Liver- a Traditional Superfood!

Had you asked me a few years ago I would have never thought liver would be a regular part of my diet. It took a while but this year it has become a staple and I actually think it’s delicious.

You might be wondering why I’d want to eat liver.

Liver happens to be a traditional super food and is jam packed with nutrition. Many cultures around the world believe that eating the organs of a healthy animal (think grass-fed, organic- definitely not factory farmed!) will help you organs. By this way of thinking eating liver can help strengthen your liver.

Organ meats are known as a super food because they are nutritional powerhouses, a tiny bit goes a long way. Here are just a few of the vitamins and minerals they contain:

•  B vitamins including b12 and folate,
• Minerals- including zinc, chromium, copper and a high level of iron
• Omega 3 fats
• Choline- a B vitamin that is highly important for brain and nerve function, cell membranes, heart health and the prevention of birth defects.
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K2
• Vitamin D
• Amino Acids

Since the liver is known for its role in neutralizing, or filtering, toxins some people are afraid to eat it for fear that it’s filled with toxins. The liver doesn’t store toxins- toxins are more likely to accumulate in the nervous system as well as fatty tissues so there is nothing dangerous about eating liver.

If you suffer from anemia, chronic fatigue or stress, have thyroid disease, adrenal fatigue are nursing, pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant you should absolutely make liver a part of your diet.

I try to make liver once a week- it makes a few servings since it’s so nutrient rich so it will give you quite a few servings. THIS is my favorite recipe so far, sometimes I just roast (or slow-cook) the liver that comes with my whole chicken and just spread it on a slice of sourdough and some fresh parsley for breakfast. If you’re squeamish about trying it you can freeze it, grate it and then add it to meatballs, burgers or meatloaf but I promise it tastes a lot better than it sounds!