Can Beef Organs Regulate Cholesterol?

Beef organ meats promote healthy cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation. Liver, heart, and kidney are rich sources of cholesterol-regulating nutrients such as choline, carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and B vitamins that increase HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol. 

A 2022 study published in the Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine found that red meat consumption—including organs—did not negatively affect total cholesterol or inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP).

 

Article jumplinks:

Why is cholesterol important?

Types of cholesterol

How to maintain healthy cholesterol levels

How much cholesterol do beef organs contain?

Beef organ benefits for cholesterol

The healthiest organ meats for cholesterol

 

Unleash the benefits of beef organs with our grass-fed New Zealand beef organ supplements. We carefully source and encapsulate concentrated extracts from bovine liver, heart, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen to deliver a nutrient-dense superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and protective compounds. Our beef organ complex delivers a chariot load of wholesomeness to your system.

 

Why is Cholesterol Important?

 

Without cholesterol, you’d die. This waxy substance forms the membrane of every cell of your body. The liver produces most of your cholesterol, but you also get it from animal-based foods such as meat, dairy, and eggs. 

1. Cholesterol maintains the integrity and proper fluidity of cell membranes. This allows nutrients to enter cells and waste to exit.
2. Cholesterol and other compounds work together to produce steroid hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. These regulate reproductive health, metabolism, inflammation, and stress response.
3. Your liver uses cholesterol to make bile acids. Bile is released into the intestine to help break down and absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
4. When exposed to sunlight, cholesterol in skin cells is converted to vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and bone health.
5. Cholesterol insulates nerve cells and facilitates communication between neurons for brain function and cognition.
6. Cholesterol plays a vital role in cellular signaling pathways, allowing cells to receive instructions and respond appropriately.
7. Cholesterol has a key role in managing the body's energy supply. You need it for the proper metabolism and transport of fatty acids within cells. These fatty acids can then be broken down to produce ATP, the cell's main energy currency.
8. Cholesterol neutralizes harmful free radicals and reactive oxygen species that damage cells and DNA through oxidative stress.
9. Cholesterol is a structural component of lipid rafts, which are areas of the cell membrane that organize signaling molecules and coordinate immune function.
10. Cholesterol activates and transports proteins involved in the body's repair mechanisms. It helps rebuild and replace skin cells, blood vessel linings, and other affected areas.
11. Cholesterol is essential for proper embryonic development before a fetus can synthesize its own.
12. While bile aids fat-soluble vitamin absorption, cholesterol directly facilitates the uptake of nutrients such as vitamin E and carotenoid antioxidants in the intestines.

Cholesterol is often demonized. Elevated levels of certain “bad” cholesterol types increase health risks, but cholesterol is not categorically bad. 

 

What Are the Types of Cholesterol?

 

Cholesterol is a fat-like lipid that doesn't dissolve in water-based blood, so it cannot travel throughout the body on its own. Your body combines it with proteins and triglycerides to form lipoproteins. Lipoproteins dissolve cholesterol and carry it through the bloodstream. 

Certain lipoproteins deliver cholesterol to cells and tissues that require it, while others work to remove excess cholesterol and transport it to the liver for excretion. This lipoprotein system allows cholesterol to be distributed and regulated as needed.

There are two main categories of lipoprotein-bound cholesterol in the bloodstream: LDL and HDL. LDL has been oversimplified as “bad,” while HDL has been oversimplified as “good.” Let’s discover the true roles these both play.

 

LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

 

LDL is the primary cholesterol carrier in the blood, responsible for delivering cholesterol to cells and tissues throughout the body. It has several essential roles in the body such as building cell membranes and producing hormones, so you need this type of cholesterol for proper bodily function.

LDL is often referred to as “bad” because it contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. When their levels are elevated, these particles can infiltrate the walls of arteries and become oxidized by free radicals. This oxidation process triggers an inflammatory response, causing white blood cells to remove the oxidized LDL by taking it up into the artery walls. Over time, this leads to a buildup of cholesterol and the formation of plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

As plaque continues to accumulate, it narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. If a plaque ruptures, it forms a blood clot, potentially causing a heart attack or stroke.

A diet high in saturated and trans fats, being overweight, lack of regular exercise, and genetic predispositions may increase LDL cholesterol levels. While not inherently harmful, LDL becomes problematic when levels are too high.

 

HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein)

 

HDL cholesterol is often referred to as the “good” kind because, even at higher amounts, it doesn’t have any negative health effects. HDL particles are essential in maintaining cardiovascular health—they have a protective effect against heart disease and stroke.

The primary function of HDL cholesterol is to remove excess LDL from the bloodstream through a process called reverse cholesterol transport. HDL particles travel through the bloodstream, collecting excess cholesterol from the tissues and artery walls, and transporting it back to the liver, where it can be broken down and eliminated from the body. By continuously removing excess cholesterol from the arteries, HDL helps prevent atherosclerosis. 

HDL also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that further protect against atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

If you want to keep your heart healthy and your HDL cholesterol levels in check, make sure to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, steer clear of smoking, and load up on nutritious fats. 

 

Triglycerides

 

Triglycerides are not technically a type of cholesterol, but they are a type of lipid formed from carbs that your body does not immediately use for energy. When you consume more calories than your body needs, especially from carbohydrates, the excess is converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use as energy.

High triglyceride levels can be problematic, particularly when combined with other unfavorable cholesterol levels, such as low HDL or high LDL cholesterol. Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins interact with other lipoproteins in the blood, exchanging their triglycerides for cholesterol. This process increases the concentration of LDL cholesterol and decreases the concentration of HDL cholesterol. As a result, the excess LDL can more easily infiltrate the artery walls, leading to plaque formation and narrowing of the arteries.

Elevated triglyceride levels are considered a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, so you better keep those in check, as well.

 

How Can I Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels?

 

The typical American diet is a recipe for disaster. It overloads the body with unhealthy LDL cholesterol and triglycerides found in fast food and sugary drinks while skimping on the beneficial HDL. Coupled with a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise, this dietary pattern also suppresses the production of HDL, so it can’t remove LDL from the arteries.

You maintain healthy cholesterol levels by keeping LDL and triglycerides low while raising HDL levels. Here’s how you can achieve that:

• Eat a balanced diet. Consume fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, full-fat dairy products, fried foods, and processed snacks. Instead, opt for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity helps raise HDL, lower LDL, and reduce triglycerides. Find activities you enjoy, such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or dancing, and make them a consistent part of your routine.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess body weight, especially abdominal fat, contributes to unhealthy cholesterol levels. 
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake. Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease. Excessive alcohol consumption can raise triglyceride levels and contribute to unhealthy cholesterol numbers.
• Incorporate beef organ meats into your diet. Beef liver, kidney, and heart are nutrient-dense foods that regulate cholesterol levels. They are rich in CoQ10, preformed vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and selenium, all of which support overall cardiovascular health.

Take control of your cholesterol levels with our beef organ supplement. This multi-organ complex delivers the full nutritional payload of liver, heart, kidney, and other bovine organs high in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds. Our supplements provide a convenient way to upgrade your intake of essential vitamins and minerals often missed in the typical American diet.

 

 

Are Beef Organs High in Cholesterol?

 

Beef organs are rich in healthy cholesterol. This is primarily the "good" HDL cholesterol associated with improved cardiovascular health. The cholesterol found in nutrient-dense organ meats, such as liver and heart, can regulate overall blood cholesterol levels.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides the cholesterol levels in 100g (3oz) of common organ meats:

Cholesterol levels in beef kidneys	411mg
Cholesterol levels in beef liver	275mg
Cholesterol levels in beef spleen	263mg
Cholesterol levels in beef thymus	223mg
Cholesterol levels in beef pancreas	205mg
Cholesterol levels in beef heart	124mg

These numbers may seem high, but they don’t mean organ meat is bad for you. When we compare the overall vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content of muscle meat and organ meat, beef organs blow steak out of the water. You get a much more complete nutritional package from a serving of liver versus a sirloin. 

Incorporate organ meats into a balanced diet rich in whole foods, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep to maintain a healthy cholesterol profile. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if organ meats are appropriate for your individual needs and circumstances.

These nutritional powerhouses are packed with beneficial compounds that work synergistically with their good cholesterol content to promote overall health. But what makes offal so good at regulating cholesterol levels?

 

How Do Beef Organs Regulate Cholesterol?

 

A balanced diet of nutritious foods, paired with an active lifestyle, is the best guarantee of healthy cholesterol levels. Don’t be afraid of adding beef organ meat to your weekly menu. If you don’t, you’ll rob your body of some unique cholesterol-regulating benefits. 

Here’s how beef organs can help optimize cholesterol:

1. Beef liver and heart contain higher levels of HDL cholesterol, which helps remove excess LDL cholesterol from artery walls, preventing buildup that can lead to heart disease.
2. Organ meats are rich in lipoproteins and other proteins that bind to cholesterol and allow it to be solubilized and transported through the bloodstream to cells and tissues that need it.
3. Beef organs are a good source of niacin (vitamin B3). Niacin has been shown to raise HDL levels while lowering LDL and triglycerides.
4. Beef organs are among the most concentrated sources of choline. This essential nutrient is required for metabolizing cholesterol and preventing accumulation that can cause fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis. A 2014 study found that supplementation with choline normalized cholesterol levels, prevented non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and improved overall liver function
5. Beef heart is an excellent source of coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant that may help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. A group of South American researchers found that, since oxidation of LDL cholesterol by reactive oxygen species is a key step in the progression of atherosclerosis, the ability of CoQ10 to reduce oxidative stress may help prevent LDL oxidation and plaque buildup in arteries. Other beef organs are high in CoQ10 as well.
6. Nutrients found in organ meats—such as vitamins A and E, as well as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)—reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammatory processes are linked to high cholesterol levels.
7. Unprocessed organ meats are free from industrially-produced trans and hydrogenated fats that can dangerously raise LDL cholesterol. Offal is a great source of healthy fats. 
8. Your liver uses the cholesterol found in beef organ meat to produce bile acids that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients involved in cholesterol regulation. 

This synergistic array of cholesterol-regulating nutrients, beneficial HDL, and anti-inflammatories make beef organs an essential part of a balanced diet.

Not sure how to cook organ meats? Check out our free resource library to discover delicious recipes and guides on how to incorporate organ meats into your diet to reap their numerous health benefits.

 

What Are the Healthiest Organ Meats for Cholesterol?

 

Beef heart, kidney, and liver are some of the most nutritious and cholesterol-friendly foods you can consume. 

 

Beef Heart

 

Apart from being rich in CoQ10, beef heart is also a great source of protein and niacin. Niacin helps raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL and triglycerides. 

Our beef heart supplement contains a complete array of amino acids and nutrients that provide a concentrated dose of heart-healthy compounds. Support your optimal cholesterol levels, increase energy, and promote cardiovascular health with this grass-fed beef supplement.

 

Beef Kidney

 

Beef kidney is a rich source of lecithin, a fat that contains and provides the essential nutrient choline. We know all about the role of choline in proper cholesterol metabolism and preventing its accumulation in the liver. Beef kidney is also a good source of B vitamins such as folate, which helps regulate homocysteine levels linked to cardiovascular disease risk.

One Earth Health's beef kidney supplement delivers a concentrated source of lecithin and choline to support healthy cholesterol metabolism, plus folate, selenium, and B vitamins to regulate homocysteine levels.

 

 

Beef Liver

Beef liver is one of the most nutrient-dense organs, packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants like CoQ10, and cholesterol-regulating nutrients. It provides the beneficial HDL form associated with cardiovascular health.

Our beef liver supplement is a true superfood. It supplies an unmatched array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote cardiovascular health and lower bad cholesterol. We’re talking beneficial HDL cholesterol, choline, and coenzyme Q10 that work synergistically to optimize your cholesterol profile.

 

 

Reap the Benefits of Beef Organ Supplements

 

One Earth Health's beef organ meat supplements offer a complete package of essential nutrients often lacking in the Western diet. We source the most nutrient-dense types of organ meat such as liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, and spleen from family farms in New Zealand that rely on regenerative farming practices to raise their cattle and crops. 

The result is beef organs rich in preformed vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron, and choline—all the nutrients vital for proper cholesterol metabolism. Get omega-3 fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, CoQ10 antioxidants, and more to boost your cardiovascular health and keep your cholesterol levels in check. The nutrient density beats out common cuts of lean meat and even chicken breasts.

Some people may worry about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease), but our meticulous sourcing ensures no contaminated brains or neural tissues. No additives, growth hormones, or questionable ingredients. Just pure nutrient potency from consumable organs such as kidney, heart, thymus, pancreas, and bone marrow. 

Whether your goal is weight loss, consistent energy levels, or overall well-being, our supplements provide the nutritional benefits of organ meats in a convenient dose. Get the same nutritious foods as our Paleolithic ancestors without the hassle of preparing them yourself.

 

Cholesterol FAQ

 

Is beef liver bad for cholesterol?

 

Beef liver is not bad for cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The cholesterol found in beef liver is primarily the beneficial HDL form associated with cardiovascular health benefits. 

Liver is an excellent source of choline, a key nutrient with a vital role in proper cholesterol metabolism by preventing its accumulation in the liver and the formation of plaque buildup. It's also packed with antioxidants such as CoQ10 that may inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

 

Is organ meat considered red meat?

 

Organ meats such as liver, kidneys, heart, and other edible animal organs are considered forms of red meat because they originate from mammalian livestock sources which include beef cattle, lamb, pork, and bison. They have different nutritional profiles than muscle meat cuts, but they are still classified as red meats from a dietary perspective.

 

Can I eat tripe if I have high cholesterol?

 

Tripe contains around 122mg of cholesterol per 100 grams of raw meat, so it’s not a particularly rich source of cholesterol. Tripe may be beneficial for your health because it supplies your body with key nutrients that can help regulate cholesterol such as vitamin B12, iron, protein, and more when consumed in moderation. If you’re worried about your cholesterol, consult your healthcare provider before adding nutrient-dense yet cholesterol-rich foods such as tripe to your diet.

 

Are eggs bad for high cholesterol?

 

Eggs aren’t bad for you or your cholesterol levels when you consume them in moderation and as a part of a balanced diet. An egg or two per day can be compatible with a heart-healthy diet for most people. While egg yolks are high-cholesterol foods, eggs in general are a good source of nutrients such as lecithin that aid cholesterol absorption and metabolism in the body. Some people worry about the greater cholesterol risk that comes from the high saturated fat content in egg yolks. 

 

Which organs can make cholesterol?

 

The liver is the main organ responsible for producing cholesterol in the human body through natural synthesis processes. Cholesterol production and regulation occurs at lower levels in other organs and tissues throughout the body such as the intestines, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs (the ovaries and testes). Nearly all our internal organs need cholesterol to perform vital bodily functions, so many of them are involved in cholesterol production.

 

What part of meat has the most cholesterol?

 

Among animal protein sources, organ meats like beef liver, kidney, heart, and brain tend to contain the highest concentrations of dietary cholesterol compared to muscle meat cuts from the same livestock. The unique nutrient profiles of these organ meats make them cholesterol-friendly overall.

 

What is the healthiest beef organ?

 

In terms of overall nutrient density, beef liver is often considered one of the healthiest types of variety meats. A 3-ounce serving of beef liver contains high amounts of preformed vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, niacin (vitamin B3), folate, iron, zinc, and other crucial nutrients that are difficult to obtain in adequate amounts from other foods. Beef liver also provides protein, healthy fats such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), antioxidants, essential amino acids, and other compounds vital for bone health, brain health, energy production, and overall bodily functions.

 

Is it healthy to eat beef spleen?

 

Beef spleen is highly nutritious and can be a healthy addition to your diet in moderation. It may not be as popular as liver or kidney, but spleen provides an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamin C, iron, niacin, phosphorus, and zinc. As with other organ meats, it supplies these nutrients in a highly bioavailable form that is easily absorbed and utilized by the body. 

 

Is the liver or spleen better for iron?

 

Beef liver is superior as a source of iron than spleen. A 3-ounce portion of beef liver contains around 5mg of iron, which is over 25% of the daily recommended iron intake for adults. Spleen has a respectable amount at around 3mg per 3-ounce serving, but not quite as concentrated as liver. Iron from these animal organ sources is also more bioavailable and better absorbed than non-heme iron found in plant foods. Sufficient iron intake is crucial for energy levels, cognitive function, and preventing anemia.

 

Is beef liver healthier than steak?

 

Beef liver can be considered healthier than the average steak or beef muscle meat cut in terms of overall nutrient density and health benefits. While steak supplies high-quality protein and nutrients such as iron and zinc, beef liver is a true nutritional powerhouse, providing a richer micronutrient profile. Offal liver is a highly concentrated dietary source of vitamins such as A, B12, folate, riboflavin, and minerals such as iron, copper, and selenium. Many of those beneficial compounds found in beef liver and other variety meats cannot be found in your regular muscle meat such as choline, CoQ10, and CLA. 

Resources

 

Sun, L., Yuan, L., Chen, C., Xiao, K., Ma, P., Liang, H., Chen, K., Wang, S., Zhou, X., Wu, H., & Hong, X. (2022). Red meat consumption and risk for dyslipidaemia and inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.996467

FoodData Central. (n.d.). https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-search?query=&type=Foundation

Al Rajabi A, Castro GS, da Silva RP, Nelson RC, Thiesen A, Vannucchi H, Vine DF, Proctor SD, Field CJ, Curtis JM, Jacobs RL. Choline supplementation protects against liver damage by normalizing cholesterol metabolism in Pemt/Ldlr knockout mice fed a high-fat diet. J Nutr. 2014 Mar;144(3):252-7. doi: 10.3945/jn.113.185389. Epub 2013 Dec 24. PMID: 24368431.

Silva SVE, Gallia MC, Luz JRDD, Rezende AA, Bongiovanni GA, Araujo-Silva G, Almeida MDG. Antioxidant Effect of Coenzyme Q10 in the Prevention of Oxidative Stress in Arsenic-Treated CHO-K1 Cells and Possible Participation of Zinc as a Pro-Oxidant Agent. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 10;14(16):3265. doi: 10.3390/nu14163265. PMID: 36014770; PMCID: PMC9412518.