Beef liver has risen in popularity recently. Many natural or “crunchy” influencers are showing themselves either taking raw liver or taking daily capsules. There are also people who say it should be avoided, that its dangerous. Not to mention that just the thought of eating raw liver or organs is super gross. So, is liver something that should be avoided or something that should become a part of our daily or weekly routine?
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What Is A Liver, And What Does It Do?
It is a truly incredible organ with over 300 individual functions. We won’t get into all of them but it produces cholesterol and certain proteins for blood plasma. It stores iron and processes hemoglobin. It also clears the blood of drugs and other toxin contaminates. But how does it do this?
Simply put, the liver is a filter for the body. It filters blood and breaks down nutrients and chemicals so the body can use them or dispose of them. Incredibly, it can differentiate between things that need to be added to the waste pile and nutrients which the body needs to thrive. It also produces bile which is the liquid which aids in carrying away the waste.
Therefore, it is a self-cleaning filter. I have heard the argument that it shouldn’t be eaten because it stores toxins, but this is simply not true.
Nose To Tail Nutrition
The concept of nose to tail nutrition has been around since the world began, it just probably wasn’t looked at as a specific way to eat. Think back to some of the earlier stages of civilization. Why would they go through the effort of catching an animal to just discard large portions of it? Even the Native Americans would use every part of an animal after a hunt. The meat was eaten or preserved, the bones became tools, the hide was used as a blanket or clothing, and the organs? They would have been added in with the meat.
Organ meat is extremely high in nutrients. Eating nose to tail provides the body with nutrients and compounds that our corresponding systems need. Many of these organs have abundant levels of heme iron which is essential for the human body.
What Nutrients Does It Contain?
Beef liver is the most nutrient dense meat for its weight. This means 100 grams of beef liver will have the best nutritional value when compared to any other type of meat. It has been nicknames “natures multivitamin” by some and I can see why. It contains:
Vitamin A-
The body uses this to strengthen things such as the urinary, respiratory, and intestinal tracts, the mucous membranes, and the lining of the eyes. It also is used for fighting infection in the body because it is essential to white blood cells and can protect cells from free radicals.
Calcium-
Most of the calcium is used to maintain strength in bones and teeth. It also has a role in blood clotting and nerve function.
Iron-
An essential mineral, some would call it the most important. It is crucial for the production of blood, more specifically the hemoglobin. The body needs this in order to transport oxygen through the blood.
Vitamin B6-
Largely involved the production of hemoglobin. This is the protein in the red blood cells that are used for transporting oxygen around the body.
Vitamin B12-
Crucial for the production of energy. It also assists in the protein producing process and in creating the red blood cells. It is needed for nerve function, and the production of DNA.
Magnesium-
There are many forms of magnesium and many benefits to the human body. Some of those roles are; relaying signals between your body and brain, aids in memory, converting food into energy, protein formation, and many others.
Phosphorus-
This is used in tandem with calcium to build bones and teeth. In addition, it has an important role to play in the kidneys, muscles, and other systems.
Zinc-
This trace mineral for male sexual health, healthy eyes, the production of insulin, and other hormones.
Copper-
Without appropriate amounts of copper, the body cannot properly absorb iron. It is also used in the production of red blood cells, to activate the immune system, develop the nervous system, and for maintaining bones, the brain, and the heart.
Manganese-
Used in the body to support bone health, reduce blood sugar, and for healing wounds.
Vitamin C-
Keeps arteries free and clear by discouraging fat to accumulate along the blood vessel walls. It is also needed for the production of collagen in the human body.
Selenium-
Essential for the human body. It plays a critical role in thyroid function, DNA synthesis, reproduction, as well as protect from oxidative damage.
Thiamine-
Needed for the normal functioning of the nervous system, immune system, heart, and brain. Thiamine also is important for metabolizing carbohydrates for energy.
Riboflavin-
Also known as Vitamin B2 riboflavin is used by the body in supporting the metabolism and allowing the body to access energy from nutrients found in your diet. This is crucial for bodily growth and red blood cell production.
Niacin-
Also crucial for supporting your metabolism and converting food into energy. It is also known for supporting the skin, nerves, and digestive system.
Folate-
Many people are familiar with folic acid which is the oxidized and synthetic form of folate. This is something strongly recommended for pregnant women because it is used for red blood cell formation, tissue growth, as well as the growth and function of healthy cells.
Vitamin D-
This is needed in order for the body to absorb calcium and remineralize your bones. Another role it plays is to aid in cell growth along with nerve, immune, and muscle functions.
Choline-
A nutrient used for cell formation, and structure. The human body does not produce choline on its own, so it is crucial to get it from natural food sources.
CoQ10-
Also known as coenzyme q10 and is most known for generating energy in cells. This also aids in regulating skin and heart health.
Benefits Of Beef Liver
Due to the high levels of so many essential nutrients it aids in the body’s normal functions. When our bodies are getting proper nutrition, they can operate more smoothly and efficiently. It can
Boost energy
Improve digestion
Maintain healthy cholesterol
Boost metabolism
Support fertility
Aid in menstrual management
Support better sleep
Naturally boost metabolism
Maintain healthy blood sugar
Encourage cardiovascular health
Supports fertility
Beef liver really does seem like the perfect vitamin. The nutrients are naturally occurring and not constructed in a lab which makes them more bioavailable. This means they are easier for a body to absorb and use. Many supplements are made from synthetic forms of the vitamins or minerals and our bodies cannot properly use the nutrients. Therefore, they get passed in the urine and all the money we spent on good supplements goes to waste.
Capsule vs. Meal
There are many ways to consume liver. If you are hard core, you can swallow chunks of it raw. Chopping raw liver into tiny pill-sized bits and freezing them is an option. Then these can be taken like a pill or capsule and just swallowed down. Personally, I cannot stand the taste of raw liver because it tends to be very metallic. This is a very cost-effective option because buying liver from a local farmer will be cheaper than buying capsules.
There are many ways to cook liver to be quite delicious. Liver pate is an extremely nutrient dense addition to any meal and is seen as a delicacy by some.
I choose to take capsules because I don’t like the taste of raw liver, maybe I will get there one day. I have not ventured too far into the world of cooking liver for my family but am trying to experiment more and more. For now, capsules are the safest and easiest option for me. If choosing capsules for yourself, make sure they are grass fed beef liver (Code UNHURRIED) so you get the highest quality and most nutrient dense supplement possible.
Heating the meat can cause some of the nutritional value to decrease which is why consuming it raw is recommended by so many. Desiccated liver is usually raw liver that has been freeze dried, and therefore is void of any moisture. This allows it to stay shelf stable much longer while still maintaining the high nutritional content. Freese drying leaves at least 90% – 95% of the nutrients intact during the process.
Beef Liver Summary
I do think because of the high nutritional content it is worth it to consume. IT is often much more cost effective than multivitamins because the nutrients are more bioavailable, therefore our bodies can absorb more of those vital vitamins and minerals.
I have heard of some people having a histamine reaction to beef liver when starting it. It is always suggested to start slowly just to be safe. For example, I started taking one capsule per day and increased the amount by one each week until I was taking 6 each morning.
Natures multivitamin. Are you going to try it?
The two brands we like for capsules are:
Equip foods beef liver (code UNHURRIED saves you 15% on your first order)
Perfect supplements beef liver – Code ESSENTIAL10 saves you 10% any time you place an order!
As always, no pressure to purchase through my links. If you do I so appreciate the support and hope you use the codes to save yourself a few dollars. Enjoy!
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