The Nutritional Powerhouse of Ancestral Diets

Liver is often hailed as one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, and for good reason! Whether consumed as part of a traditional diet or taken in supplement form, liver offers a host of health benefits that make it a vital component of any balanced diet. Here is why we love liver and why you should consider incorporating it into your nutritional plan. 

The Ancestral Wisdom of Eating Liver: 

Our ancestors knew the value of consuming liver long before modern science could explain its benefits. In many traditional cultures, liver was considered a prized part of the animal, often reserved for the most important members of the tribe or used in ceremonies. The nutritional wisdom embedded in these ancestral practices in now backed by scientific research, highlighting liver as a superfood with unparalleled health benefits. 

Nutritional Benefits of Liver: 

1. Rich in Essential Nutrients: 

• Vitamin A: Liver is one of the richest sources of performed vitamin A, essential for vision, immune function, and cellular growth. Vitamin A from animal sources such as liver is more bioavailable than plant-based beta-carotene. 
• B Vitamins: Liver is loaded with B vitamins, including B12, B6, riboflavin, niacin and folate which are all crucial for energy production, brain health and the formation of red blood cells. 
• Iron: The heme iron found in liver is highly absorbable and helps prevent iron-deficiency anaemia, a common issue especially among women and children. 
• Copper: Liver provides a significant amount of copper necessary for iron metabolism, collagen formation, and maintaining healthy nerves and immune function. 

2. High Quality Protein: 

• Liver is an excellent source of high-quality protein, containing all the essential amino acids your body need for muscle repair, growth, and overall maintenance. 

3. Antioxidant Properties: 

• CoQ10: Liver contains Coenzyme Q10 which is a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and energy production. 
• Glutathione: This antioxidant, found in liver helps combat oxidative stress and detoxify the body. 

4. Supports Detoxification: 

• Liver contains compounds like choline and folate, which support the liver’s own detoxification processes, helping to keep your body’s primary detox organ in optimal condition. 

If you are new to taking liver or can’t get around cooking and eating organ meats, taking a supplement can be a fantastic alternative, this is what we do! Liver supplements are more convenient than eating the organ itself because it can be easily added into your daily routine through a capsule or powdered form. Aside from convenience the other benefits to taking liver as a supplement include: 

• Quality and Purity: High-quality liver supplements are typically sources from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals, ensuring they are free from hormones, antibiotics and other harmful additives. 
• Nutrient-Dense: Liver supplements are concentrated, meaning you get a high dose of vitamins and minerals in a small, easy to consume form. 
• Digestive Health: For those with digestive sensitivities, liver supplements can be easier on the stomach compared to consuming the whole liver

By understanding the rich nutritional profile and historical significance of liver, you can appreciate why this organ meat is so highly valued. Whether you choose to eat it fresh or take it as a supplement, liver can play a vital role in your journey towards optimal health. 

References: 

Weston A. Price Foundation. (n.d.). The liver files. Retrieved from https://www.westonaprice.org/the-liver-files/

Healthline. (2020). Why liver is a nutritional powerhouse. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/liver

National Institutes of Health (NIH). (n.d.). Liver. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/