Did you know that every breathe you take depends on the iron levels in your body? Iron is an essential mineral, fulfilling a central role in many physiological functions. Among many things, iron helps generate red blood cells and is the central component in hemoglobin, which is in charge of bringing oxygen to cells and organs while also maintaining the immune system's proper function. A lack of iron can lead to reduced vitality and in some cases, anemia. Normal iron levels also help support cognitive and concentration skills, while offsetting hair loss, fatigue, shortness of breath and more.
What causes iron deficiency?
There are many causes for iron deficiency. One such cause is an unbalanced diet, which does not include enough iron sources, especially from animal-based foods such as meat and fish.
The food we eat has two kinds of iron: Heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron is available in animal-based foods and is absorbed more efficiently by the body than non-heme iron, which is found in plant-based foods.
Iron deficiency is common amongst vegetarians and vegans, who rely on plant-based foods with non-heme iron. Yet iron deficiency – and anemia – is also a risk for people with special dietary needs and for people who suffer from iron absorption issues due to various health conditions or medications.
What are the symptoms for iron deficiency?
When the body experiences iron deficiency, it has a hard time supplying the oxygen its cells require – which can lead to numerous physical and mental symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. Furthermore, iron deficiency may cause dizziness and a feeling of instability, especially after rising up quickly or while exercising.
Another symptom is reduced focus, which occurs when the brain does not receive a steady supply of oxygen due to lack of iron. In some cases, iron deficiency may cause hair loss – a condition that can also impact a person's mental state and lead to moroseness.
The availability of iron from a plant-based source should not be taken for granted, since not all plants carry sufficient iron levels. Furthermore, iron presence in plant-based food does not necessarily mean it is available, due to the possible presence of absorption blockers in the same sources.
Mankai is a tiny and completely natural supergreen, whose nutritional profile exceeds that of any other know plant-based source. Its profile includes over 60 essential nutrients, and, as opposed to other plant-based sources – high levels of available iron that is ideal for people with iron deficiency. Mankai's unique attributes make it a natural, balanced solution that can provide iron and support general health.
Mankai is a unique variety developed and distributed by Hinoman, an innovative foodtech company. Mankai grows in hydroponic greenhouses, with the help of advanced and sustainable agricultural methods. A clinical study found that including Mankai in the daily diet significantly improves iron levels!
A widespread 18-month clinical study with 300 participants was conducted by Ben Gurion and Harvard Universities. The participants were divided into three groups:
- A group that solely engaged in physical activity
- A physical activity group that also practiced a regular Mediterranean diet
- A physical activity group that also practiced a green Mediterranean diet that included Mankai. Every participant drank a Mankai shake on a daily basis.
Study results revealed that the third group, which hardly ate animal-based foods and consumed a Mankai shake on a daily basis, experienced different iron measures (hemoglobin, iron, transferrin) that were higher and more stable, in a more distinct manner than groups 1 and 2.
The study's results indicate that Mankai is a rich source of available iron, which is effectively absorbed and integrated into hemoglobin.
Read the full study here.
