Eat liver…what!?!? If I was told to eat liver 5 years ago I probably would have had a big old chuckle (because yep that's never, ever going to happen), or my other reaction would be screwing up my face in disgust. But, like so many other things in my life, I’ve changed my thoughts about liver. By eating liver, even just a small amount, it goes a very long way in supporting your overall health. In fact I will go as far to say that liver is my #1 go to super food…. Here’s why.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF LIVER
Gram for gram, liver contains more nutrients than ANY OTHER food.
High quality protein
Prevents anemia as it’s rich in iron
Natures most concentrated source of Vitamin A (which is rapidly depleted during times of stress and if you’re on a low-fat diet)
Contains all the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K
One of the best sources of all the B Vitamins, particularly B12
Consuming liver helps your liver function better & aids in detox
Contains trace elements; chromium, zinc, copper
Contains an anti-fatigue factor
A popular belief is that the liver is a storage organ for toxins in the body. While it's true that one of the liver’s role is to neutralise toxins (such as drugs, chemical agents and poisons), it doesn’t store them. With all the nutrients and minerals mentioned above, liver actually supports your body’s detoxification pathways.
BUT I CAN’T EAT LIVER. IT’S JUST SO…. DISGUSTING!
I hear you. Really, I do. I had read plenty of research articles on the benefits of liver before I ever ventured out to buy some. And when I did buy it, it sat in my freezer for a few months.
HOW TO EAT LIVER - A GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS
If you grew up on the standard Australian diet you may need a little help eating liver. Here is one of easy methods for getting more liver into your diet… without dealing with the flavour.
Firstly, it’s important you choose liver that was raised in a healthy environment, free from any toxic contamination and that was grass-fed and grown organically, as a result it will taste better and it will be richer in nutrients and minerals. You can try turkey, duck, chicken, lamb or beef liver, although I prefer to stick to organic chicken or duck livers as they have the least strong ‘livery’ flavour.
If you’re new to liver, or you’ve never tried it before, then the easiest way to eat it is to hide it in and amongst your food. I recommend incorporating it into meatballs, spaghetti mince, rissoles or burger patties. You can get your local butcher to do this for you, ask him to incorporate 1 part ground liver into 4 parts of your mince, meatballs, rissoles or burger patties so you don’t have to deal with the ‘ick’ factor of it.
Here is one of my favourite ways to sneak more liver into not only my diet, but my friends and family. Anyone who eats my ‘Hidden Liver Meatballs’ always #1 ask for the recipe and #2 come back for seconds and thirds as they leave you feeling nourished, energised and completely satisfied.
Hidden Liver Meatballs with Paprika & Garlic
Bacon & Garlic Chicken Liver Pate
Another recipe you can try is this pate recipe. I have converted many liver hating people to liver loving people with this recipe. This goes beautifully on cucumber, celery sticks (like little boats - it makes an awesome snack that way), with carrot sticks, on gluten free crackers or mix a small amount through spaghetti, meatballs or rissoles.
But…..if you absolutely CANNOT bring yourself to even try liver, even hidden amongst beautiful, nourishing food, then desiccated liver from grass-fed cows in capsule form is the next best thing. This supplement is basically the most natural form of all of your B Vitamins. It provides an easy and convenient form of liver and is a really great way to introduce it into your diet so you don’t have to deal with the taste or texture but you still reap all of the amazing health benefits. It will help you if you’re struggling with adrenal fatigue, low energy levels, anaemia, autoimmune disease and so much more.
I recommend THIS brand of Organic Liver capsules to my friends, family and clients.
I know that whenever I'm not dealing with my stress levels as well as what I should be, or it's that time of the month and my energy levels drop, or if I'm generally just feeling like I need an energy boost then I make sure I eat liver or take this supplement until i'm feeling vibrant and energetic again. It 100% always works a treat!
