Dr.'s Blog

As a healthcare provider focused on holistic wellness, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations in patients who incorporate traditional nutrient-dense foods into their modern diets. What many don’t realize is that our ancestors’ nutritional wisdom wasn’t just tradition – it was supported by something our modern research has only recently begun to understand: the extraordinary nutrient density of organ meats.

Beyond the Basic Benefits

When I first began researching organ meats, I was astounded by the data. Traditional diets incorporating organ meats show nutrient profiles that are simply impossible to replicate with modern “healthy” foods alone. Consider this: indigenous populations consuming organ meats regularly demonstrate 10 times lower rates of nutrient deficiencies compared to modern societies. The implications for our current health challenges are profound.

The Scientific Reality of Organ Meat Nutrition

Liver: Nature’s Most Potent Multivitamin

The nutritional profile of liver is nothing short of extraordinary. What surprised me most in my research was the sheer concentration of nutrients compared to common foods. A single 3-ounce serving of liver contains:

• More vitamin A than 15 pounds of carrots
• More B12 than a month’s worth of beef consumption
• Higher folate levels than any known plant food
• 10 times the nutrient density of muscle meat
• More bioavailable iron than 3 cups of spinach

In my clinical practice, these numbers translate into real results. Patients incorporating liver into their diets regularly report significant improvements in energy, immune function, and overall vitality within weeks.

Heart: The Overlooked Athletic Supplement

What most people don’t realize about heart meat is that it provides nutrients in concentrations that would be incredibly expensive – or impossible – to obtain through supplementation. The research shows heart tissue contains:

• 10 times more CoQ10 than leading supplements
• The highest natural concentration of L-carnitine found in any food
• A precise amino acid profile that perfectly matches human muscle tissue needs

For my athletic patients, this translates into improved endurance, faster recovery times, and better overall performance – benefits that would cost hundreds of dollars monthly to achieve through supplementation alone.

Brain: Cognitive Support Beyond Compare

The brain tissue nutrient profile reveals something remarkable about nature’s design. Get this – it contains:

• The highest natural concentration of DHA (essential for brain function)
• Phosphatidylserine levels that would cost upwards of $200 to obtain in supplement form
• Unique brain-specific proteins that support cognitive function in ways we’re only beginning to understand

Quality Matters: The Critical Difference

Here’s something that transformed my understanding of organ meat quality – studies show grass-fed organs contain:

• 4 times the omega-3 fatty acids of conventional sources
• 5 times higher CLA content (a crucial anti-inflammatory compound)
• 3 times more antioxidant compounds
• 6 times the vitamin E content

This isn’t just academic – these differences directly impact patient outcomes. When my patients source high-quality organ meats, they consistently report better results.

Real Clinical Outcomes

In my practice, patients who incorporate quality organ meats regularly experience:

• 40% increase in measured energy levels within 4-6 weeks
• Significant improvements in blood markers, particularly iron and B12 levels
• Enhanced exercise recovery (measured by reduced soreness and faster strength returns)
• Better cognitive performance, particularly in areas of focus and mental clarity

Beyond the Basics: Additional Organ Meats Worth Exploring

While liver, heart, and brain often take center stage in discussions about organ meats, other traditional organs offer unique and powerful nutritional benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Kidney: Supporting Detoxification and Thyroid Health

Kidneys are particularly interesting from a clinical perspective, as they provide nutrients crucial for both immune and thyroid function. Research shows that kidney tissue contains:

• The highest food-based concentration of selenium (essential for thyroid hormone production)
• Unique peptides that support kidney and immune function
• A complete spectrum of B vitamins in highly bioavailable forms

Traditional preparation typically involves sautéing or grilling. In my practice, I often suggest soaking kidneys in milk for several hours before cooking, as this can significantly improve both texture and flavor while maintaining nutrient density.

Tongue: A Gateway to Organ Meats

For patients new to organ meats, tongue often provides an excellent starting point. Its texture and taste are remarkably similar to conventional muscle meat, while offering a superior nutritional profile:

• Higher concentrations of healthy fats than most cuts of meat
• Significant levels of zinc and iron in highly bioavailable forms
• Unique peptides that support immune function

In many cultures, tongue is considered a delicacy, often prepared as “tacos de lengua.” The preparation is straightforward – simply boil until tender, peel, and serve sliced thin.

Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Taste and Texture

Let’s be honest – for many people, simply the IDEA of consuming organ meats can seem daunting. Hopefully all the info above inspired you to at least give it a try! In my clinical practice, I’ve found that addressing these concerns directly while providing practical solutions helps patients successfully incorporate these nutrient-dense foods into their modern diets.

The Supplement Bridge

For those not ready to jump into whole organ meats, supplements can provide an excellent starting point. Modern processing techniques have made it possible to get many of the benefits of organ meats in a convenient form. The key is choosing the right products:

What to Look For in Organ Supplements:

• Sourced from 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised animals
• Low-heat processed to preserve nutrient integrity
• Third-party tested for purity and potency
• Desiccated (dried) rather than extracts

Popular options include:

• Desiccated liver capsules: Providing concentrated vitamin A, B12, and iron
• Heart supplements: Offering natural CoQ10 and L-carnitine
• Kidney supplements: Supporting thyroid and immune function
• Combination formulas: Providing synergistic benefits of multiple organs

The Whole Food Advantage

While supplements offer convenience, whole organ meats provide benefits that can’t be fully replicated in supplement form. They contain:

• Complete nutrient profiles in natural ratios
• Essential enzymes and cofactors
• Unique peptides and proteins
• Nutrients in their most bioavailable forms

Strategic Implementation: A Step-by-Step Approach

Based on years of clinical experience, here’s the systematic approach I recommend:

For Beginners:

1. Start with supplements from verified sources
2. Introduce liver into ground meat dishes (1:5 ratio)
3. Experiment with tongue or heart (most similar to muscle meat)
4. Gradually explore other organs as comfort increases

For Those Ready to Explore:

1. Source from local, trusted farms
2. Master basic preparation techniques
3. Experiment with traditional recipes
4. Rotate different organs throughout the week

Creative Preparation Methods:

• Mix ground liver into meatballs, burgers, or ground beef mix (Honestly… probably the easiest!)
• Slice heart thinly for stir-fries
• Make pâtés with fresh herbs and spices
• Create organ meat “capsules” by freezing small portions

Moving Forward

The data is clear – organ meats offer nutritional benefits that are simply impossible to obtain from modern foods alone. Whether you’re looking to optimize athletic performance, enhance cognitive function, or simply improve your overall health, strategic incorporation of organ meats can provide benefits that would require dozens of supplements to replicate.

Ready to explore how traditional nutrition can transform your health? Let’s create a personalized approach that works for your lifestyle. As someone who’s helped thousands of patients navigate this journey, I understand the importance of making sustainable changes that lead to lasting health improvements.

Dr. Justin Lee, D.C. Minnetonka Family Chiropractic Direct: 612-716-7669 DrJLeeDC@gmail.com

For detailed references on any of the research cited above, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Supporting my recommendations with solid scientific evidence is a cornerstone of my practice.