Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has partnered with Welsh athlete Adelé Nicoll to highlight the importance of PGI Welsh Lamb and PGI Welsh Beef.
To highlight World Iron Awareness Week, which commenced on Monday 14th October, HCC has partnered with Nicoll to emphasise the importance of iron in the diet and spotlight Welsh red meat as key sources of iron and other vitamins and minerals.
International athlete Nicoll will be completing the Iron Wo(man) Challenge during the week whereby she will be highlighting the importance of iron in the diet as well as Welsh red meat’s overall nutritional benefits and versatility.
Nicoll will cook three nutritious meals using the same cut of Welsh Lamb, using a Welsh Lamb leg steak to create three quick and nutritious meals, such as Welsh Lamb and sweet potato curry; Welsh Lamb ramen; and Welsh Lamb fajitas. Nicoll will post the recipe videos to her social media channels, where her recent videos have amassed up to 17 million views.
HCC said that data shows over three-quarters of women aged 19-64 are “falling short” of the recommended daily amount of iron (76%), with 25% affected by low-iron intake. The trade body highlighted that iron is required by the body for several different functions, helping to maintain a healthy immune system.
Nicoll, who competes in both bobsleigh and shotput, said she was “eager to educate other females and younger audiences on the importance of a healthy, balanced diet”.
She said: “It’s extremely worrying to see that women still aren’t getting enough iron from their diets with data showing over three-quarters of women aged 19-64 are falling short of the recommended daily amount of iron (76%) with 25% affected by low-iron intake.
“A women’s daily iron requirement is also significantly higher than that of a man, increasing further during menstruation and pregnancy. However, many women don’t realise that there are plenty of easy fixes you can make to ensure you’re getting the right amount.
“A great way to boost iron levels is to prioritise iron-rich foods in your diet. Look at incorporating more animal-based iron sources, such as red meat, into your meals, coupled with plant-based options such as leafy greens, beans and nuts.
“Premium quality Welsh Lamb is reared using traditional farming techniques, which ensures the highest possible standards from farm to fork.”
Welsh athlete Adelé Nicoll
“Red meat is a haem iron, which put simply, means it’s easier for the body to absorb it and the iron in the meat will help absorb the non-haem iron from the plant based sources. Iron is such an important mineral and is a key part of a healthy, balanced diet.”
She continued: “Having been raised in rural mid-Wales, I’ve seen first-hand how Welsh Lamb is sustainably reared in unique, untouched landscapes. Premium quality Welsh Lamb is reared using traditional farming techniques, which ensures the highest possible standards from farm to fork, and that’s why I’m passionate about supporting local produce.”
Philippa Gill, HCC’s campaigns executive, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Adelé to highlight the importance of iron in the diet and, in particular, how Welsh red meat can play a positive role in achieving a healthy and balanced diet.
“As an international athlete, Adelé is a strong advocate for healthy diets and lifestyles and a great role model to young females in particular who require a higher level of iron in their diets; we are very pleased she has been able to work with us on this important campaign.”
