So you want to make a lifestyle change or at least try one of the many ways of eating healthier. You’ve done your research, you feel secure in your decision to give it a go. That’s great!!  Then there are the nay-sayers who want to make sure you know that whatever you’re trying to do is crazy/won’t work/is dumb. I am a fan of questions. I love questions. I am not a fan of outright negative, close-minded opinions and criticism. I am sure I’m not alone in this.

I’ve been doing a ton of research on the benefits of eating organ meats. Something really big in the Paleo movement. Oh My Gosh! People are like freaking out about my interest in doing this. Way worse than when I went through my vegan phase. It’s not even that out there really. Most other countries regularly eat organ meats, especially liver. Now, you can’t just go out and eat any type of organ meat. It needs to be from pasture raised, natural diet fed animals. (Find out more about one reason here.)

The most common organs to try are the liver, heart, kidney and tongue. One misconception is that organs, especially liver, store toxins. This is not true. Toxins are stored in fat cells. The liver does neutralize toxins, however, they are not stored there. No organ stores toxins, which is really great when you think about it. The organs do store significant amounts of vitamins and minerals. For example, the heart is a good source of iron, zinc, selenium, B vitamins but the best source of CoQ10. CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant. It has been found to help reduce high blood pressure, or hypertension. There is also research into it’s ability to help heal heart damage. Also may help with receding gum lines. The antioxidants in CoQ10 are also being said to help skin stay elastic and young looking.

Liver is the most nutrient rich food in existence. It is natures multivitamin and they are actually bio-available. Liver is one of the best sources of vitamins A, D. E, K2, folate and, of course, B12. Now, I’ve never tried liver personally and I am looking forward to giving it a try. They recommend only one whole slice weekly. Other ways of eating liver are chicken liver pate, braunschweiger, mixed with ground beef  for burgers and spaghetti meat sauce. If you just cannot develop your palate for it there are other options. People dehydrate, make into a powder and encapsulate it, then take a few daily. Another option is to cut off an inch daily, while it is still frozen and swallowing it with some warm water. Just like taking a multi-vitamin. I love having options.

You can see why I’m interested in giving organs a try. So whether you want to start drinking green smoothies, stop eating grains or want to try eating some organ meats, there are always going to be those who poke fun, get offended or put you down. If you have done your homework, know it’s healthy, go for it. You are finding what works for you, getting the nutrients you need to feel your absolute best. Once you are glowing with health, they will all be asking for your secret. Trust me. 🙂

 

Sources:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/12/30/eating-organ-meats.aspx

http://theoliverwestoncompany.com/organ-meats

http://chriskresser.com/how-to-eat-more-organ-meats

http://chriskresser.com/natures-most-potent-superfood

http://www.tendergrassfedmeat.com/2010/08/11/the-benefits-of-organ-meats/

http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/04/why-everyone-should-be-eating-organ.html

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/alternative/coq10.htm