So IS spinach a good source of iron?

I'm confused.

I have seen sites that say spinach is a good source of iron. Others that say it contains oxalic acid which inhibits absorption.

I've read that you will absorb iron from spinach if you eat it with a source of vitamin C. But then I've also heard that the ocalic acids it contains wipes out any other iron absorption from the entire meal.

I don't know who to believe. What do you all think?

I'm sorry but I dunno the answer, but I'm iterested too so I just

BUMP!

hoping somebody knows if we should better eat spinach or a steak

http://www.healthcastle.com/iron-spinach.shtm l offers this advice

Simply eat spinach with any foods containing iron absorption enhancers. Here are some examples:

Iron Absorption Enhancers

• Meat/fish/poultry
• Fruits: Orange, Orange Juice, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapefruit and other Vitamin-C rich fruits
• Vegetables: Broccoli, brussels sprouts, tomato, tomato juice, potato, green & red peppers
• White wine

Spinach and wine FTW!

Also, cooking the spinach destroys the oxalic acid and increases absorption.  

Just to answer the 'steak or spinach' part of the question.  225g grilled rump steak would contain about 4.1mg iron.  200g baked beans in tomato sauce contains 2.8mg.  A 30g bowl of branflakes contains 6mg. An 80g serving of spinach contains 1.4mg.  3 tablespoons of garden peas also contains 1.4mg.

Spinach is just one iron-rich food.  Get a good variety of different foods and you'll get plenty of iron.

Original Post by thesnarf:

Spinach and wine FTW!

 hahaha I'm with thesnarf... any alcohol requirement to eat a certain food is a winner in my book. And I thought I loved spinach before...

Spinach is a tasty food cooked or uncooked (my preference is cooked). It is used a lot in indian cooking and we have it with meat or fish and on its own. Of course normally we cook it, which makes it tastier.

My advice just eat it!

Spinach is a good source of iron, but it is not easily absorbed in the body like meat. You're supposed to eat it with foods with another vitamin (which I can't remember the name..) that will help it be absorbed. Either way, spinach is really good for you in many ways so eat it anyway :]