Why Beef Organs Are the Ultimate Cold-Weather Whole Food

article by Ancestral Nutrition

As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, many of us naturally shift our eating habits toward warming, grounding meals. Historically, this seasonal transition was met with hearty, nutrient-rich foods that supported overall wellbeing. Among the most prized of these were organ meats — whole foods that have been celebrated for generations due to their dense nutritional profile.

From liver to heart and spleen, beef organs offer a powerful combination of essential vitamins and minerals that can help support energy, immunity, and vitality through the colder months. Let’s explore why these traditional foods are making a modern comeback — and how they can fit into your winter wellness routine.

1. Nutritional Support for Immune Health

When seasonal change affects our daily rhythm, it’s important to nourish our bodies with nutrients that support a healthy immune system.

Beef organs, particularly liver and spleen, are naturally rich in:

Vitamin A, which supports normal immune system function and helps maintain the integrity of mucosal surfaces like the nose and lungs.
Iron, which contributes to normal oxygen transport and plays a role in immune cell activity.
Zinc, which is needed for healthy immune response and helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
Vitamin B12, essential for normal energy metabolism and the functioning of immune cells.

Including these nutrients as part of a balanced diet helps the body function at its best during winter.

2. Natural Energy Support for Shorter Days

It’s common to feel a little slower during the darker months. Nutrients from beef organs may help support the body’s natural energy production pathways, thanks to their content of:

CoQ10, found in beef heart, which supports cellular energy production.
B vitamins, including B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12, which all contribute to energy metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Carnitine, also found in heart, which helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria where energy is generated.

Including organ meats in your meals can help provide steady, food-based support for natural vitality.

3. Nutrient Support for Mental Focus and Wellbeing

Winter can affect more than just our energy — it can also influence our mindset. The nutrients found in organ meats play a role in supporting cognitive health:

Choline, found in liver, supports normal nervous system function and contributes to brain development and memory.
Vitamin B12 and folate, which are involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters that support emotional balance.
Copper and selenium, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and support normal neurological function.

A balanced intake of these nutrients can help maintain mental clarity and focus, especially during seasons when routines and light exposure shift.

4. Skin and Hair Health from the Inside Out

Winter can take a toll on skin and hair, leaving them feeling dry and dull. Beef organs contain key nutrients that help maintain healthy skin, nails, and hair:

Vitamin A, which supports skin cell renewal and helps maintain healthy mucous membranes.
Zinc, which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and supports wound healing.
Collagen and elastin, naturally present in connective tissues, contribute to skin structure and resilience.

Adding these nutrients to your diet supports the skin from within, especially when paired with good hydration and healthy fats.

5. Easy Ways to Include Organ Meats This Winter

If cooking organs isn’t your thing — you're not alone. Fortunately, freeze-dried beef organ supplements provide a convenient and tasteless way to access the same nutrients.

At Ancestral Nutrition, our beef organ supplements are: