Cooking in a cast-iron pan may boost dietary iron intake

Many people today experience iron deficiency or its more severe form, iron deficiency anemia, according to HuffPost. Low iron levels in the body can lead to several health issues, including increased fatigue, hair loss and trouble concentrating.

A lesser-known way to raise iron levels

Cast-iron pans are typically praised in the kitchen for their durability and cooking performance, but they reportedly hold another, less widely known benefit: cooking food in them can allow small amounts of iron to transfer into the food itself.

Experts note that certain foods, such as sardines, spinach and red meat, are already naturally rich in iron. However, beyond diet alone, the method of preparation — specifically using a cast-iron pan — can serve as an additional source of this nutrient.

This means people looking to increase their iron intake might consider not only adjusting what they eat, but also what kind of cookware they use.