Liver

Liver The liver of animals, a highly nutritious organ meat, is widely available in most supermarkets and butcher shops. While beef liver tends to be the most widely consumed type of liver, fish liver, pig, lamb, chicken and goose liver are also common. While the liver from a cow is the most common, the most prized form of liver is certainly the goose liver, also known as Foie Gras. With hundreds of years of culinary tradition in France, Foie Gras is a rather expensive cut with a controversial background. Animal liver is rich in iron content and vitamin A. With this said, very high doses of liver can be toxic due to its high vitamin A content, a condition known as hypervitaminosis A. This is especially true for artic varieties of liver such as polar bear and seal meal.

Key Nutrients

Liver is an excellent source of Vitamin A. Liver is also an excellent source of essential amino acids, which can only be found in their complete form in animal meats. Essential amino acids include Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan and Valine.

Health Benefits

Essential amino acids provide the necessary building blocks for protein growth and development. This tends to promote healthy tissues and reduces the risk of certain cancers.

Vitamin A – Vitamin A, when converted into retinaldehyde, is a vital compound for healthy eyes. Furthermore, vitamin A is believed to fight against cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Vitamin A strengthens the membranes of the human body such as mucous membranes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts. It is also essential for the lymphocytes, or white blood cells, that fight infection once in the body.

Season

Since Liver is an animal protein, it can be purchased in any local store year round.

Nutrition Information

Per 100 grams:

Calories (cKal): 135
Protein (grams): 20.36
Total Fat (grams): 3.63
Carbohydrates (grams): 3.89
Fiber (grams): 0

Buying and Storing

When buying liver, make sure the organ is free from bruising and off-colors. When storing at home, make sure to store liver in a sealed container for up to three days.

Best Way to Add to Diet

A great way to serve liver is by sautéing the organ meat with coarsely grain black pepper and onions. Another great way to prepare liver is by making a pâté or terrine.