5 Unexpected Nutritional Benefits of Eating Beef Organs

article by Ancestral Nutrition

Beef organs are among the most nutrient-dense foods available, offering a wide spectrum of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. While they’ve been valued by traditional cultures for centuries, many people are just now rediscovering their nutritional richness. Here are five key ways beef organs can support overall wellbeing, based on their nutrient content.

1. Nutrients That Support Hormone Health

Beef liver is a natural source of vitamin A in its active form, retinol. Vitamin A plays a role in supporting normal immune function and contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and mucous membranes. It also assists in cell development, which is relevant to hormone-producing tissues. In addition, beef liver provides cholesterol—a structural component of many hormones—and thyroid-supportive nutrients like iodine and zinc.

Did you know? Without sufficient vitamin A, the body may struggle to synthesise certain compounds essential to hormonal processes.

2. Bone-Supporting Nutrients

Beef liver provides vitamin K2, a form of vitamin K found in animal products. Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting and supports bone structure when combined with a diet sufficient in calcium and vitamin D. Including food sources of K2 may help maintain bone strength and skeletal integrity.

Fun Fact: K2 works with vitamin D to support calcium use in the body.

3. Nutrients That Support Skin Health

Liver is a well-known source of vitamin A, which contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin. It also contains copper and glycine, which are involved in collagen formation. These nutrients support the structure and elasticity of skin when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Tip: Foods rich in copper and amino acids like glycine help support your body’s natural collagen production.

4. Brain-Supportive Nutrients

Beef liver and kidney are excellent sources of choline, which contributes to normal liver function and supports neurological processes. Choline is involved in neurotransmitter production, and adequate intake is especially important during pregnancy and for brain development. These organs also contain iron and zinc, minerals that support normal cognitive function.

Nutritional Insight: Choline is an essential nutrient, often grouped with B-vitamins, needed for normal nervous system function.

5. Natural Compounds That Support the Body’s Metabolism

Organ meats such as liver are rich in molybdenum, a trace mineral that acts as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in normal metabolic functions. This includes processing sulphur-containing amino acids and other compounds through the liver.

Did you know? Just a small serve of beef liver can meet your daily requirement for molybdenum.

Prefer Capsules to Cooking Organ Meats?

If you're not a fan of the taste or texture of organ meats, you're not alone. That's why we’ve created a simple way to enjoy their nutritional benefits. Our beef liver and beef organ supplements are available in convenient capsules or powder form.