The Health Hack Our Grandparents Got Right: Why Beef Liver Deserves a Comeback

At its core, health is simple. When we give the body what it truly needs — the raw materials to build, repair, and thrive — it knows what to do. It’s not about chasing trends or fixing symptoms one by one. It’s about nourishment, from the inside out.

One of the most underrated yet powerful ways to do that? Beef liver.

I know — liver isn’t exactly the darling of modern health food. But as a nutritionist, I’ve seen time and time again how bringing back this humble food can change lives. Because when the body is starved of critical nutrients (as so many of us unknowingly are), even clean diets and good habits can fall short. And beef liver is one of the most efficient, bioavailable, and time-tested ways to replenish what’s missing.

Beef liver is often referred to as “nature’s multivitamin” — and for good reason. Gram for gram, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. In just a small serving, liver delivers a full spectrum of essential nutrients in their most bioavailable forms — meaning they’re readily absorbed and used by the body, unlike some synthetic supplements.

Let’s start with the standout figures:

• Over 300% of the RDI for Vitamin B12 in a single serve — critical for energy production, cognitive function, and nerve health.
• 30% of your daily Vitamin A, in its active form (retinol) — essential for immune support, skin renewal, and hormone production.
• High-quality heme iron, which is far more absorbable than plant-based iron, helping to combat fatigue and support oxygen transport.

But liver doesn’t stop there. It also naturally contains:

• Folate (B9) — vital for DNA repair and fertility
• Choline — key for liver function, brain development, and detoxification
• Zinc and copper — needed for immune function, antioxidant defence, and collagen production
• CoQ10 — a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and cellular energy

I see patterns nearly every day: fatigue, low mood, poor concentration, hair thinning, hormonal imbalances. Often, these symptoms are underpinned by subtle but chronic nutrient deficiencies — especially in iron, B vitamins, zinc, and choline.

Modern diets, even those deemed “healthy,” often fall short of delivering these nutrients in meaningful amounts.

That’s where beef liver shines — particularly when it’s certified organic, grass-fed, and freeze-dried, which retains its full nutrient profile without exposure to synthetic inputs or high heat.

One of the most common concerns I hear is: “Isn’t the liver a filter? Doesn’t it store toxins?”

Here’s the truth: the liver is not a storage site for toxins — it’s a detoxification organ, meaning it helps neutralise and eliminate waste. Toxins the body can’t clear are stored in fat tissue, not liver tissue. When sourced responsibly (from healthy, organic, pasture-raised animals), liver is not only safe — it’s one of the cleanest foods you can eat.

In ancestral cultures, organ meats like liver were revered — often saved for pregnant women, warriors, or elders. Today, we need them more than ever. Whether you’re trying to support energy, hormonal balance, skin clarity, recovery, or fertility, beef liver offers nutritional support that few other foods can match.

And for those who can’t stomach the taste (which is understandable!), freeze-dried beef liver capsules are a fantastic alternative — delivering all the nutrients with none of the flavour.

We don’t need more synthetic supplements — we need a return to whole, nutrient-dense foods. I’m often amazed at the difference beef liver can make, especially in individuals who are tired, depleted, or struggling with poor absorption.

If there’s one traditional food worth reclaiming in the modern diet, it’s this.