1. Is nutrient dense
Rich in protein, low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals; liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. What makes it even more of a ‘superfood’ is that the nutrients are easily accessible by the body.
2. Rich source of vitamin A
Liver and liver products, like pâté, are a rich source of vitamin A in the form of retinol, which is the ‘active’ form. Muscle meat is not such an impressive source and plant sources have to be converted to the active form in the gut, so that the body can use them.
3. Valuable dietary source of vitamin D
There are a limited number of food sources of vitamin D, with liver being one. Vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin, is typically formed by the action of sunlight on the skin and is difficult to obtain in adequate amounts from our diets. With low levels of sun light during the Autumn and Winter months, it’s common for levels to be low.
The form of vitamin D supplied by liver is D3, the more ‘active’ form, which once again is found in much lower levels in muscle meat.
4. Useful source of the B group of vitamins
Liver is an impressive source of B vitamins including folate, choline and vitamin B12. These nutrients are needed for a number of functions in the body and especially for metabolism.