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High Iron, High Levels of Delicious-ness: Brown Bread

By HERWriter
 
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As the host of a perpetually weird menstrual cycle, I have been known to skip my period for many months at a time, or have light bleeding for only 3 days, or enjoy a very regular 28-day cycle for half a year and then have everything go haywire again at the drop of a hat. So recently, when my period lasted for 3 weeks, I was only slightly concerned. (Cause is yet to be determined, let me know if you have any insight!) Still, I decided that this extended bleeding time merited some extra care for my body. Specifically, I wanted to combat the effects of anemia – low levels of iron.

The Recommended Daily Allowance of iron for women ages 18-50 is 18mg/day. Recent studies have shown that only a small percentage of women actually meet this recommendation on a regular basis. Anemia can leave you feeling tired or weak, affect your ability to concentrate, and in extreme cases cause headaches, dizziness or poor circulation. Iron intake is important no matter your age and gender for its immunity boosting, cell-building properties, but for women of menstruating age, the nutrient is especially crucial. Because women generally lose about 15-20 mg of iron each month during their period, replenishment is important!

Below is a recipe for delicious, iron-rich quick bread. This sweet and easy snack/dessert is low in fat and high in fiber. Because the recipe uses molasses as a sweetener, one serving provides you with not only about 20% of your daily iron requirements, but also of calcium, magnesium and potassium. It is chock full of good nutrients, and might just satisfy that sweets craving too!

Ingredients
• 1 Egg (can be replaced with one mashed banana)
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 cup white flour
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• dash of salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup oatmeal
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• ¼ cup raisins (optional)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Combine flours, oats, salt, cinnamon, baking soda and baking powder in small bowl
3. Mix egg, molasses and brown sugar in large bowl
4. Slowly add dry ingredients to the molasses mixture, mixing until well combined
5. Mix teaspoon of vinegar into milk and add both liquids to the batter. The mixture should be smooth and thick – not runny. If too thin, add more oats.
6. Stir in raisins, if desired.
7. Bake 35-45 minutes or until knife inserted into bread comes out clean.

Enjoy with a tall glass of skim milk, and you will be well on your way to your recommended daily intake of iron, calcium, fiber and whole grains. Please report back with any good variations!!

Add a Comment7 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

whats molasses

September 26, 2018 - 4:18am
HERWriter Guide (reply to Anonymous)

Hello Anon

Molasses is a thick, sweet syrup. You can find it in any grocery store and often at farmers markets. 

Best,

Susan

September 26, 2018 - 12:37pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hi! Can you tell me how much is considered "1 serving"? It sounds so tasty and I want to make for my son who is low in iron. Thanks!

May 22, 2018 - 6:47pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I recently made this bread as a Saturday afternoon activity. I enjoyed it with some peanut butter and jam (my favorite from the farmer's market). It was wonderful and I feel full of iron!

October 17, 2010 - 8:44am
HERWriter (reply to Anonymous)

Wow, this sounds like a perfect Saturday afternoon! Out of curiosity, which type of jam did you use?

October 19, 2010 - 3:53am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

My roommate made bread yesterday using your recipe and it was DELICIOUS! It had the sweetness of banana bread and the moistness of a home-baked loaf of sandwich bread. Thanks!

October 17, 2010 - 8:31am
HERWriter (reply to Anonymous)

I'm so glad you were both able to enjoy! I hope it gave you the energy you needed to do whatever you did the rest of the day/night!

October 19, 2010 - 3:51am
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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