(originally written by Dr. Jockers) Organ meats were a staple part of our ancestors diets and provided a tremendous nutritional benefit to groups of people who had limited access to other nutrient dense foods. (Updated Mar 18, 2021)
Our current society has no emphasis on organ meats and they are mostly avoided.
Consuming organ meats on a regular basis can provide one with incredible health and performance benefits.
Our ancestors experienced times of feast and famine and had to make the most out of each calorie source they had access too. When they killed an animal they would consume every part of the animal.
The native Americans and other tribal groups and the original healers believed that eating the organs from a healthy animal would improve the health of the organs of the individual.
Here are some organ meats that you may benefit from including in your diet. These should all be from organic, grass-fed or pasture-raised animals and not ever from industrial farm raised animals.
I like to get mine from my local farmer and also from US Wellness Meats which ships all over the country.
1. Tongue
This is actually more of a muscle than an organ but it does contain a high percentage of calories from fat. Most tongue is about 70% fatty acids, making it one of the most tender cuts of beef. Most people really enjoy the flavor of tongue more than ground beef and steaks. It is also easy to prepare and can be used in a variety of different recipes.
2. Heart
The heart doesn’t look very edible but most are quite surprised when they find out how good it tastes! Many have compared its taste and texture to that of steak or brisket.
This is a great source of iron, zinc, selenium, B vitamins such as B2, B6, Folate and B12. The heart is especially rich in CoQ10 which is vital for mitochondrial health and energy production.
Most people with chronic health conditions are deficient in CoQ10 and have mitochondrial damage. Heart is the best overall food source of CoQ10.
Bison, buffalo, venison and beef heart are the richest sources of this powerful nutrient. This organ does not have a lot of fat and is quite lean and muscular. Many enjoy it ground down and added to a ground beef mix.