Perhaps you heard your grandparents talk about the importance of eating organ meats? Strange tasting things like beef liver, kidney, heart, and even brain (yes really!). They ate these foods for good reason as they offer a whole lot more than the lean muscle meats that we are used to eating today. So what exactly do organ meats have to offer?

The answer may surprise you as it is A LOT!  If you only take home one thing from this article, make sure it's this ...

"Organ meats are THE most concentrated source of just about every nutrient, including vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and essential amino acids". They are literally the forgotten superfoods of our time.

They also happen to be very cheap compared to muscle meat (and organ meats from grass-fed animals are EVEN HIGHER in nutrients than organs from grain-fed animals).  So, not only do you get to eat the most nutrient dense foods on the plant, they won't put you out of pocket in the meantime!

The Difference Between Organ & Muscle Meats

Compared to the usual muscle meats that we are used to eating (chicken breast, lean mince and steaks etc), organ meats are more densely packed with just about every nutrient you could list. This includes the whole range of B vitamins such as: B1, B2, B6, folate and the very important vitamin B12. B Vitamins help convert food into chemical energy to fuel our cells and supports the burning of fats into chemical energy.

Organ meats are also loaded with an abundance of minerals like like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, iodine, calcium, potassium, sodium, selenium, zinc and manganese and provide the important fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.  Minerals are needed for heart, bone and brain function, as well as the production of hormones and enzymes.

The benefits do not stop there as organ meats are known to have some of the highest concentrations of naturally occurring vitamin D of any food source. They also contain high amounts of essential fatty acids, including arachidonic acid and the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA.

A Word About Beef Liver, Kidney & Heart

Beef liver is known to be a true superfood and one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin A. In addition to containing dozens of important vitamins and minerals, it is an outstanding source of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 (and other B-Vitamins), copper, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, and iron, which is in a form that is particularly easily absorbed and used by the body.

Beef kidneys are packed with several B vitamins and are also a naturally occurring source of selenium, iron, copper, phosphorus and zinc. Consumption of beef kidney supports the detoxification pathways and the antioxidant defence system which can help bolster immunity.

Even though heart is technically a muscle, it also is also a superfood. Heart is a very concentrated source of the super-nutrient, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, important for cardiovascular health and also rich in kidney and liver), contains an abundance of Vitamin A, Vitamin B12; folic acid, iron, selenium, phosphorus and zinc, and is the number one food source of copper.

Beef heart also contains twice as much collagen and elastin than regular meats which are essential for connective tissue health, join health and digestive health.

Irrespective of the time of year, having robust immunity is vital for maintaining optimal health and protecting the body against infections and diseases. While various factors influence our immunity system, nutrition plays a key role and we're not just taking about reaching for the honey and lemon when you feel the onset of a cold.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the consumption of beef organs for their potential immune-boosting benefits. Packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, beef organs offer a unique combination of compounds that can support and strengthen our immunity system. In this short article, we delve into the benefits of consuming beef organs and their role in enhancing immune function.

Nutrient Density

Beef organs, such as liver, heart, and kidney, are nutrient powerhouses. They are rich sources of essential nutrients required for a robust immunity system. These organs provide a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that play vital roles in immune function.

Liver, for instance, is a nutrient-packed organ known for its high content of vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and copper. Vitamin A is essential for the development and regulation of immune cells, while B vitamins, including B12 and folate, support immune cell production and function. Iron and copper are crucial for immune cell activity and the production of antibodies.

Antioxidant Support

Beef organs also contain potent antioxidants that help protect the immune system from oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress can weaken immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections.

The antioxidant compounds found in beef organs, such as vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, and zinc, help neutralise harmful free radicals and support a balanced immune response. Vitamin C, in particular, plays a vital role in supporting immune cell function and enhancing the body's ability to fight off pathogens.

Enhanced Immune Cell Activity

Consuming beef organs can stimulate and enhance the activity of immune cells, leading to a stronger immune response. These organs contain bioactive compounds that support immune cell development, function, and communication.

Eating beef liver enhances immune cell activity due to its high content of immune-supporting nutrients. Rich in vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, copper, and glutathione, beef liver provides essential components for the development, activation, and functioning of immune cells. Vitamin A aids in the maturation of T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells, while B vitamins support immune cell production and activity. Iron and copper are necessary for immune cell function, and glutathione protects immune cells from oxidative stress. By including beef liver in your diet, you can promote optimal immune cell activity and strengthen your immune system, think of it as natures immunity booster.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation can impair immune function and increase the risk of diseases. Certain beef organs, such as liver and heart, contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.

Liver, for example, contains bioactive peptides with anti-inflammatory properties. These peptides help regulate the immune system's inflammatory response, promoting a balanced and appropriate reaction to pathogens and reducing the risk of chronic inflammation.

The Final Word

Incorporating beef organs into your diet can provide numerous immune-boosting benefits. Their nutrient density, antioxidant content, and ability to enhance immune cell activity make them a valuable addition to a well-rounded diet. Beef liver, in particular, stands out as a potent source of immune-supporting nutrients such as vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, copper, and glutathione. These nutrients play crucial roles in the development, activation, and functioning of immune cells, ultimately enhancing immune cell activity.

Kidneys: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Kidneys are rich in many nutrients such as riboflavin, vitamin B12, iron, and selenium. They also contain Vitamin K2, which helps to distribute calcium throughout the body where it is needed most. 

They are good sources of protein, zinc, Vitamin A, copper, and folate. Just one 100-gram portion, or 3.5-ounce, serving of kidney contains about 20 grams of protein. Other nutritional benefits of kidneys include:

• Riboflavin raises the metabolic rate, which boosts energy levels
• Vitamin B12 and Folate promotes healthy brain function, and benefits the nervous system
• Iron keeps fatigue at bay and keeps body tissues oxygenated
• Selenium is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system and protects the body's cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental toxins
• Vitamin K2 activates the calcium-binding actions of two proteins — matrix GLA protein and osteocalcin, which help to build and maintain bones
• Copper is a powerful antioxidant that helps with iron absorption as well as strengthens connective tissue
• Zinc is essential for healthy thyroid function and helps the body heal from wounds, and protects the body's cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental toxins
• Vitamin A strengthens both the digestive and respiratory system

It's ideal to get vitamins and minerals through food, however if you struggle with preparing and cooking organ meats, desiccated organ supplements will be the next best thing.

Discover The Benefits of Eating Beef Heart

Eating beef organs has been a staple in our ancestors diets for many years. It seems that they valued the organs due to their abundance of nutrients. In this article we discuss the top four benefits of eating beef heart.

1. Supports Immune System and Energy Production

Beef heart is a good sources of mineral metals such as zinc and iron that have been linked to boost our immunity. Zinc has several attributes toward boosting immunity, including;

• Helps in developing white blood cells that fight pathogens [ disease-causing germs]
• Influences the process of apoptosis [killing damaged cells]
• Functions as an antioxidant and stabilises membranes
• Influences phagocytosis [killing of pathogens], intracellular killing, and production of cytokines.

Iron is also an essential element that can be found in beef organs. Beef heart contains iron and nutrients that are crucial in delivering oxygenated blood throughout the body. A deficiency in iron can leave us feeling exhausted and can lead to anemia.

Beef heart is also rich in six micronutrients that also support health and immunity and are listed below;

• Vitamin B1 [Thiamine] – essential in boosting functions of the heart, mental health, and also the production of energy
• Vitamin B2 [Riboflavin]- helps in energy production, blood health, improved vision, protects cells from pathogen and reduces fatigue
• Vitamin B3 [Niacin] – involved in energy creation, nervous system operations, mental health, and also prevention of chronic diseases
• Vitamin B5 [Pantothenic Acid] – takes part in the production of energy, enhances mental health, and reduces tiredness and fatigue
• Vitamin B12 – enhances immune function, healthy cell division, supports mental health, and reduces fatigue
• Choline – a chemical nutrient that assists in brain membrane formation, memory, muscle control, and mood.

2. Naturally High in Protein

Beef organs are nutritious while offering a good source protein. Protein consumption can reduce appetite and hunger levels brought by the hormone ghrelin. Protein also increases muscle mass and strength since protein is the primary building block of our bodies.

3. Contains Coenzyme Q10 [CoQ10]

CoenzymeQ10 is a fat-soluble vitamin compound and can be found in beef heart. Levels of coenzyme Q10 reduces with age; however, CoQ10 is essential in;

• Production of energy - mitochondria are responsible for energy production, but they need CoQ10 to produce an ATP chemical. ATP is the primary source of energy in our body cells
• An antioxidant - As ATP production continues, the mitochondria also emit free radicals that facilitate cell communication and protect the body against pathogens. If the free radicals are in excess, they cause cell damage. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that helps to neutralise these free radicals.

4. Rich in Collagen and Elastin

Collagen and elastin are fibres that form the foundation of the structure supporting our skin. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our skin and is responsible for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in our skin. Collagen levels reduce as you grow older.

Elastin is found in the dermis, and it is responsible for our skin and organ structure. Elastin also reduces with age. Collagen and elastin are essential to the skin by providing resilience, firmness, and anti-wrinkle ability.

At Ancestral Nutrition, our goal is to provide our customers with the best animal-based nose-to-tail nutrition through our grass-fed beef organ supplements.