When it comes to meat consumption and the benefits of eating meat, many people tend to stick to the usual cuts, such as chicken breasts or beef steaks. However, there are many benefits to eating the whole animal, both from a sustainability and nutritional standpoint. Read on to find out more.
The nutritional benefits of consuming organ meats
The benefits of eating meat, in particular organ meats, such as liver, heart, and kidneys, are often overlooked in Western diets but are incredibly nutrient-dense. If you can tolerate organ meats, I highly recommend incorporating it into your diet.
They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are essential for maintaining good health. In fact, liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, containing high levels of vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate.
For those who might be a bit wary, there are several ways to incorporate them into their diet. One delicious way is to make liver pate, which can be enjoyed as a spread or a dip.
Another way is to add small amounts of organ meat to dishes such as stews, soups, and casseroles, where the flavour can be masked by other ingredients.
By consuming this part of the animal, you can ensure that you are getting a wide range of essential nutrients that are often lacking in modern diets. However, it’s important to choose good quality organ meat from animals that have been raised on a healthy diet and in humane conditions.
Have you considered incorporating bone and bone marrow?
The bones and bone marrow of an animal are also packed full of beneficial nutrients. Bones are rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Bone marrow, on the other hand, is a rich source of healthy fats and immune-supporting nutrients like vitamin A and zinc. By incorporating bone broth into your diet, you can reap the benefits of these important nutrients and support your overall health and well-being.
Quality over Quantity Helps With the Benefits of Eating Meat
When assembling a plate of food, have been conditioned to opt for a large portion of meat with 2-3 veg.
However, when it comes to promoting a more balanced and sustainable diet, I advocate eating meat as a small portion, almost like a side or a ‘condimeat’, regardless of whether it’s organ meat or traditional cuts. Instead of thinking about beef as an entree, consider it as an ingredient to be used sparingly, best mixed with beans and greens.
When it comes to meat quality, I recommend choosing butcher shops that practice whole carcass butchery, such as Swaledale butchers.
This approach supports a holistic approach to food production and a sustainable food future. Their meat is butchered to order to reduce wastage, demonstrate respect for livestock, and operate in balance with the natural environment.
Their team of expert seam butchers considers each carcass as an individual, utilizing every organ for nutrition. By using specific techniques to separate each muscle group, they can utilize the entire carcass and provide the best quality meat.
They are committed to only buying what they can sell and reject the unsustainable commoditization of food encouraged by mass retail.
Essentially, eating the whole part of the meat and using meat as a condimeat has several nutritional and environmental benefits.
By choosing whole carcass butchery and practicing ethical and flexible consumption, we can make more sustainable and conscious food choices.
So there are benefits of eating meat and it’s just about knowing how to chose the right way for you and for maximum nutrition.
