Health Benefits of Beef Liver Supplements
Thinking of switching up your supplements? Discover the game-changing benefits of beef liver supplements. Not only can they boost your immune system, enhance your energy levels, and promote radiant hair and skin but they can even support fertility and postpartum recovery. Here’s why you should consider adding beef liver supplements to your daily routine.
What are beef liver supplements?
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Can you remember the last time you ate liver? Whether it’s because of the taste, texture or time to prepare, beef liver is not a popular food. Despite being one of nature’s top superfoods rich in essential vitamins and minerals, it’s a food very few of us actually eat.
Even for those who don’t mind the taste or smell, it’s tough to find fresh liver from cattle that are healthy enough to gain the benefits. That’s where supplements come in. It is still possible to obtain the benefits of beef liver without eating the organ itself.
Beef liver supplements are essentially the organ dried into powder and formed into capsules for easy consumption. Thanks to gentle processing techniques (more on that later) the key vitamins and minerals are protected. This means we can reap the many benefits of beef liver including healthy skin and hair as well as support with fertility and fatigue.
What are beef liver supplements good for?
Before I dive into the benefits of beef liver supplements, let’s look at the nutritional value. These small but mighty capsules are packed with vitamins and minerals our body’s need to function at their best. It can be challenging to obtain these from our day to day diets alone. That is why I take supplements such as beef liver and cod liver oil alongside a nutritionally rich and varied diet.
Beef liver supplements contain minerals such as:
- Zinc: Supports the immune system.
- Iron: Essential for red blood cell production.
- Copper: Helps form collagen, keeps nerve cells and your immune system healthy and is vital for energy.
- Selenium: Aids metabolism, and is vital for making DNA as well as protecting cells and fighting infections.
However, that’s not all. They also contain key nutrients including:
- Vitamin A: Essential for vision, immune function and skin health.
- Folic acid: Helps the body make healthy red blood cells as well as supports baby’s development during pregnancy.
- Vitamin B12: Crucial for nerve function and red blood cell production.
- Vitamin D: Supports calcium absorption, bone health and the immune system.
Despite all these wonderful nutrients, it’s important to note that not all supplements are the same. Depending how the supplements are processed, the nutritional benefits may differ. That is why this guide not only discusses the benefits of beef liver supplements but how to choose the highest quality and why Perfect Desiccated Liver is my go to supplement for me and my family.
6 Health Benefits of Beef Liver Supplements
1. Boost your immune system
Looking to boost your immune system naturally? Taking beef liver supplements on a regular basis can help. This is because they offer essential nutrients that help to build strong antibodies against bacteria and viruses.
In particular, vitamin A which helps to make the thin layer of tissue (called mucous membranes) that lines the airways in your lungs stronger. This can help to improve the health of your respiratory system and reduce the risk of infections and illnesses.
Also iron, which helps increase the production of white blood cells which are essential for attacking germs in the bloodstream. This means I find that taking a beef liver supplement is one of the best ways to prep for cold and flu season.
2. Support fertility, pregnancy and postpartum healing
Taking a beef liver supplement can also help those trying to get pregnant as well as during pregnancy or postpartum recovery. This is thanks to them being a high source of vitamins C, D, E, Co-Q10, Zinc and Folate – all of which play crucial roles in both male and female fertility.
As mentioned, one of the many benefits of beef liver supplements is the high concentration of iron. It increases red blood cell production which is especially important for pregnant women as they need extra blood cells to carry oxygen to their growing baby.
Beef liver supplements also contain vitamin B12 and folate. Folate is generally used to describe the many different forms of vitamin B9 including folic acid. If you’re a mom, you may be familiar with folic acid as it’s included in literally all prenatal vitamins. Folic acid supports the proper formation of a baby’s brain and spinal cord in the womb. It may also help to reduce the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and other birth defects.
Additionally, vitamin D helps promote healthy bones and muscles while zinc aids in wound healing which can be especially beneficial for new mothers recovering from childbirth or c-section surgery.
3. Support healthy skin
While homemade acne remedies are beneficial for blemishes and inflammation, prevention is always better than cure. That’s why beef liver supplements are recommended to those who are struggling with their skin health.
Beef liver contains retinol which is a form of vitamin A. It can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging by increasing cell turnover and promoting the growth of new skin cells.
The Vitamin A present in beef liver supplements can also do wonders for acne prone skin, including:
- Help to heal acne scars
- Protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals
- Help to regulate the production of sebum, which is the oil our skin naturally produces. This can help to prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts.
- Reduces inflammation, helping skin look more youthful and brighter.
Alongside the nourishing properties of Vitamin A, beef liver supplements also contain high amounts of glycine and copper. These help to maintain collagen levels. Collagen plumps and firms skin, allowing it to look younger which is why many people take collagen powder.
4. Fight fatigue
Do you find yourself craving sugar in a mid-afternoon slump? Or struggle getting out of bed in the morning? Beef liver supplements can help. While the most obvious way to fight fatigue is to improve your sleep, sometimes we still need a helping hand.
There are particular vitamins and minerals our body’s need to make healthy red blood cells that produce oxygen as well as ATP (energy.) The good news is, these vitamins and minerals can be found in beef liver supplements. In particular iron and fat-oxidizing B vitamins that can help keep you energized throughout the day.
5. Strengthen hair & nails          Â
Alongside giving your skin that radiant glow, another benefit of Beef liver supplements is hair and nail growth. While Vitamin A works from within to promote healthy skin cell turnover, Vitamin B12 increases circulation which promotes new hair growth from the scalp follicles. They also contain biotin which is particularly important for healthy hair and nails.
As beef liver supplements are also high in iron, they help encourage the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin helps to transport oxygen to the hair follicles and nail beds, which can also help to promote healthy growth. Additionally, iron helps to produce keratin which is essential for strong nails that won’t break easily.
6. Improve your workout
Fun Fact: When the Olympics began in Ancient Greece, those superhero athletes had a secret ingredient that ensured their strength and stamina outperformed all other athletes. Any guesses? Beef liver!
As far back as Ancient Greek times, athletes recognised that by consuming beef liver it enhanced their performance and supported their overall health. Fast forward to today, we can now use a supplement for that performance enhancement without having to eat liver. While iron helps to transport oxygen to muscles improving endurance, vitamin B12 boosts energy and nerve function. The protein content in beef liver supplements can also aid muscle growth and repair which is essential for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
It’s also believed that thanks to the high B vitamin content, beef liver supplements help to reduce post-exercise fatigue. For this reason the supplements have become popular with athletes, bodybuilders and fitness fans in general.
For a double post-gym boost why not try my homemade electrolyte drink? It’s the best way to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes after a rigorous workout.
How to Choose High Quality Beef Liver Supplements
When taking any type of supplement it’s important to ensure you are getting a high quality product with no added fillers or preservatives. To maximize the benefits of beef liver supplements in particular, there are a few terms you should look out for. These terms will ensure your supplements are of the highest quality.
Desiccated Beef Liver
When beef liver supplements are described as “desiccated” this simply means “dried.” It involves freeze drying raw beef liver into powder in order to be used in capsules. This method retains more nutrition from the fresh meat.
Unlike high heat processes which can harm the mineral quality. Only the best beef liver supplement manufacturers use this freeze drying process, so make sure to look out for “desiccated” on the label before you hit buy.
Grass-fed or Pasture Raised
Another term you should look out for is “grass-fed” or “pasture raised”. This just means the cows were not fed grains, but instead lived outdoors in a field. Generally, grass fed cows are healthier, so in theory the beef liver supplements should also be more nutritious.
This is because it’s the liver’s job to filter out any unhealthy things from the blood. So if a cow is raised on a poor diet, its liver will have worked harder, resulting in beef liver supplements that are less healthy.
Other Ingredients
Check the ingredients label. Does your beef liver supplement contain fillers, additives or flow agents? Then I’d recommend switching to one that doesn’t. Purity is important to maximize the benefits of beef liver supplements.
With Perfect Desiccated Beef Liver Supplements they actually have perfectly pure certification, to confirm that every batch is certified by a 3rd Party for purity. They also share several other certifications to prove the product contains no unnecessary ingredients or has come in contact with heavy metals, allergens, antibiotics, additives, hormones, solvents residues and pesticides.
Country of Origin
As with any supplement, sourcing is important and the country of origin should always be obvious. For example, most ranchers in America have to keep their cattle indoors during winter months. Therefore even if these cattle are grass-fed it’s likely their diet is limited to dried hay for significant periods.
That’s why I recommend looking for 100% grass-fed sourced from New Zealand, Argentina or Australia whenever possible. These countries have strict regulations on the production of grass-fed livestock ensuring the highest quality product possible with minimal environmental impact. They also have ideal climates to raise livestock outdoors, all year round.
That’s why I choose Perfect Desiccated Liver supplements. The cows graze exclusively outdoors on grass from rich Argentinean soil. There is no secrecy on sourcing and the company discloses that their cows have never been in contact with hormones, antibiotics, fertilizers or any other chemical contaminants. This ensures the final product is of the highest quality, so you and your family don’t miss out on any of the amazing beef liver supplement benefits.
How to Take Beef Liver Supplements
The recommended dose of Perfect desiccated liver is four capsules (other kinds may vary). To get the most benefit, it’s best to split the recommended dose. This means take two in the morning and two in the evening, or with breakfast and then with dinner. This means you will spread the nutrients throughout the day for best results.
Side Effects of Beef Liver Supplements
Hopefully you now have a thorough understanding that beef liver supplements can provide a wide range of benefits for your health. It is important to consult with your doctor before taking any new supplement and it is also important to know the potential side effects of beef liver supplements.
While there may be others, these are the main three side effects of beef liver supplements that you should be aware of:
- Upset stomach: Some people may experience mild digestive discomfort. This can include bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Although these side effects are typically mild and short-lived, it is important to stop taking the supplement and consult your doctor.
- Allergic reactions: You may experience an allergic reaction as a side effect of beef liver supplements. This is rare, but it’s important to be aware of the possibility and to seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or throat.
- Vitamin A toxicity: As discussed, beef liver is high in vitamin A, which is essential for many bodily functions. However, taking more supplements doesn’t mean reaping more benefits. In fact, vitamin A can be harmful in large doses. Thankfully, the risk of vitamin A toxicity from beef liver supplements is low. Just make sure to follow the recommended dosage and do not take excessive amounts.
Whether you need a natural pick me up to boost your energy levels, or crave luscious locks, adding a quality beef liver supplement to your diet is a quick and convenient solution. Thanks to Perfect Desiccated Liver supplements I also feel my immune system can conquer cold and flu season and have no hesitation recommending it to others. As always, consult your doctor before switching supplements and opt for grass fed, desiccated beef liver supplements in order to maximize these benefits.
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Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/research.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5355581/
https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/desiccated-beef-liver/beef-liver/