The 7 Beef Spleen Benefits: What Big Pharma Doesn’t Want You To Know

When you think of organ meats or offal, the obvious contenders are liver, kidney, and perhaps heart. Spleen may not have even entered the list. I know that was the case for me.

But is spleen worth considering? Does it have unique health benefits that other organs don’t?

And, if so… does it taste good?

I like to look at what we should eat through the lens of our hunter-gatherer ancestors. I ask myself, “What would they have eaten?”.

I believe the answer to this question reveals what we as humans should really be eating.

It clears the mist that overshadows the diet world. It reveals the ultimate human diet.

It’s clear that animals featured heavily in their diet and bearing in mind they wouldn’t have known when or where their next meal was coming from, they would have left nothing to waste.

So, the spleen of an animal – be that a ruminant such as a cow or otherwise – would have been gobbled up for sure.

Did they know instinctively if the spleen had health benefits? I’m not sure, but they knew it provided some kind of sustenance so they ate it nonetheless.

And if it’s good enough for our ancestors, then it’s good enough for… but is it good enough for you?

Let’s dig into the beef spleen benefits.

TL;DR

• Beef spleen is a nutrient-dense organ meat rich in heme iron, vitamin B12, and unique compounds that support immune health.
• The 7 beef spleen benefits include boosting iron levels, enhancing immune system function, supporting cognitive health, promoting healthy skin, aiding thyroid health, improving digestion, and potential anti-inflammatory effects.
• Grass-fed beef spleen offers superior nutritional value compared to grain-fed, with higher nutrient density and better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.
• Incorporating beef spleen into your diet can be done through cooking or supplements, but always opt for high-quality, grass-fed sources for optimal health benefits.

What is Beef Spleen and Why Should You Care?

Beef spleen is, you guessed it, the spleen of a cow. In the animal, this fist-sized organ sits quietly in the upper left part of the abdomen, working tirelessly behind the scenes.

The spleen filters blood, removes old red blood cells, stores platelets and white blood cells, and plays a vital role in the body’s immune system.

But why should you care about this unassuming organ meat? Here’s the scoop:

1. Nutrient Density: Beef spleen is packed with vitamins, minerals, and unique compounds that are hard to find in such concentrated amounts elsewhere.
2. Heme Iron Heavyweight: It’s one of the richest sources of heme iron, the type your body absorbs most easily.
3. Immune System Bootcamp: Beef spleen contains compounds that may give your immune system a serious power-up.
4. Sustainable Eating: If you’re into nose-to-tail eating or looking for ways to make your diet more sustainable, beef spleen fits the bill perfectly.

7 Surprising Health Benefits of Beef Spleen

Alright, folks, it’s time to unveil the star of our show – the health benefits of beef spleen. Buckle up, because this little organ is about to take you on a wellness rollercoaster!

1. Boosting Iron Levels and Red Blood Cell Production

Remember that heme iron we were raving about earlier? Well, it’s not just for show. Beef spleen is a powerhouse when it comes to combating iron deficiency.

Its high heme iron content is more readily absorbed by your body compared to non-heme iron found in plant sources. This means beef spleen can be a game-changer for those struggling with anemia or low iron levels.

But it doesn’t stop there. The iron in beef spleen plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells.

These little oxygen carriers are crucial for keeping your body running smoothly. So, by chowing down on some beef spleen, you’re essentially giving your blood health a turbo boost!

2. Enhancing Immune System Function

If your immune system were a superhero, beef spleen would be its power-up snack. The unique compounds found in beef spleen, like tuftsin and splenin, have been shown to stimulate immune function.

Moreover, beef spleen is rich in zinc, a mineral essential for immune health. It’s like giving your immune system a shield and a sword – ready to defend and attack!

3. Supporting Cognitive Health

Brain fog getting you down? Beef spleen might be your new best friend.

Its high vitamin B12 content is crucial for maintaining healthy neurons and even producing neurotransmitters. Think of it as brain food – literally!

4. Promoting Healthy Skin

Who knew that the secret to glowing skin might be hiding in the organ meat section? The nutrient density of beef spleen, particularly its vitamin C content, can contribute to healthy skin. Collagen production, anyone?

5. Aiding in Thyroid Health

Your thyroid is like the thermostat of your body, and beef spleen might just help keep it running smoothly.

Its selenium content is particularly noteworthy, as this mineral plays a crucial role in thyroid hormone production.

6. Improving Digestion

While not as famous as other organs for digestive health, beef spleen contains enzymes that may aid in digestion. It’s like sending a cleanup crew to your gut!

7. Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Some studies suggest that certain compounds in beef spleen may have anti-inflammatory properties. While more research is needed, it’s an exciting potential benefit that’s worth keeping an eye on.

The Nutritional Profile of Beef Spleen

Alright, let’s talk nutrition. Beef spleen isn’t just another pretty face in the meat department – it’s a bonafide nutritional powerhouse.

If vitamins and minerals were superheroes, beef spleen would be their secret hideout. This is another prime example of how organ meats blow any fruit or vegetable out of the water when it comes to nutrient density.

Let’s break it down:

Key Vitamins and Minerals

First up, we’ve got iron. But not just any iron – we’re talking about heme iron, the Superman of the iron world.

Animal-derived foods contain heme iron, which the human body can utilize more efficiently compared to non-heme iron found in plant sources.

A single serving of beef spleen can provide a whopping 33mg of iron – that’s about 180% of your daily needs!

But wait, there’s more! Beef spleen is also rich in vitamin B12, essential for maintaining healthy blood cells and supporting cognitive function.

You’ll also find generous amounts of selenium (hello, thyroid health!) and zinc (immune system, anyone?).

Protein Content

Gym rats, take note: beef spleen is a lean protein machine. With about 17 grams of protein per 100-gram serving, it’s a great way to meet your protein needs without piling on extra calories.

Unique Compounds in Beef Spleen

Here’s where things get really interesting. Beef spleen contains some unique compounds that you won’t find in your average steak:

1. Tuftsin: This peptide is known for its potential immune-boosting effects. It’s like a personal trainer for your white blood cells.
2. Splenin: Another compound that may support immune health. Think of it as your immune system’s secret weapon.
3. Natural Killer Cell Stimulants: Yes, that’s really what they’re called. These compounds may help activate your body’s natural killer cells, which play a vital role in your immune defenses.

While beef liver might be the reigning champion of vitamin A, beef spleen takes the crown when it comes to iron content. It even gives liver a run for its money in the B12 department.

Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef Spleen: What’s the Difference?

Alright, beef enthusiasts, it’s time to talk about the cow’s diet. You’ve probably heard the buzz about grass-fed beef, but does it really make a difference when it comes to beef spleen?

Spoiler alert: it does!

Let’s think about this for a second… if we feed a cow a diet that it’s not designed to eat just so we can fatten it up, do you think it’ll be as healthy and nutritious as a cow that’s chowed down on luscious blades living its best life?

Common sense answers this question, but let’s look at the hard facts…

The Grass-Fed Advantage

Grass-fed beef spleen isn’t just a fancy label – it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s why:

1. Nutrient Density: Grass-fed beef organs, including spleen, tend to be more nutrient-dense than their grain-fed counterparts. They’re like the overachievers of the organ meat world.
2. Healthy Fats: While beef spleen isn’t particularly high in fat, the fat it does contain in grass-fed versions tends to have a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. It’s like giving your body the good kind of fat!
3. Antioxidants: Grass-fed beef spleen often contains higher levels of antioxidants like vitamin E. Think of it as nature’s preservative for your cells.
4. Ethical Considerations: If you’re into sustainable eating, grass-fed beef spleen aligns well with those values. These cows often lead more natural lives, grazing in pastures rather than being confined to feedlots.

What About Grain-Fed?

Now, don’t get me wrong – if you only have access to grain-fed meat, I’d rather you ate that than some human-made processed alternative.

It’ll still be far better for you than that crap. But just know that grass-fed is generally better for you and the animal and should be considered if it’s an option.

A Word on GMO-Free

While we’re on the topic of quality, let’s touch on GMO-free beef spleen. Opting for GMO-free products ensures that the cows haven’t been fed genetically modified grains. It’s another layer of “keeping it natural” in your quest for optimal nutrition.

How to Incorporate Beef Spleen into Your Diet

So, you’re ready to give beef spleen a try. Bravo! Your body is about to thank you.

But before you go all Iron Chef with this organ meat, let’s talk about some practical ways to get it into your diet without scaring off your taste buds (or your family).

Cooking Tips and Recipes

1. The Sneaky Approach: If you’re new to organ meats, start by incorporating small amounts of ground beef spleen into your regular ground beef dishes. Burgers, meatballs, or Bolognese sauce are perfect candidates. Your family won’t even know they’re getting a nutrient boost!
2. The Direct Approach: For the brave souls out there, try pan-frying sliced beef spleen with onions and garlic. A little salt, pepper, and maybe a splash of balsamic vinegar, and you’ve got yourself a nutrient-dense meal that actually tastes good.
3. The Soup Strategy: Beef spleen works wonderfully in soups and stews. It adds a rich, meaty flavor and loads of nutrients. Try it in a hearty vegetable soup or a traditional bone broth.
4. The Pâté Play: Blend cooked beef spleen with some liver, herbs, and spices to make a nutrient-packed pâté. Spread it on some low-carb crackers for a keto-friendly snack.

Remember, when cooking beef spleen, less is more. Overcooking can make it tough and intensify its flavor. Aim for medium-rare to medium for the best texture and taste.

Supplement Options

Not quite ready to dive into cooking beef spleen? No worries! There are supplement options available:

1. Desiccated Beef Spleen Capsules: These are made from dried and powdered beef spleen. They’re a convenient way to get the benefits without the culinary adventure.
2. Spleen Extract: This liquid form of beef spleen is often used for its potential immune-boosting effects.

When choosing supplements, look for products made from grass-fed beef spleen. Avoid those with unnecessary additives or flow agents.

Some options for you to consider:

• Ancestral Supplement’s Grass Fed Beef Spleen – a high-quality supplement.
• Heart & Soil’s Beef Organ – contains a load of organs including spleen in one supplement.

A Note on Sourcing

Whether you’re cooking beef spleen or taking it as a supplement, quality matters. Here’s what to look for:

• Grass-fed and grass-finished beef spleen
• Organic, if possible
• GMO-free
• No added hormones or antibiotics

Your local butcher or a reputable online meat supplier can be great sources for high-quality beef spleen. Don’t be shy about asking questions about the source and quality of their products.

Now that you’re armed with knowledge on how to incorporate beef spleen into your diet, you might be wondering about any potential downsides. Are there any risks to consuming beef spleen? Let’s address those concerns in our next section.

Conclusion: Is Beef Spleen Right for You?

We’ve journeyed through the world of beef spleen, from its impressive nutrient profile to its potential health benefits. So, what’s the verdict? Is this organ meat worth adding to your diet?

Beef spleen is undoubtedly a nutritional powerhouse. Its high heme iron content makes it a standout choice for those looking to boost their iron levels naturally. The potential immune-boosting effects and its rich array of vitamins and minerals add to its appeal as a nutrient-dense food.

For those willing to step outside their culinary comfort zone, beef spleen offers a unique opportunity to embrace the nose-to-tail eating philosophy. It’s a sustainable choice that honors traditional diets and makes use of often-overlooked parts of the animal.

If you decide to give beef spleen a try, opt for grass-fed, high-quality sources. Start small, perhaps by incorporating it into ground beef dishes, and see how your body responds.

You might just find that this humble organ meat becomes a valuable addition to your nutritional arsenal.

And that’s it… have a nutritious day!

FAQs

Q: Is beef spleen safe to eat during pregnancy?

A: While beef spleen is nutrient-dense, pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before adding it to their diet. The high vitamin A content and potential for foodborne illness if not properly handled are concerns to discuss with a medical professional.

Q: How often should I eat beef spleen?

A: For most people, consuming beef spleen 1-2 times a week is sufficient to reap its health benefits. However, individual needs may vary based on factors like iron status, overall diet, and health conditions.

Q: Can beef spleen help with anemia?

A: Yes, beef spleen is an excellent source of heme iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron found in plant sources. This makes it potentially beneficial for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia. However, always consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of anemia.

Q: Is beef spleen keto-friendly?

A: Absolutely! Beef spleen is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic diet.

Q: How does beef spleen compare to beef liver in terms of nutrition?

A: While both are nutrient-dense organ meats, beef spleen is particularly high in iron and certain immune-boosting compounds. Beef liver, on the other hand, is richer in vitamin A and some B vitamins. Both can be valuable additions to a balanced diet.

Q: Can I give beef spleen to my pets?

A: Many pet owners include beef spleen in their pets’ diets, especially for dogs on raw food diets. However, always consult with a veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet’s diet.

Q: How long can I store beef spleen?

A: Fresh beef spleen should be used within 1-2 days if refrigerated. If frozen, it can last up to 3-4 months. Always follow proper food safety guidelines for storage and handling.

Q: Are there any alternatives to beef spleen for vegetarians?

A: While there’s no perfect plant-based equivalent to beef spleen, vegetarians can focus on iron-rich foods like lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. However, remember that non-heme iron from plant sources is less easily absorbed than the heme iron found in beef spleen.