Ancestral Supplements

Did you know that the majority of Americans have at least one nutritional deficiency? Even though we have an abundant food supply and consume more calories than needed, micronutrient deficiencies are the norm instead of the exception. Let’s look into organ meats and ancestral supplements.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Unfortunately, the standard American diet (SAD) is full of processed foods, refined carbs, vegetable oils, and trans fats. Most people don’t eat the required amount of vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, or have a macronutrient balance in their diet. The result is an over-fed but under-nourished nation.

This is what the data shows related to the US population:

• 31% of children and adults are at risk for anemia – low levels of vitamin B-12 and iron
• 47% of pregnant and breastfeeding women have an elevated risk of micronutrient deficiencies
• 42% of the population is vitamin D deficient
• Premenopausal women, those with poor eating habits, people over age 65, those who take prescription medication (for heartburn, acid reflux, constipation) long-term, Caucasians who avoid the sun, and darker skin people (their body’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight is compromised due to high amounts of melatonin) are even at higher risk for lower vitamin D levels
• 39% have plasma with B-12 levels in the low-normal range and 25% below normal
• 98% are potassium-deficient
• 75% are magnesium-deficient
• >25% consume the recommended amount of vitamins A, C, and E
• It is also believed that people who don’t take dietary supplements have a 40 percent risk of micronutrient deficiency, while only 14 percent of multivitamin-multimineral users are at risk

Organ Meats

Another reason why we may be so nutrient deficient may be because we stopped eating organ meats. Our ancestors not only ate the animals’ muscle tissue, as we do now when we eat steak, but they also eat their organs.

In actuality, organs, also called offal, were treasured. Organ meats were believed to be very powerful. Ancestral wisdom followed the tenet that “like supports like” and they consumed certain animal parts to nourish their own. For instance, they consumed bone marrow to support the state of their bones, teeth, and connective tissues. They consumed the liver to build up their blood. As you may know, the liver filters blood and has a positive effect on those with anemia as it is rich in iron, B-12, B-6, magnesium, etc.

But do not mistake ancestral for flaky. These traditional beliefs have been backed by science. In his book, Primal Nutrition: Paleolithic and Ancestral Diets for Optimal Health, Dr. Ron Schmid, ND, a seasoned naturopath delved into the body’s innate ability for healing given the proper foods and conditions, as well as research from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, lending credence to eating “animal organs to help ensure health in one’s corresponding organs.”

Organ Meats List

• Liver
• Heart
• Brain
• Lungs
• Kidneys
• Eyes
• Sweetbreads
• Tongue
• Bone Marrow
• Intestines
• Testicles

Benefits of Organ Meats

• Nutrient-Dense: Organ meats make a great addition to our diet as organs are super nutrient-dense. They have high levels of vitamin C, and B vitamins as well as iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and fat-soluble vitamins – A, D, E, and K.

Comparison between 100g of steak and 100g of liver

• Source of Good Fats: There are numerous misconceptions related to fats and meat. People associate animal fats with disease. However, now we know better. Healthy fats and cholesterol-rich foods regulate your body’s cholesterol production and are needed by the body, brain, and metabolism.
• Absorbable Iron: Meat is a great source of heme iron, which is highly bioavailable. It is better absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plant foods (lentils, beans, chickpeas, hemp seeds, kale, etc.).
• High in Quality Protein: The main micronutrient of organ meats is protein, providing all nine essential amino acids and helping you gain more muscle.
• Keeps you Satiated: Meals high-protein keep you fuller longer so you are not constantly grazing.
• Fat Loss: Nutrient-dense and high-protein foods increase your metabolic rate and keep you satisfied, helping you to lose more body fat.
• High in Choline: This is an essential nutrient that needs to be acquired from the diet and it’s needed for cell membranes, neurotransmitters, muscles, and the brain. The liver, followed by eggs, and beef have the highest sources of choline.
• Save Money: Since organ meats are not popular, they can be cheaper and save you money.
• Less Waste: Consuming all animal parts helps to reduce food waste.

Organ Meats and Gout

Organ meats are high in purines. Purines are the building blocks of all living things. Purines from foods, exogenous purines, are broken down by the liver and converted into a waste product called uric acid. This uric acid is released into the bloodstream, filtered by the kidneys, and excreted in the urine.

Generally, purines pose no problems. However, some people who have neglected their bodies develop hyperuricemia – high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to kidney stones and a painful type of arthritis called gout. They are encouraged to limit alcohol, especially beer, organ meats, red meats (beef, venison, bison), and saturated fats as they increase uric acid levels and can spur a gout attack (pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints).

Organ Meats Recipes

Now that you know all the amazing benefits associated with organ meats, it’s time to enjoy them. Just be aware that some organ meats may require a developed taste. So it may be a good idea to start off with the organs that have milder flavors, like the heart and tongue. Here are a few ideas on how to prepare organ meats:

• Heart: Cook the heart just like a steak. You can grill it, make a stew, or a burger with it.
• Tongue: You can make a tongue in a stew, grill it or make tacos with it but should boil it for several hours to soften it.
• Liver: You can slow-cook the liver with apples, garlic, and wine. Then, eat it with sauteed onions, and parsley.
• Bone Marrow: Grill marrow bones with Himalayan salt, garlic, parsley, and lemon zest.

Another alternative is to grind up an organ and combine it with some of the foods that you already enjoy, like beef or pork mince, and make a stew or burgers. Whatever the choice, it is very important to choose high-quality meats. Buy grass-fed and organic organs in order to enjoy the nutrients without any hormones or toxins found in conventional meats.

Ancestral Supplements

If you don’t like the taste or can’t find good-quality organs, supplementing is a great alternative. Ancestral Supplements is a wonderful company that provides whole food, and nutrient-dense organs. They produce small batches at a time to ensure superb quality. Their motto is putting back in, what the modern world has left out. These are some of their products characteristics

• Pasture Raised In New Zealand, which has a moderate non-toxic climate with green grass and clean pastures that produce healthier cattle
• Grass-fed & Grass-Finished
• Hormone, Pesticide & GMO-Free
• Absolutely No Fillers (or) Flow Agents
• 100% Freeze-Dried & Non-Defatted
• Third-Party Tested For Purity
• Allergen-Free

Ancestral Supplements -The Need for Organ Meats

Products

BEEF ORGANS

This blend has 100% pure bovine liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, and spleen.

LIVER

COLOSTRUM

Colostrum is the primary milk, produced by every mammalian mother within the first few hours following her infant’s birth. This superfood ensures survival as it’s highly concentrated.

COLLAGEN

LUNGS

OTHER ORGAN PRODUCTS

Ancestral Supplements also have these amazing organs: Heart, Thyroid, Pancreas, Spleen, Bone Marrow, Thymus, Brain, Kidney, Trachea, Prostate, Adrenal, Intestines, Gallbladder, Tallow, Eyes, Fish Eggs, Male Optimization Formula

Be Aware … Detox Reaction

Most people tolerate these kinds of supplements without a problem. Yet, 5 – 10% of customers experience a detoxification reaction (usually those with autoimmune conditions). These healing reactions include nausea, headache, lethargy, dizziness, and other flu-like symptoms. This happens as the body releases stored toxins, metabolic wastes, and pathogens.

In this case, instead of the suggested serving size of 6 capsules per day, you should start slowly when adding this product to your current regimen. Start with just 1 capsule a day and increase the dose by just 1 capsule every couple of days – You’ll achieve the recommended serving in two to three weeks.

Now that you know all the powerful benefits of organ meats and ancestral supplements, you can start incorporating them into your life. By complementing your routine with organ supplements, you’ll allow your body and mind to perform better, your immune system to function properly, and your health to thrive!

To a fitter Healthier You,

Adriana Albritton

The Fitness Wellness Mentor