Grass-fed organ meats are some of the healthiest foods on the planet. They are particularly rich in B-vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folate. They are also rich in minerals, including iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc, and important fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E and K.(Source).
WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS?
The essential fat soluble vitamins are Vitamins A, D, E, and K and can be found in most animal foods such as eggs, dairy products, beef liver & other organs, and fish. Did you know that every single cell of the human body contains saturated animal fat? We NEED it not only to survive, but to thrive. Including organ meats in your diet will lead to healthy & glowing skin, soft & silky hair, strong nails, and an overall elevated mood due to the increase in energy consumption. Letâs examine each of the fat soluble vitamins further!
1.VITAMIN A
Vitamin A is the generic term for a group of fat-soluble compounds highly important for human health. Theyâre essential for many processes in your body, including maintaining healthy vision, ensuring the normal function of your immune system and organs and aiding the proper growth and development of babies in the womb. Interestingly, there are two versions of vitamin A: pre-formed and the pre-cursers. Pre-formed vitamin A is the active form of the vitamin in which your body uses just as it is. This complete form of vitamin A is only found in animal products, such as grass-fed beef liver. Contrastingly, the pre-cursers to vitamin A known as the carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin) are found in plants; however, there is little proof that the conversion rate of the carotenoids in the human body is significant enough to obtain an adequate amount of vitamin A from plants alone. (Source).
RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE:
The recommended daily amount of vitamin A is 900 micrograms (mcg) for adult men and 700 mcg for adult women. (Source).
2. VITAMIN D
Vitamin D is an animal hormone. It is not a single substance but a group of compounds collectively known as calciferol, which gets absorbed into the bloodstream and then converts it to calcitriol. (Source).
Two types occur naturally:
vitamin D-3, found in animal fats
vitamin D-2, found in plants, like mushrooms
We can also obtain vitamin D by producing it ourselves if we have enough exposure to sunlight and cholesterol in our diets. Vitamin D is involved in mineral metabolism and bone growth. Its most dramatic effect is to help the body absorb calcium in the bloodstream.(Source)
RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE:
The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for people ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years. (Source)
3. VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is used by our cells to carry out many important bodily functions. It initially acts as an antioxidant in the body, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals, which are compounds formed within the body from toxic foods and environmental pollutants. Vitamin E also boosts the bodyâs immune system, helps to widen blood vessels, and keeps blood from clotting. (Source).
RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE:
The recommended daily amount of vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams a day. (Source).
4. VITAMIN K
Vitamin K is a group of compounds including vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. Vitamin K1 is obtained from plant foods such as leafy greens, and vitamin K2 is obtained from animal foods such as raw dairy products. Vitamin K plays a key role in helping the blood clot and preventing excessive bleeding. (Source).
RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE:
Adults need approximately 1 microgram a day of vitamin K for each kilogram of their body weight. For example, someone who weighs 150lbs would need 68 micrograms a day of vitamin K, while a person who weighs 165lbs would need about 75 micrograms a day. (Source).
Summary
Consuming a diet rich in organ meats ensures that you will obtain an adequate amount of the essential fat soluble vitamins that will lead to a healthier, happier, and more productive you! đ