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Nutritional and Health Benefits of Eating Beef Liver

written by

Alyssa Hitzfield

posted on

June 11, 2024

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Looking for a low-cost, highly nutritious centerpiece for your next meal? Then you need to try beef liver. 

This often-overlooked organ meat is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s lean yet rich in protein, with high levels of vitamin A, B12, and iron. Plus, with its tender texture and creamy flavor, it’s as delicious as it is nutritious.

Not only is beef liver super tasty and easy to cook, but it’s also a sustainable choice. When you buy beef liver and other ethically sourced organ meats, you help to ensure no part of the animal goes to waste. 

Still a little uncertain? Let’s look at all the benefits of beef liver in more detail! 

Nutritional Values of Beef Liver

Did you know beef liver is the most nutrient-dense meat you can eat? 

US Department of Agriculture data shows that a serving (113g) contains just 150 calories. Each bite is packed with vitamin A, zinc, iron, and more.

But to get the full health benefits of beef liver, you’ll need to opt for grass-fed and grass-finished.

GMO grains, antibiotics, and steroids compromise the cow’s liver quality and nutritional value. Studies show that grass-fed liver contains up to four times more nutrients than grain-fed.

So, here’s the nutritional profile you can expect from grass-fed beef liver:

High in Protein

A serving of beef liver provides an impressive 23 grams of protein, making it an excellent source of essential amino acids. 

Your body needs amino acids to build and repair muscle, maintain brain function, and balance blood sugar levels. 

Plus, from a weight management perspective, beef liver helps keep you fuller for longer. So, you’re less likely to reach for an unhealthy snack after your meal.

Rich in Vitamins

Beef liver is abundant in plenty of essential vitamins your body needs to function optimally: 

  • Vitamin A: One serving of beef liver has 380% of your body’s daily vitamin A needs. This vitamin is essential for healthy vision, glowing skin, and fighting free radicals. 
  • B-complex vitamins: Beef liver contains almost half your RDA of several B vitamins. These are essential for nervous system health, mood regulation, and metabolic function.

Packed with Minerals

Beef liver is an excellent source of fatigue-fighting iron. A serving contains 30% of your daily intake. 

But that’s not all. This tasty, tender meat also provides 50% of your daily selenium, 40% of your zinc, and 31% of your phosphorus requirements. 

These vital minerals have powerful antioxidant properties. They play crucial roles in thyroid gland function, sleep regulation, and DNA production.

Contains Coenzyme Q10

Beef liver is an excellent source of the antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), offering 3 mg per 100g. CoQ10 protects cells from damage and maintains a healthy metabolism.

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Health Benefits of Eating Beef Liver

Now that we’ve explored beef liver’s impressive nutritional profile, let’s delve into the benefits of incorporating it into your diet.

Supports Immune Function

Your ‘immunity’ is your body’s ability to fight off infections and prevent harmful cell changes. Beef liver contains plenty of vitamins and minerals to boost immune function. 

Firstly, its A and B vitamins help your body maintain healthy, normal immune cells. 

Plus, the iron and copper in beef liver encourage antibody production. This helps your body fight off toxic antigens that could make you sick. 

Boosts Energy Levels

A common cause of persistent fatigue is iron deficiency anemia. People get this when they don't have enough iron in their diet.

Iron is vital for transporting oxygen to the muscles and brain. It plays a crucial role in both mental agility and physical performance. Low iron levels can even manifest as a lack of focus and increased irritability.

Luckily, beef liver offers a delicious solution to this problem. It provides a healthy dose of iron to boost your energy levels. Plus, thanks to its vitamin and mineral content, beef liver also helps stabilize energy levels and promote restful sleep.

Promotes Healthy Vision

You’ve likely heard that munching on carrots can do wonders for your eyesight. That's because this vegetable contains plenty of vitamin A and retinol. 

Vitamin A maintains optimal eye health in several ways. It fends off macular degeneration, tackles dry eyes, and bolsters sight in dimly lit environments.

But you don't need to eat lots of carrots to get a healthy dose of vitamin A. Beef liver has three times the amount per 100 grams.

Enhances Brain Health

Beef liver is what's known as "brain food." This is because it supports healthy brain functioning. 

In fact, Chicago Medical School found that people who regularly eat beef liver have better memory and a lower risk of Alzheimer's than others. 

The omega-3 fatty acids in beef liver can also protect your brain as you age. Qingdao University found these nutrients directly protect against cognitive decline. 

Improves Muscle Mass and Repair

Adequate protein intake is crucial for sustaining and developing muscle mass. When you consume protein, your body breaks it down into amino acids. These amino acids are then used for tissue repair, hormone regulation, and energy synthesis.

However, not all foods are complete proteins. This means they lack some of the nine essential amino acids your body needs. 

Enter beef liver—a delicious, complete protein source. With over 20g of protein per serving, it’s a great choice for post-workout recovery or boosting daily protein intake.

Supports Skin Health

Another benefit of beef liver is that it can make you glow from the inside out. Firstly, it's rich in retinol. This vitamin promotes healthy cell turnover, giving you a fresh and clear complexion.

Beef liver also contains youth-boosting peptides like glutathione and collagen. These help to maintain skin elasticity and firmness.

The B vitamins in beef liver also support skin health. Vitamin B2, for example, repairs damaged skin cells and stimulates new growth. Vitamin B3, or niacin, keeps skin hydrated and inflammation at bay.

Aids in Detoxification

Besides being incredibly tasty, eating beef liver is also good for your liver. This is because it contains two important compounds: 

  • Glutathione helps with detoxification, neutralizing harmful toxins that can damage the liver. 
  • Choline prevents fat buildup in the liver, reducing the risk of fatty liver disease and promoting overall liver health.

Precautions 

While beef liver is healthy to eat, it’s essential to enjoy it as part of a balanced and diverse diet. That's because of its high vitamin A content. 

Vitamin A is fat-soluble, meaning it's stored in the body. Consuming too much of it can be harmful. So, it's best to eat beef liver once a week for most people. 

Certain demographics will need to be more cautious: 

  • Pregnant women: Too much vitamin A has been linked to birth defects. It’s best that pregnant women avoid beef liver during pregnancy. 
  • Gout sufferers: All organ meats are naturally high in purines. While eating purines is fine for most, people with gout should avoid high-purine foods.

Try Our Delicious Grass-Fed Beef Liver Today!

Now that you're familiar with beef liver's nutritious benefits, it's time to try it for yourself! Check out these simple beef liver with onion recipes. 

Order Seven Sons’ grass-fed beef liver today and unlock the health benefits of this meat. 

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