Animal Fats and Organs – Good or Bad – That Is The Question
Is Animal Fat Really Bad for You, or Does the Human Brain Need It?
Is the “fats and organs are bad” theory true or false? Is animal fat really bad for you? And if it is essential, how can vegans live without animal fats? Does the human brain need animal fats? And how often should you eat organ meat, and why?
For years the accepted school of thought was that animal fats are unhealthy and to be avoided. Well, contrary to popular belief, animal fats and organs are very important to our diet.
Of course, we are talking about fats and organs from organically-raised, grass-fed animals!
According to the Weston A. Price Foundation, animal fats are essential, and have been for many years. Within traditional cultures, animal fat is primero uno, for body health. Indigenous populations worldwide value animal fats and organs over lean meats and they are healthier by far, in most cases, than we are. They eat tongue, brain, liver, bone marrow, and kidneys because they are the most nutrient dense. When they eat lean meat they first spread it with fat.
Animal fats bursting with saturated fat, were studied and it was concluded in the 1940’s that they were correlated with cardiovascular disease. Then, a wide ranging study in 2013 contradicted that school of thought. When saturated fats were traded for polyunsaturated fats such as vegetable oils, there was increased coronary, cardiovascular mortality. It reduced cholesterol but not coronary heart disease.
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Does the Human Brain Need Animal Fat? What Are It’s Other Benefits?
The human brain needs animal fat, or at least unsaturated fats from other sources.
- They give the linings of our cells stiffness and structure to membranes and tissues. Adversely, too much polyunsaturated fat will result in fluid and floppy cells.
- The tallow from beef is a safer source of omega-3 fatty acids than fish and is lower in omega-6, which too much of contributes to inflammation.
- The skin from chicken has always been considered too fatty but is hugely nutritious.
- Organ meats are rich in B vitamins and folate, minerals such as iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, and an excellent source of protein.
- Raw milk is a great source of calcium, vitamins A, D, and K, iron, zinc, protein, and omega-3. This is milk which has not been tampered with and processed, nor has the cow itself been “modified”.
- Pasture fed beef is much preferable to grain fed (as in feedlots), mainly because the meat contains a lot more nutrients.
- The liver provides thiamine, which prevents memory loss and plaque formation.
- Both liver and kidneys give us increased energy and prevent iron deficiency. They contain riboflavin which protects the body against lung, colorectal, and esophageal cancer.
- Organ meats containing Vitamin B12, Zinc and folate assist in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
As to the consumption of grains and vegetables here are a few suggestions.
Many people have an adverse reaction to grains, which contribute to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In order to consume them they must be soaked and fermented in order to be broken down. An example is sourdough.
The big push has been to consume mostly raw vegetables, but the new school of thought is that they should be cooked to remove the chemicals that prevent digestion.
As well, many now contain anti-nutrients that prevent absorption of various minerals. Kale, broccoli, and other like vegetables contain chemicals which reduce the absorption of iodine if eaten raw. Potatoes and legumes need to be cooked in order to absorb the carbohydrates.
How Often Should I Eat Organ Meat?
How often should you eat organ meat, and why?
Liver is by far the most important organ meat there is, nutritionally speaking. It’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods there are, containing nutrients that are difficult to get anywhere else.
As well as vitamin A, organ meat is also rich in folate, choline, and vitamin B12. These nutrients are abundantly present in liver (especially B12). If you like the taste, you should try to eat liver a couple times a week.
Beef liver is also great if you have a copper deficiency.
In Conclusion
So, is animal fat really bad for you? No, not for most people. And it is essential that people who can’t, or choose not to eat meat get the nutrients that animal fats provide from somewhere.
The human brain needs animal fats (or at least similar fats), being itself composed of primarily of fat. Consuming saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in other forms will be crucial, if you don’t eat meat.
The WAPF mentioned above recommends that 80-90% of our diet should be split between fats and carbohydrates. But how can vegans live without animal fats?
Vegetarian / Vegan Food vs. Meat – The Great Debate
It is imperative for people who do not eat meat, such as vegans, to take supplements regularly. These should include:
- B12, which is important for protein metabolism, the oxygen transport of red blood cells, and the health of the nervous system. A lack can result in anemia, infertility, heart disease, and nervous system damage.
- Vitamin D enhances the absorption of calcium and influences immune function, mood, memory, and muscle recovery.
- Omega-3 benefits the brain and the eyes and reduces the risk of inflammation, depression, breast cancer, and ADHD.
- Iron produces DNA and red blood cells and metabolizes energy. Anemia, fatigue, and low immune function will result if missing from the body.
- Calcium is especially needed for our bones and teeth but also helps with muscle function and heart health.
- Zinc benefits our metabolism, immune function, and repair of body cells. A shortage leads to hair loss, diarrhea, and difficulty with wound healing.
On the flip side there is a precaution for those suffering from gout. They should not eat organ meats due to their high levels of purine.
This article will certainly give you something to think about. It goes against numerous rules that we have been adhering to for years in order to supposedly remain healthy. As usual, the bottom line is up to your discretion. Perhaps further research is in order to help with your decisions.
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