a simpler way to achieve the same result without having to clean and “season” the skillet after making dinner.” – Dr. Kevin Sprouse.
How does The Lucky Iron Fish work?
The Iron Fish is an FDA-certified food-grade electrolytic iron powder that is a powerful source of iron when added to any boiling liquid, soups, tea, or coffee.
You boil the water with the fish in it, and it will add 6mg to 8mg of iron to the water with each usage. You, of course, “remove” the iron fish using a spoon and set it aside for next time.
Get this. It lasts for up to 5 years!
Here is how to use it:
1) Boil the water
2) Add 2 to 3 drops of something acidic to the water like citrus, vinegar, lemon juice, or just having a tomato sauce also works.
3) Add the Iron Fish
4) Boil for 10 minutes
5) Remove the Iron Fish and dry it off.
Why is iron an essential mineral for athletes?
Iron is essential in making red blood cells – which carry oxygen around the body. As an athlete, you may lose iron through sweat or red blood cell destruction (which can occur when working your muscles).
Low iron levels can negatively impact your performance in a big way. Athletes experience low energy, lack of focus, and constantly feeling fatigued.
Incorporating The Lucky Iron Fish into your cooking is an easy way to ensure more iron in your diet – as I mentioned, the fish releases 6-8mg daily, an ideal daily supplement for men and women.
PRO HACK: How to make Iron Ice Cubes
The best way to get all the iron released in your boiling water is to make Iron Ice Cubes. You then use the ice cubes in the blender for your next recovery shake or your water bottle for rehydration.
1) Follow the instructions above for boiling water for 10 minutes with the iron fish and three drops of lemon juice.
2) Remove the iron Fish
3) Freeze the water into ice cubes.
What I like best about this is you always get the full 6mg to 8mg of iron when you consume the ice cubes.
The Lucky Iron Fish® is a simple, reusable, and effective cooking tool that adds extra iron to your daily foods or drinks.
It is made from food-grade electrolytic iron powder that is FDA certified and approved for food fortification worldwide.
The Lucky Iron Fish is a side-effect-free source of iron, especially for those with iron deficiency anemia.
DRG