Organ Meats: Health Benefits and Risks

Benefits of Organ Meats

Organ meats are an inexpensive source of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Although most organ meats may be high on cholesterol, they also contain good amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B12, folate, niacin, iron and minerals. They are also an excellent source of potassium.

What Stops People from Eating Organ Meats?

• The “Mad Cow Disease” epidemic a few years ago has made people a bit wary of consuming organ meats.
• Being the primary metabolic organ, liver is known to harbor toxins and drug residues.
• Most organ meats contain very high levels of cholesterol.

Liver: Benefits and Risks

• The liver is a storehouse of vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron and other nutrients which means that it contains a higher percentage of these nutrients as compared to other cuts. In fact, the vitamin A present in liver is 10 times MORE than the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance).
• This particular vitamin, when consumed in excessive quantities, gets stored in the body and may cause liver toxicity. While it is unlikely that an average human being will end up with toxic levels of vitamin A through an occasional diet of liver, it is advisable to include liver only a few times a month for maximum benefits. Individuals with heart disease or high blood cholesterol may avoid liver to a larger extent.
• Liver may be included in the diet on a regular basis after medical consultation if you happen to be suffering from vitamin A or iron deficiency.
• Liver contains lesser calories than most cuts of beef but more cholesterol. But moderate amounts of liver in a normal, healthy diet is not likely to cause any harm.

Other Organ Meats

• Brains contain the highest levels of cholesterol among all organ meats but are a great source of vitamin B12.
• Heart is a good source of high-quality protein, vitamin B12, potassium and iron. It is also significantly low in cholesterol and fat.
• Kidneys too are low in fat and rich in protein. They also contain good amounts of riboflavin, vitamin B6, iron, folate and niacin.
• Sweetbreads (thymus and pancreas) and tongue contain high amounts of fats as well as potassium and vitamin B12.
• Tripe (stomach) is rich in high-quality protein, potassium and minerals.