In recent years, organ meats have been gaining popularity as a health food, due to their high nutrient content. They are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, selenium, phosphorous and copper. But should they be in your diet?
What are Organ Meats?
Organ meats are the internal organs and other parts of an animal, including the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, tongue and more. They have been consumed for centuries as part of traditional diets around the world; the texture and flavour of organ meats can vary greatly depending on which organ you choose.
More recently, they have enjoyed a revival as people look for nutritious, more sustainable and cost-effective sources of protein. With organic organ meats from GPA Wholefoods, people can enjoy a variety of organ meats without having to worry about quality and safety.
The Benefits of Eating Organ Meats
Organ meats are incredibly nutrient-dense, providing essential vitamins and minerals that can be difficult to get from other sources. For example, liver is an excellent source of vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune health. Additionally, organ meats are a fantastic way to add flavour and variety to your diet without extra calories or fat.
Organic organ meats are also more sustainable than other sources of protein. For example, pastured animals can provide additional nutrients that aren’t found in factory-farmed animals and can help reduce environmental impacts associated with industrial farming.
Organ meats may also help promote a healthy gut microbiome. This is because organ meats are a source of prebiotics, which feed the helpful bacteria in your digestive system. Prebiotic-rich foods have been associated with increased levels of beneficial bacteria and improved overall gut health.
Finally, organ meats are an excellent source of bioavailable minerals that can be difficult to get from other sources. This includes phosphorus, copper, zinc, and selenium – all of which play important roles in the body.
In short, adding organ meats to your diet may have a variety of health benefits. Also, you can take this up a notch by choosing organic organ meats.
Different Types of Organ Meats
Organ meats come in many varieties, including liver (beef, pork, and chicken), heart, kidney, tongue, spleen, tripe (stomach), sweetbreads (thymus), pancreas, brain, and intestines.
Each type has its own unique texture and flavour profile. For example, liver is considered by many to be the most nutrient-dense organ meat, with a rich and earthy flavour. What’s more, it’s also relatively low in fat and cholesterol compared to other organs.
Meanwhile, heart has a milder flavour than liver and is higher in proteins and minerals. It can be used for burgers or added to soups or stews. Kidney has a stronger flavour and is known for its high iron content, while tongue is more delicate in taste and contains essential B vitamins.
Organ meats are also packed with nutrients such as vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, copper, choline and phosphorus. Additionally, they’re a good source of healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
In short, organ meats are a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals that can benefit your health in many ways. They’re an affordable and nutritious addition to any diet, especially if you’re looking to increase your intake of protein and iron. Plus, they have the added benefit of being easy to prepare and delicious.
Whether you choose to include organ meats in your diet is ultimately up to you, but they can be an excellent choice if you’re looking for an affordable and nutrient-dense way to get more protein and minerals into your diet. Why not explore these meats today?