Is Eating Liver Good for You?

By Chris D. Meletis, N.D.

If you are trying to eat healthy, chances are good you’re going to reach for fruits or vegetables. It probably never occurred to you that eating a slice of beef liver is an equally healthy option. Yet, beef liver contains more vitamins than many fruits and vegetables. One of the liver’s main functions is to store vitamins and minerals, which is why it’s so rich in nutrients. Because of this, beef liver is a nutritious superfood.

For those of you who don’t like the taste of liver or who can’t stand the thought of eating it, there’s another option which I’ll discuss later in this article.

Beef Liver Benefits

As mentioned earlier, beef liver contains a lot of vitamins and minerals. These include the following:

• Vitamin A – Essential for healthy eyes, skin, and immunity¹
• B vitamins – Good for the heart, brain, and mood^2,3
• Vitamin C – Supports immunity and encourages collagen production for radiant skin⁴
• Zinc – Provides immune support^1,5
• Iron – Needed for hemoglobin production
• Phosphorus – Keeps bones and teeth healthy⁶
• Selenium – Important in thyroid and prostate health^7,8
• Copper – Crucial for the body to make optimal amounts of energy

Eating beef liver is also a good way to nourish the body with protein. Meats like beef liver contain all the essential amino acids, and of all the organ meats, beef liver boasts the highest protein content. Protein is important for exercise recovery, building muscle, and reducing hunger. Protein supports repair of tissue and is a building block for bones and cartilage.  

How Beef Liver Supports the Whole Body

 

Beef Liver Benefit	Nutrient(s) Responsible
Boosts energy	Vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, iron, magnesium
Promotes youthful skin	Vitamins C, A, E, zinc
Strengthens bones	Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, protein
Keeps the heart healthy	Potassium, niacin, magnesium
Enhances brain function, focus, and attention	Selenium, copper, niacin, iron
Contributes to physical performance	Magnesium, protein
Optimizes eye health	Vitamin A
Keeps mood calm and relaxed	B vitamins, magnesium
Supports immunity	Vitamins A, C, D, copper, zinc

 

Beef Liver Supplement Benefits

If eating beef liver is unappealing, beef liver supplements are the answer. Trace Minerals Research offers TMAncestral Beef Liver, a beef liver supplement for anyone who wants to tap into the health benefits of beef liver and add more of this superfood into their diet. This TMAncestral Beef Liver supplement is hormone, pesticide, and GMO-free—three factors you can’t be sure of when you eat beef liver from the grocery store.

Conclusion

If you’re wondering whether beef liver is a bounty of nutrient richness, the answer is a resounding yes! It’s loaded with nutrients like vitamins C and A, minerals like selenium and zinc, and it contains a hefty amount of protein to support exercise recovery and tissue repair. The Trace Minerals TMAncestral Beef Liver supplement ensures that even if you find the taste of liver or the idea of eating it unappealing, you don’t have to miss out on all the health benefits it has to offer.  

References: 

1. Kartasurya MI, Marks GC, Ahmed F, Subagio HW, Rahfiludin MZ. Effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune responses in Indonesian pre-schoolers. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020;29(4):732-742.
2. Yuan S, Mason AM, Carter P, Burgess S, Larsson SC. Homocysteine, B vitamins, and cardiovascular disease: a Mendelian randomization study. BMC Med. 2021;19(1):97.
3. Mikkelsen K, Stojanovska L, Apostolopoulos V. The Effects of Vitamin B in Depression. Curr Med Chem. 2016;23(38):4317-4337.
4. Boyera N, Galey I, Bernard BA. Effect of vitamin C and its derivatives on collagen synthesis and cross-linking by normal human fibroblasts. Int J Cosmet Sci. 1998;20(3):151-158.
5. Kurugöl Z, Akilli M, Bayram N, Koturoglu G. The prophylactic and therapeutic effectiveness of zinc sulphate on common cold in children. Acta Paediatr. 2006;95(10):1175-1181.
6. Pereira-da-Silva L, Costa A, Pereira L, et al. Early high calcium and phosphorus intake by parenteral nutrition prevents short-term bone strength decline in preterm infants. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2011;52(2):203-209.
7. Derumeaux H, Valeix P, Castetbon K, et al. Association of selenium with thyroid volume and echostructure in 35- to 60-year-old French adults. Eur J Endocrinol. 2003;148(3):309-315.
8. Vostalova J, Vidlar A, Ulrichova J, Vrbkova J, Simanek V, Student V. Use of selenium-silymarin mix reduces lower urinary tract symptoms and prostate specific antigen in men. Phytomedicine. 2013;21(1):75-81.