Desiccated Organ Meats - Nutrient Powerhouse Supplement
Those that prioritise nutrient-dense foods love desiccated organ meats.
Desiccated organ meats are organ meats like liver, heart, kidney, or spleen that have been dried and ground into a powder. This process involves removing the moisture from the organs, which preserves them and concentrates their nutrients. The powder is then often encapsulated into pills, or offered as a powder and added to smoothies or other foods for easy consumption.
These supplements have gained popularity due to their nutritional density. Organ meats are rich in vitamins (like natural folate, B12, other B vitamins, preformed A, and D), minerals (such as iron and zinc), and other essential nutrients like coenzyme Q10, betaine, choline, methionine and cysteine (which is converted back to methionine or into our body's chief antioxidant, glutathione.) Advocates claim they offer benefits like improved energy levels, better skin health, and enhanced overall wellbeing.
The rise in popularity of desiccated organ meats is partly due to the influence of trends like the paleo and ancestral diets, which emphasise eating in a way that mimics the diets of early humans. These diets often include a focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods, with organ meats being considered a vital part of our ancestors' diets. Additionally, figures in the health and wellness space have promoted the use of these supplements as a convenient way to gain the benefits of organ meats without the taste or preparation involved in consuming them fresh.
For some, the appeal also lies in the idea of "nose-to-tail" eating, which involves using every part of the animal, reducing waste and honouring the animal's life by not letting any part go unused.
In the world of functional medicine beef liver is known as both a methyl donor and a DNA methylation adaptogen, so considered a powerful longevity food.
Organ meats are high in iron and so are not suitable for someone who has been diagnosed with too much iron.
References:
Fitzgerald, K. N., & Hanley, K. (2022). Younger you: reduce your bio age and live longer, better (First edition.). Hachette Go.