Carbs in Beef Organs

Beef organs are naturally low in carbohydrates, making them an excellent choice for those on a low-carb diet. Organs offer a source of high-quality protein, iron, and other essential nutrients.

Article jumplinks:

 

• What are carbs?
• What type of carbs do beef organs contain?
• Why are beef organs low in carbs?
• How many carbs do beef organs contain?
• Are there fewer carbs in organ meats than in muscle meats?
• What makes beef organs keto-friendly?
• The benefits of grass-fed beef organ supplements
• Try the best beef organ supplements

 

If you don't want to cook organs (and many people don’t because of the unique taste), you can still reap their health benefits with our beef organ capsules. Get all the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutritious compounds in a convenient package.

 

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What Do Carbs Do?

Carbohydrates, or carbs, are one of the three essential macronutrients (alongside protein and fat) that serve as the primary energy source for our bodies. Carbs can be classified into three main categories: sugars, starches, and fiber. 

 

1. Sugars (simple carbohydrates) are quickly absorbed by the body and provide a readily available source of energy. While you can find sugars naturally in fruits, vegetables, and milk, they are also added to many processed foods, often in the form of refined sugars. Sugars can be divided into:
1. Monosaccharides
1. Glucose
2. Fructose
3. Galactose 
2. Disaccharides
1. Sucrose (table sugar)
2. Lactose (milk sugar)
3. Maltose (malt sugar)
2. Starches (complex carbohydrates) take longer for the body to break down and absorb. The slower digestion of starches provides a more sustained release of energy than the digestion of simple sugars. They are present in grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables. They include:
1. Oligosaccharides
1. Raffinose
2. Stachyose
3. Verbascose 
2. Polysaccharides 
1. Starch
1. Amylose
2. Amylopectin
2. Glycogen
3. Cellulose
4. Hemicellulose
5. Pectin
6. Gums
7. Mucilage
3. Fiber (complex carbs) passes through the digestive system largely intact. Although fiber does not provide energy, it is vital in maintaining digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements, preventing constipation, and feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Good sources of dietary fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Fiber includes: 
1. Soluble fiber
1. Beta-glucans
2. Pectins
3. Gums
2. Insoluble fiber
1. Cellulose
2. Some hemicelluloses
3. Lignin 

 

Carbs are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. Your body uses glucose either for immediate energy or stores it for later. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, facilitates glucose uptake into your cells to regulate blood sugar levels.

 

Many people limit or avoid simple carbs, such as refined sugars and processed foods, because they cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, leading to energy crashes, cravings, and potential health issues over time. While reducing refined carbs is beneficial, over-restriction of carbs such as starches and fiber may lead to fatigue, constipation, and nutrient deficiencies. 

 

The key is to focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods and limit processed carbs to find a balance. Speaking of nutrient-dense foods, nothing can beat beef organ meats. They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats that support your entire health from head to toe. Plus, they're naturally low in carbs and free from the added sugars and unhealthy additives found in many processed foods.

 

Read more about the phenomenal health benefits of organ meat.

What Types of Carbs Are Found in Beef Organs?

The main type of carbohydrate you'll find in beef organs is glycogen. Glycogen is a polysaccharide that serves as a storage form of glucose in the liver and muscle tissues of animals. When the body requires energy, glycogen is broken down into glucose and released into the bloodstream to be used by cells.

 

Beef organs also contain small amounts of other types of carbohydrates, such as simple sugars (glucose and fructose), and traces of complex starches. This makes organ meats a suitable choice for people following ketogenic diets.

What Contributes to the Carb Content in Beef Organs?

The carb content in bovine organs depends largely on the amount of glycogen. As a polysaccharide, glycogen stores glucose in the liver and animal muscles. The amount of glycogen an animal stores in its organs depends on the following factors: 

 

• Diet. Animals that consume a diet rich in carbs, such as grain-fed cattle, tend to have higher glycogen levels in their liver and muscles than grass-fed animals.
• Stress. Stressful conditions, such as prolonged fasting or illness, can cause the body to break down glycogen stores for energy to cope with the challenging situation. 
• Organ function. The specific function of each organ can affect its glycogen content. For example, the liver regulates blood sugar levels and stores glycogen, so it tends to have a higher glycogen content than other organs.
• Physical activity. During exercise, the body breaks down glycogen to provide energy for the muscles. Cattle that are raised in pasture-based systems tend to be more physically active than those in confined operations. Cows that are allowed to graze and roam will typically have lower glycogen levels in their organs, as the body uses these energy stores to support their activity.

 

One Earth Health's supplements are derived from grass-fed cattle in New Zealand, where the animals roam freely on lush green pastures. This natural way of raising cattle ensures their well-being and results in healthier, more nutrient-dense organ meats. The active lifestyle of animals helps maintain lower glycogen levels in their organs, which translates to a lower carb content in the final product. 

 

When you choose our beef organ supplement, you're getting a highly concentrated source of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, all while keeping your carb intake in check. Whether you’re into keto or carnivore diets or simply want to be healthy, our offal supplements are the perfect addition to your healthy lifestyle.

 

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How Many Carbs Do Beef Organs Contain?

Beef organs naturally have low levels of carbs because they primarily consist of protein, fat, and water. Unlike muscle meat, organs don't store significant amounts of glycogen. While some organs contain trace amounts of carbs, others contain zero. 

 

Let's look at the carb content in a 100-gram (3-ounce) serving of some popular beef organs as found by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

 

Carbs in beef liver	Carbs in beef heart	Carbs in beef kidneys	Carbs in beef pancreas	Carbs in beef spleen	Carbs in beef thymus
3.89g	0.14g	0.29g	0g	0g	0g

 

The carb content in these variety meats isn’t always consistent across different cuts or preparations. While 100 grams of raw beef liver contains 3.89 grams of carbs, that amount increases if you pan-fry or braise it to around 5.13–5.16 grams. Also, if you're consuming liver pâté or other dishes that include added ingredients such as onions, carrots, or flour, the carb levels may be higher than that of pure organ meat.

 

Because of their high nutritional value (and low carb content), many people appreciate the unique flavors and textures of beef organs. If you find the taste of variety meats challenging to acquire, high-quality beef organ supplements provide a convenient solution. 

Carbs in Organ Meats vs Muscle Meats

Beef organ meats and muscle meat are excellent choices for people looking to keep their carb intake low. There's a slight difference between the two types of meat: while muscle meats are virtually carb-free, certain organ meats contain trace amounts of carbohydrates. 

 

Interestingly, one 2018 study suggested that beef organs contain lower amounts of carbohydrates than muscle meat because organs do not store as much glycogen. Muscle meat tends to have more glycogen stored up since it's used for quick energy during movement. On the other hand, organs don't need to store as much glycogen for energy. They have different jobs to do, like filtering blood or secreting hormones. 

 

So, organs naturally have less glycogen and therefore fewer carbs than muscle tissue. 

 

Don't let that speck of carbs deter you from enjoying these nutritional powerhouses. Organ meats are packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are often lacking in muscle meats. The heart is an excellent source of coenzyme Q10, while beef liver is one of the best dietary sources of vitamin A, an essential vitamin that supports eye health, immune function, and skin health.

 

Plus, the carb content in organ meats is still incredibly low, so you can indulge in these flavorful cuts while keeping your carb intake in check. 

Are Beef Organs Keto-Friendly?

If you're following a ketogenic diet, low-carb beef organ meats are a smart choice. Here's what makes beef organs a perfect fit for your keto lifestyle:

 

1. Low in carbs: beef organs are naturally low in carbohydrates, with most options containing less than 1 gram of carbs per 100 grams.
2. High-quality protein: organ meats are rich in complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, growth, and maintenance. This helps you feel satiated and preserve lean body mass.
3. Nutrient-dense: beef organs are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that support your health on a keto diet.
4. Healthy fats: many organ meats contain the “good” fats that can provide a sustained source of energy.
5. Versatile and flavorful: beef organs can be prepared in many ways, from simple pan-frying to incorporation into delicious keto-friendly dishes such as pâtés, stews, and sausages.

 

Add beef organ meats to your keto meal plan and ensure a steady boost of nutrients your body needs to thrive while staying within the confines of a low-carb, high-fat diet.

What Are the Benefits of Grass-Fed Beef Organ Supplements?

Supplements made with grass-fed organs are the best thing for your health. Grass-fed cattle are raised on a natural diet of pasture grasses, giving the organ meats a nutrient profile superior to grain-fed animals. 

 

Our grass-fed beef organ supplements are the most convenient way to incorporate the nutritional benefits of organ meats into your diet. Our beef is sourced from the pristine pastures of New Zealand, where the temperate climate and rich soils create an ideal environment for raising healthy, happy cattle. With some of the world's highest standards for animal welfare and environmental stewardship, New Zealand's regenerative farming practices produce beef of unparalleled quality, offering a clean, nutrient-dense foundation for our premium organ supplements.

 

Here are some more advantages of choosing grass-fed beef organ supplements:

 

1. Grass-fed cattle consume a natural, nutrient-rich diet, resulting in organ meats with higher levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds than grain-fed animals.
2. Grass-fed beef organs contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, DHA, and CLA, which support heart health and brain function and help manage inflammation. 
3. High-quality grass-fed beef organ supplements are minimally processed and free from artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers, ensuring a naturally high nutrient content.
4. Organ supplements provide a convenient way to obtain the benefits of organ meats without the need for preparation or cooking, especially for those who don’t enjoy the taste or texture of organ meats.

 

Whether you're looking to boost your health or seeking a way to stay energized and nourished on your low-carb journey, grass-fed beef organ supplements are the perfect solution. 

Try Our Grass-Fed Beef Organ Supplements

In a world where the standard American diet often falls short, our nutrient-dense organ meat supplements sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle are a powerful solution. We offer a comprehensive blend of liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, and spleen, all sourced from small family farms committed to sustainable and ethical practices. Our supplements deliver pure, unadulterated goodness in easy-to-swallow capsules, giving your body the essential building blocks to optimize energy production, muscle maintenance, brain function, and cardiovascular health. 

 

In addition to our blend of organ supplements, we offer bone marrow and cartilage supplements for natural joint support, gut function, and immune resilience. If you need a powerful ally for radiant skin, strong bones, and resilient joints, look no further than our grass-fed beef collagen supplement. 

 

Give your body the nutritional high-five it deserves and join the One Earth Health family today.

 

Carbs in Beef Organs FAQ

Can you eat beef liver on a keto diet?

Beef liver is an excellent source of high-quality protein while remaining low in carbs—making it perfect for a keto diet. It also contains a plethora of fat-soluble vitamins and essential nutrients to boost your health and keep you energized and nourished. 

 

The high nutrient density and lack of carbs make beef liver an ideal food for optimal nutrition on a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet. It also contains beneficial fatty acids such as conjugated linoleic acid and stearic acid, which can support overall health and bodily functions on a keto regimen.

How many calories are in 100g of cooked beef liver?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Data Central, 100 grams of cooked beef liver contains approximately 175 calories. The calorie content can vary based on the cooking method and whether the liver comes from grass-fed or grain-fed beef. As a rich source of protein and essential nutrients, the liver can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet while supporting muscle mass and overall health. It's also low in carbohydrates for those following a low-carb or ketogenic dietary preference.

How much beef liver is too much?

The general recommendation is to limit liver consumption to once or twice a week, with a single serving size of around 3-4 ounces (85–113 grams). If you exceed these amounts regularly, you can experience potential health risks such as vitamin A toxicity. The liver is a potent source of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and other vital nutrients. As one of the most nutritious organ meats, it can be part of an optimal diet when consumed in appropriate portions. While the liver is incredibly nutrient-dense, consume it in moderation as its high content of vitamins, iron, and choline has the potential to cause nutrient imbalances. 

Can I eat beef liver every day?

It's not recommended to eat beef liver every day due to its concentrated levels of vitamin A, iron, and other nutrients. Excessive amounts of these nutrients can potentially lead to adverse health effects such as oxidative damage and increased risk of certain health concerns. Incorporate beef liver into your diet in moderation, perhaps once or twice a week, as part of a balanced diet that includes other protein sources, fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich foods. Beef liver's strong flavor may also make daily consumption less appealing for some people.

Who should not eat organ meat?

While organ meats like liver offer a high nutritional profile to most diets, certain groups may need to limit or avoid their consumption. These include:

 

• People with pre-existing health conditions such as gout, kidney disease, or cholesterol-related health issues
• People with a family history of hemochromatosis (iron overload disorder)
• Pregnant women (due to its high vitamin A content)
• Those with a history of heart disease or cardiovascular diseases (due to their high cholesterol levels)
• People with certain dietary restrictions or food allergies

What are the benefits of consuming beef heart?

Beef heart is considered one of the most nutrient-dense organ meats and an excellent source of high-quality animal protein. It's a rich source of vital nutrients such as:

 

• Heme iron
• Zinc
• Selenium
• B vitamins (including vitamin B2 and vitamin B6)
• Fat-soluble vitamins

 

Beef heart also provides beneficial compounds such as CoQ10, carnitine, and anti-inflammatory compounds that may support heart health and metabolic function. As a lean cut, it's low in fat content and carbs, but high in protein to help build and maintain muscle mass. 

What makes beef kidneys so nutritious?

Beef kidneys are an often overlooked but highly nutritious type of organ meat. They are an exceptional source of high-quality protein as well as a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Beef kidneys are particularly rich in riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin, vitamin B6, folate, iron, and zinc. They also contain unique kidney-specific nutrients such as cholicalciferol and microcrystalline hydroxyapatite for bone health. The nutrient density of beef kidneys makes them valuable for supporting immune function, energy levels, red blood cell formation, and wound healing. When sourced from grass-fed cattle, they provide beneficial fatty acids too.

What vitamins do beef organs contain?

Beef organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys, and brain are veritable powerhouses of vitamins. Some key vitamins found in generous amounts include:

 

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B6
• Riboflavin (B2)
• Niacin (B3)
• Folate (B9)
• Fat-soluble vitamins D, E, and K

 

Beef liver is one of the most concentrated dietary sources of preformed vitamin A and a rich source of bioavailable vitamin B12. The heart contains B vitamins to support energy metabolism. Kidneys provide riboflavin, niacin, and folate. Beef brain supplies cholesterol which is used to synthesize vitamin D. This array of vitamins promotes immune health, nerve function, DNA synthesis, and other vital bodily processes.

Resources 

FoodData Central. (n.d.). https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/

 

Hsu, H., Chiu, C., Wang, C., Chen, H., Chen, H., Lee, P., Hung, W., Wu, P., & Chuang, L. (2018). Supplementation with Beef Extract Improves Exercise Performance and Reduces Post-Exercise Fatigue Independent of Gut Microbiota. Nutrients, 10(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10111740