also referred to as supperfood
Liver is possibly the most nutrient-dense food in the world. It is rich in protein and low in calories. Beef liver is organ meat from cows. It performs vital functions like; metabolism, detoxification and the storage of vitamins and minerals. 100grams of beef liver contains; 133 calories, 20.35g of protein, 4.78mg of iron, 16,814IU of vitamin A, 1.1mg of vitamin C, and 274mg of cholesterol. A small amount of liver can provide more than the daily requirement for many nutrients such as;
Vitamin B12; for healthy brain function and formation of red blood cells and DNA.
Vitamin A; important for normal vision, immune function and reproduction. It also helps the heart and kidneys function properly. Riboflavin; important for cellular development and function and turns food into energy. Folate (Vitamin B9) an essential nutrient relevant for cell growth and the formation of DNA. Iron; carries oxygen around the body. Liver has heme iron, which is most easily absorbed by the body. Copper activates several enzymes, which regulate energy production, iron metabolism and brain function. Choline; important for brain development and liver function.
NOTE
Animal livers typically contain the highest protein content and the best amino acid (the building blocks that makeup protein) profile. Liver is low in fats and has fewer calories than many meats. Only 25% of its calories come from fat, compared to 50–60% of calories in steak and lamb.
Despite its nutritional benefits, one of the concerns about eating liver is if its cholesterol content can cause heart disease. However, while liver is high in cholesterol, most heart disease related to high cholesterol is produced within the body.
Thus, when you eat foods high in cholesterol, your body produces less to maintain normal levels. Another common concern is that it contains toxins. However, the liver does not store toxins. It processes them and makes them safe or turns them into compounds that can be safely excreted. Toxins in liver are not an issue and liver should certainly not be avoided for this reason.
CAUTION
Certain groups may need to avoid eating liver such as pregnant women and those with gout. Thus, high intakes of preformed vitamin A; the type found in liver, have been linked to birth defects. Nonetheless, it only takes 30grams of beef liver to reach the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin A during pregnancy. READ MORE
