Real and Raw Food Series #2: Liver

Traditionally, liver is known as a sacred piece of meat that carries an abundance of nutrients and life sustaining properties. It is viewed in such a sacred light by some indigenous tribes that they refuse to touch the meat with their own hands, avoiding any desecration. Instead, they prefer to deal with the holy meat by using a specially prepared fork or utensil. In recent years, liver has taken a back seat to other meats. At the beginning of the bodybuilding craze, people used liver pills as a special supplement for protein, energy and nutrients. However, if one were to utter the word liver to an average American, the appropriate response would be, “Ewww that is disgusting!”

Liver: Until this past year in Canada, I really was not exposed to liver (my mother hates the meat). While doing some personal research, I came across a woman who sold Bison meat. Part of her product list was liver, kidney and heart. Realizing that these organ meats were significantly cheaper, I decided to purchase a large amount of bison liver. I continued reading about the healthy aspects of liver and decided to continue buying this unbelievable meat. Now, after mastering a few cooking methods, acquiring a taste and appreciating the nutrient dense food, I find liver to be more appealing than say…a steak.

Goodness: Liver is a very good source for high quality protein. It also contains the highest concentrated amount of Vitamin A and all of the B vitamins, particularly B12. On top of that, liver is our best source for folic acid, iron, copper and zinc.

Body’s Response: Liver is ridiculously good for the human body. This is why we are seeing a rise in demand for the supplement, Cod Liver Oil. CLO provides us with all the nutrients and high percentage of omega 3 fats. We see this in grass fed beef liver as well. It is low in fat but the fat it does contain is the CLA fat that makes our heart, joints and nervous system healthy. Due to the high levels of B vitamins, liver also provides incredible amounts of energy. Here is a brief study published in 1975 in Prevention magazine.

“After several weeks, the animals were placed one by one into a drum of cold water from which they could not climb out. They literally were forced to sink or swim. Rats in the first group swam for an average 13.3 minutes before giving up. The second group, which had the added fortifications of B vitamins, swam for an average of 13.4 minutes. Of the last group of rats, the ones receiving liver, three swam for 63, 83 and 87 minutes. The other nine rats in this group were still swimming vigorously at the end of two hours when the test was terminated. Something in the liver had prevented them from becoming exhausted. To this day scientists have not been able to pin a label on this anti-fatigue factor.” (Courtesy of www.WestonAPrice.org : If memory serves me correctly, this study is also included in the newest edition of “Nutrition and Physical Degeneration” from Weston Price.)

Raw Liver: I have yet to try this technique but I do have a few friends that have eaten raw liver. Liver in its most natural state is clearly going to contain the highest amount of nutrients. Some people fear certain worms and parasites and insist on freezing the liver for a few days to kill these potential risks. After the liver is frozen, you can cut or grate the liver into small pieces and use the pieces as “raw liver pills” throughout the day and with your meals. I welcome anyone to try this and please email me your experience.

Rating: Probably the best or one of the best meats you can eat. I recommend eating only grass fed beef liver or ranged poultry liver, along with wild fish liver. I also recommend taking a Cod Liver Oil supplement. I use the Carlson’s brand. Again, on a scale of 10 liver easily ranks at the top…a 10 out of 10.