Nutritious Beef Liver 

Did you know beef liver is a powerhouse full of wonderful vitamins and essential minerals? Eating organ meats is an ancient wisdom that is lost in today’s modern society. But it is making a comeback, and fortunately, there are multiple ways you can consume organs today. There are great resources available for learning to cook using organ meats, like the Nurishing Traditions or It Takes Guts cookbooks. If learning to cook them is too overwhelming for you right now, you can start by taking them in supplement form. (Both options are available in our shop!)

The concept of eating nose to tail was something our ancestors did. They did not waste like we do today. They priced pieces of the animal based on their nutrient-density, not the flavor profile they preferred. There are recorded stories of ancestors sharing bites of the liver off a fresh kill. Today, we purchase individually wrapped pounds of ground beef and never give it a second thought about what happened to the rest of the 2,000-pound cow. It is a sad disconnect from where our food comes from and the nutrition level it can bring us. 

Benefits of Beef Liver

Beef liver contains high amounts of necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for nutrient-dense health. 

1. Vitamin A 

Vitamin A is essential for vision function, growth & development in children, immune function, reproductive function, skin health, and more. The liver can store natural vitamin A and uses it up quickly in times of stress, so it is essential not to be deficient in it. 

2. Vitamin B6 

B6 helps support brain development, nerve function, red blood cell production, and the immune system.

3. Vitamin B12 

B12 supports DNA synthesis, cell division, metabolism, red blood cell production, and nervous system function. 

4. Vitamin D 

Vitamin D in beef liver helps keep bones and teeth strong, absorb calcium, support the immune system, muscles, and brain cells. 

5. Riboflavin 

Riboflavin supports energy production, eye health, and skin health by protecting the cells from oxidative damage and supporting cell regeneration. 

6. Folate 

Folate supports cell growth and development. It is needed for DNA and RNA synthesis. It is essential to be present at the time of conception and aid with cell division in the natural form of folate, not folic acid. It also helps support red blood cell production and heart health. 

Minerals – 

1. Iron

Iron is a component of hemoglobin and aids in carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It also supports energy production, immune function, hormone production, and growth and development, especially in children. 

2. Copper

Copper is an essential trace mineral that supports enzyme function, brain health, the immune system, bone health, and the cardiovascular system. 

3. Zinc

Zinc supports immune function, growth and development, DNA synthesis, metabolism, and wound healing. 

4. Selenium

Selenium supports thyroid health, immune function, reproduction, DNA synthesis, and protects against oxidative stress. 

Other Nutrients –

1. Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant that supports cells in producing energy and aids in heart health.

2. Choline

Choline supports the nervous system, brain function, fat metabolism, and cell maintenance. 

3. Protein

Proteins in the body help support the building and repairing of tissues and muscle growth. It also enhances immune function and maintains fluid balance. 

Conclusion & Other Resources

Choosing to add beef liver to your diet can enhance your overall health and well-being. I challenge you to give it a try! As always, I encourage you to further your research on the benefits of adding organ meats into your diet, how to cook them, and where you can source locally.

Written By: Jessica