Organ meats are the most concentrated source of just about every nutrient, including important vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and essential amino acids. They were revered staple food for our ancestors for thousands of years but more recently are overlooked, mainly due to our changing perceptions and modern preference for muscle meat.
Interestingly, organ meats are far higher in nutrients than the muscle meats we’re used to eating. In addition to containing all kinds of important vitamins and minerals, organs are an outstanding source of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, (and all other B vitamins), copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous, manganese, and iron, which is in a form that is particularly easily absorbed and used by the body.
By including more organ meats in our diet we can boost levels of vital nutrients that are hard to come across on the modern menu. What’s more, getting nutrients in their natural form, means that they are easier to absorb and utilized by the body.
Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits and nutrients that you could get by consuming freeze-dried grass-fed beef organs:
Strengthen your muscles
Organ meats are a source of high-quality protein, which is important for building and retaining muscle mass.
They contain lots of iron, Vitamin B12, and 16 essential amino acids which are essential for muscle development. (1, 2, 3)
Preventing iron deficiency
It is stated that iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Over 80 percent of people around the world are suffering from iron deficiency.
To protect your body from iron deficiency, you need heme-iron. Organs are one of the top sources of heme-iron, which is easier to absorb compared to non-heme iron. Organs contain heme-iron, which is highly bioavailable. In cross-sectional studies, only meat intake has consistently (positively) been associated with higher serum ferritin concentrations.
Iron is a mineral that’s vital to your health. All of your cells contain some form of iron, but most of the iron in your body is in your red blood cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen from your lungs to the organs and tissues throughout your body. Also, iron creates energy from nutrients.
Iron also plays a prominent role in brain development and cognitive improvement. (4, 5, 6)
Keeps you fuller for longer
Many studies have shown that high-protein diets can reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. They may also promote weight loss by increasing your metabolic rate. Additionally, foods high in nourishing nutrients reduce cravings. (7, 8)
Improves brain and mental health
Organ meats are among the world’s best sources of choline, which is an essential nutrient for brain, muscle and liver health that many people don’t get enough of.
It impacts liver function, healthy brain development, muscle movement, your nervous system and metabolism. Choline is required to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating memory, mood and intelligence. It is also needed for the process that synthesizes DNA, which is important for brain function and development. (9, 10, 11, 12)
Enhances cognitive function
There is an abundant amount of Vitamin B12 in organ meats. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin required for neurological health.
Low serum vitamin B12 levels are associated with neurodegenerative disease, cognitive impairment and brain volume decrease. (13, 14, 15)
Perfect source of supernutrient CoQ10
Organ meats are a perfect source of supernutrient Coenzyme Q10, a particularly abundant amount is found in grass-fed beef heart. CoQ10 is a compound that helps generate energy in your cells.
Many neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, cancer, fibromyalgia, muscular and cardiovascular diseases have been associated with low CoQ10 levels.
CoQ10 has been shown to help improve heart and brain health, it helps with exercise performance, keeps skin young and helps with blood sugar regulation, assists in the prevention and treatment of cancer and reduces the frequency of migraines. (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
Supports healthy pregnancy
Several of the vitamins found in organ meats are crucial for promoting a healthy pregnancy.
Vitamin B6, for example, decreases pain responses to menstrual cramps and may also help eliminate some nausea usually experienced in the “morning sickness” phase of pregnancy.
Folate is also crucial to fetal growth and development, which is why it’s found in almost all prenatal supplements and diet plans.
Low folate levels during pregnancy are specifically associated with neural tube defects like spina bifida, anencephalus and heart complications. (22, 23)
Better recognition memory and physical endurance
Organ meats provide all essential amino acids – one of them is creatine, which is only found in animal foods. Creatine’s natural function in the body is to supply our cells with energy.
It’s revered by bodybuilders and athletes as a way to improve their endurance. But it’s also important to the brain – studies have shown that increasing your intake can provide a range of benefits, such as a better recognition memory and reduced mental fatigue. (24, 25)
Relieves depression and lowers inflammation
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are incredibly important. They have many powerful health benefits for your body and brain. EPA and DHA – biologically active forms of omega-3, occur mostly in animal foods.
Omega-3s can relieve depression and anxiety. In a randomized controlled trial, omega-3 supplementation lowered inflammation. Omega-3s also improve eye health. Studies also indicate that omega-3s can improve bone strength by boosting the amount of calcium in your bones, which should lead to a reduced risk of osteoporosis. Good sleep is one of the foundations of optimal health and studies in both children and adults reveal that supplementing with omega-3 increases the length and quality of sleep.
Omegas also reduce coronary heart disease. (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)