Organ meats – 10 reasons why you should be eating them

When it comes to maximizing gains, performance and staying healthy in the world of bodybuilding, a well-balanced and nutrient-adequate diet is probably the most important thing. While staples like lean meats, fruits, and vegetables are often the focus in most traditional western diets, there’s a hidden gem of nutrition that often goes overlooked: giblets and innards. These organ meats, comprising the heart, liver, gizzard, and kidneys, are powerhouse sources of essential nutrients that can maximize your results in the gym, as well as enhance your overall well-being and health.

Throughout various cultures, organ meats have consistently held the position of choice for hunters seeking animal protein. Interestingly, in the natural world, predators often target organs, particularly the liver, prior to consuming the more muscular portions. What do these predators know about organ meats that most of us don’t? Let’s list 10 possible reasons why that may be the case:

1. Nutrient density: organ meats are incredibly nutrient-dense when compared to more traditional cuts of meat. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and various other B vitamins. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining optimal health and performance;
2. High-quality protein: organ meats are excellent sources of high-quality protein. They provide all essential amino acids required by the body for tissue repair, muscle growth, and overall maintenance. Not only the quality of the proteins is excellent, but the concentration is about the same when compared to other meats;
3. Rich in vitamins and minerals: organ meats are particularly rich in certain vitamins and minerals that might be lacking in other parts of the animal or in other food sources. For instance, liver is exceptionally high in vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron, and folate;
4. Source of healthy fats: some organ meats, like liver, contain healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for heart health;
5. Boosts immune function: organ meats are high in nutrients like zinc, which is crucial for a healthy immune system. Zinc helps with the production of immune cells, wound healing, and overall immune function;
6. Supports cognitive function: the high levels of vitamin B12 found in organ meats are essential for brain health. B12 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters and the maintenance of the myelin sheath, which insulates nerve cells;
7. Improves energy levels: the iron content in organ meats helps prevent anemia, a condition characterized by fatigue and weakness due to low red blood cell count. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body via hemoglobin;
8. Enhances metabolism: the B vitamins found in organ meats play a crucial role in metabolism. They help convert food into energy and assist in various biochemical reactions that occur within the body;
9. Taste: it’s really subjective, as many dislike and others like the taste of organ meats, but it is, nonetheless, a possibility for variability within an individual’s diet;
10. Sustainability: utilizing all parts of an animal, including the organs, is a more sustainable approach to food consumption, and allows for the same amount of cattle to feed more people.

Incorporating offal into your diet can be a game-changer for health, performance, and muscle gains. Their unmatched nutrient density, protein content, and wealth of essential vitamins and minerals make them a powerhouse addition to any athlete’s regimen.

Lastly, it’s important to ensure that the organ meats come from reputable sources to minimize potential risks associated with contaminants. Additionally, if you have specific dietary considerations or health concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before adding new foods into your diet.