Debunking concerns over eating Beef Liver: Is It Safe?

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We often hear concerns about the safety of frequently consuming beef liver. 

The liver is a vital organ in the body performing several important functions. It stores nutrients, detoxifies the blood and makes bile to aid the digestion of fat. 

This blog has been created to look more closely at these common objections in order to debunk exactly what is perceived to be a risk and your key considerations to make an informed decision for what is right for you. 

Beef liver is a renowned superfood containing around 25 essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, and iron. 

Is it safe? And if so, how much is healthy? Read on…

Beef liver is ‘nature’s ready-made nutrient package’ and is also a good source of many trace minerals, such as copper and selenium. As it is also high in folic acid, it helps the body to produce and maintain new cells. This is essential for fertility, and particularly in pregnancy to support foetal development. 

A great source of essential fatty acids like Omega-3s and Omega-6s, for heart, brain and eye health. Beef liver supports cognitive development in young children and throughout the development cycle, from 6 months to adulthood.

It improves energy levels and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. With a good metabolic health approach, consuming beef liver can help to offset the biggest diseases in modern society today, such as heart disease, cancer and dementia.

Beef Liver ‘risks’

Beef liver contains high levels of Vitamin A that helps support vision, the immune and reproductive system…but Vitamin A is reported to cause adverse effects when excessive amounts are consumed as reported through Government and by standardised dieticians and nutritionists.

This deemed to be high risk Vitamin A advice is two-fold and without evidence: 

  • beef liver contains many toxins, and 
  • the dangers to be aware of given its high vitamin A content.

As we began in this blog, the liver plays a vital role in neutralising toxins, yet it does not store them. Instead the liver serves as storage for essential nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, K, B12, folic acid, as well as minerals like copper and iron. These nutrients equip the body with the necessary tools to eliminate toxins.

Concerns about vitamin A arise from studies where doses of synthetic vitamin A were discovered to cause problems and potentially lead to birth defects. However, the natural form of vitamin A found in the liver is an essential nutrient for human health and does not cause issues unless in extremely large amounts.

Here we refer to the comprehensive The Liver Files as detailed in Weston A Price’s blog.

  • acute toxicity from vitamin A has only been induced by long-term consumption of megavitamin tablets containing 100,000 IU synthetic vitamin A per day over many months. 

The suggested toxic dose of 100,000 IU per day can be found in approximately three 100-gram servings of beef liver. 

“It is estimated that primitive diets included around 50,000 IU of vitamin A per day.”

  • With reference to pregnant women, a study found no cases of congenital malformations among 120 infants exposed to more than 50,000 IU of vitamin A daily
  • Another study examined blood levels of vitamin A in pregnant women and discovered that a dosage of 30,000 IU per day did not correlate with birth defects

In pregnancy, beef liver helps support healthy iron levels and traditional nutrition journals recommended consuming beef liver regularly. Nowadays the message has turned to that of caution and thus hesitation and even avoidance when so many benefits are to be had. 

The Natural Library of Medicine also emphasises in a paper focused on Vitamin A toxicity, published in August 2022 that:

  • “Reported incidences of vitamin A toxicity are quite rare, with fewer than 10 cases per year from 1976 to 1987.” 

Therefore it is highly unlikely to develop vitamin A toxicity from consuming liver. 

How to enjoy beef liver safely

As we have reviewed, whole food beef liver is known for its high bioavailability and nutrient content, including iron. When it comes to iron, beef liver is regarded as the best food source as it contains a type of iron called heme iron, which is more easily absorbed and utilised by the body, compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based sources. Heme iron has a higher bioavailability, meaning a greater percentage of the iron can be absorbed by the body.

Mercola recently published a paper on the possible effects of too much iron in the brain stating: 

“Most people are deficient in copper and actually need more copper in order for their iron metabolism to function properly.

Depending on your copper levels, you may need to eat copper-rich foods, such as grass fed

beef liver.”

“Retinol, which makes copper bioavailable, is also important. It’s found in beef liver and

beef organs, so if you eat that, you may not need any kind of supplement.”

Freeze-dried beef liver is highly concentrated, three times as nutrient dense as its raw equivalent. The freeze-drying process helps preserve the nutritional content of beef liver, even after the water content is removed.

Freeze-dried beef liver is lightweight and convenient to store, with a long shelf life (Grassland Nutrition’s products can be stored for three years). Freeze-dried beef liver doesn’t need to be refrigerated and can be carried when on the move or added to meals for a boost. This is a practical option for those with busy lifestyles, or that have limited regular access to fresh liver.

Convenience and peace of mind with wholefood supplements 

Overall, freeze-dried beef liver is a convenient and beneficial option for individuals seeking to increase their overall health, build strength, optimise energy levels  and thrive. In practical terms it has been known to aid sleep, digestion, build strength, support and maintain energy, improve the condition of skin, hair and nails as well as alleviate headaches. 

By choosing whole food products you can enjoy a plethora of nutrients and live life to the full, naturally without fear of overdoing it. 

By reading trusted sources and understanding what your individual body needs, you can safely enjoy beef liver and get all its amazing health benefits.

Consider beef liver supplements; taking a natural whole food supplement with no fillers or flow agents will help you maintain a healthy balance. Always source organic or grass-fed beef liver from trusted suppliers. This will ensure that the liver comes from grass-fed and nurtured animals that haven’t been exposed to antibiotics or other toxins. Here at Grassland Nutrition, it is essential we know the animal has lived a full life and has been free to roam natural pastures where no pesticides have been present and fed on a diet of grass all its life.

Grassland Nutrition’s organic sourced Australian grass-fed freeze-dried beef liver is available in capsules and powder and whole food chunks. 

Want to get in touch? We’d be delighted to hear from you. 

The Surprising Benefits of Beef Liver and Kelp Supplements for Migraine Sufferers

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“Recently, while listening to ABC and C7, that both aired a segment on migraines, which affects 1 in 5 Australians or 4.9 million people, resulting in losses of 35 billion dollars a year. And clam, there is NO CURE.

As someone who USED to suffer from migraines, I thought sharing my story might help others.

Back in 2014, my family, who had a background in health and nutrition, was exploring the use of freeze-dried beef liver and kelp as dietary supplements due to a worldwide deficiency of Vitamin B12 and Iodine.

Around the same time, our son Olaf returned from overseas including the US, where he among other influential people met Dr. David Perlmutter, a renowned neurologist and advocate for a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet. 

Olaf convinced my wife and I to gradually adopt a LCHF diet, cutting out sugar, grain products, potatoes, and adding healthy fats like coconut oil, animal fat, olive oil, dairy cream, butter, and full-fat cheese, while avoiding seed oils such as soy and canola.

After about six months I thought, had there actually been any significant improvements in my health? Then I realised that I hadn’t had a migraine in a long time. I had suffered from migraines for 50 years, taking one day off a week and the following day wasn’t good either.

It turned out that the change in diet and supplementing with our liver and kelp products had done the trick. Later, I learned that a scientist had discovered that Vitamin B12 and associated B vitamins had the potential to reduce migraines by 50% (Mercola).


Now at 79, I haven’t had a single headache in over 8 years and feel as healthy and fit as ever. If you think I can be of any help, I’d be more than happy to answer any questions related to my story.

Just visit www.grasslandnutrition.net and contact Kel.”

Now at 79, I haven’t had a single headache in over 8 years and feel as healthy as ever. 

I’d like to help others through this experience and I’d be delighted to answer any questions related to my story.”

Get in touch? Contact Kel.

Beef Suet: A Comprehensive Guide along with Why Eat it as Part of a LCHF Diet

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Beef suet is versatile and adds nutrition to every meal. It is common in traditional recipes and also a great addition to a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet. 

In this blog, we’ll explore why it’s an excellent choice for an LCHF diet.

What is beef suet?

Beef suet is a white, waxy substance that is solid at room temperature and has a high melting point. It is the raw, unrendered fat that is found around the kidneys and loins of cattle. Suet is distinct from beef tallow, which is the rendered and clarified fat of beef.

Is beef suet healthy?

Beef suet is a great source of healthy, natural fats and fat-soluble vitamins that are essential for a healthy diet, for brain function – and overall health. It is also known for its high smoke point, which makes it ideal for frying and roasting. 

Beef suet, used in many traditional dishes, is also a great addition to a LCHF diet. Suet is a great source of natural fats, which are essential for a healthy diet. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Why is beef suet important?

Stearic acid, a type of saturated fatty acid found in high amounts in beef suet, is particularly significant. Shown to have neutral effects on blood cholesterol levels, unlike other types of saturated fats that can increase LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, stearic acid is considered a healthy fat and a beneficial component of a balanced diet.

Stearic acid can be converted into ketones through a process called beta-oxidation. This conversion is aided by the presence of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) found in beef suet.

MCTs are metabolised differently than other types of dietary fats. They are rapidly absorbed by the liver and converted into ketones, which can be used as an energy source by the body. This process is known as ketogenesis.

On the other hand, beef tallow is a rendered form of beef fat that has been heated and filtered to remove impurities. It contains a lower concentration of stearic acid and MCTs compared to beef suet, making it less effective in producing ketones.

How to use beef suet

Beef suet can be used in a variety of ways, including frying, roasting, and baking. It is ideal for making traditional dishes such as Christmas pudding and steak and kidney pie. It can also be used as a cooking fat, in preference to vegetable oils. Stay in the fat burning zone and add suet to your morning coffee, prior to your first meal of the day. 

Where to buy beef suet?

Beef suet can be purchased from butchers and select food stores. It is also available online from specialty food websites. Grassland Nutrition offers an organic sourced beef suet product that is freeze-dried and offers an easy on the go option. With as little as 1% moisture content, this stable shelf product lasts for up to 2 years and can be eaten in snack form or used as a cooking fat in meal preparation.

Why use beef suet for a LCHF diet?

We’ve explored why beef suet is a great addition to a low-carb, high-fat diet because it is high in healthy saturated fats and low in carbohydrates. This makes it an excellent source of energy for those following a ketogenic or LCHF diet. Suet is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and wellbeing.

Recipes using beef suet

Some recipe ideas to try using beef suet:

  • Beef and suet burgers: Mix ground beef and grated beef suet together for an extra juicy burger.
  • Roast beef with suet: Rub beef suet on a beef roast before roasting it for added flavour and moisture.

Give beef suet a try 

Try Grassland Nutrition’s freeze-dried Beef Suet that is sourced from OBE Organic who have been practicing certified organic agriculture for 30 years.

First time purchase?  Claim 10% off with coupon code FIRSTTIME10OFF

Beef Liver and Kelp: The Perfect Energy-Boosting Combination

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Liver: A nutrient-rich food

Beef liver is considered a nutrient powerhouse because it is a rich source of many important nutrients containing at least 25 known vitamins and minerals.

Liver was highly prized among early hunter-gatherers who preferred it over muscle meat. They regarded the liver as a prime source of strength and believed it carried healing powers. 

Beef liver is nature’s most nutrient dense food, gram for gram nothing comes close to it – you can see the variety of primary nutrients beef liver contains in the chart below.

  1. Vitamin A: one of the richest sources of vitamin A, beef liver is important for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and healthy skin.
  2. Vitamin B12: Beef liver is also a great source of vitamin B12, a nutrient that is vital for the production of red blood cells and nerve function.
  3. Iron: Beef liver is a rich source of iron, a mineral utilised for the production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body.
  4. Zinc: Beef liver is high in zinc, a mineral that supports immune function, wound healing, and cell growth and repair.
  5. Copper: Beef liver is also a good source of copper, which plays a role in the formation of collagen, the absorption of iron, and the production of energy in cells.
  6. Folate: Beef liver contains folate, a B vitamin that is important for DNA synthesis and cell growth, and is important during pregnancy.

Beef liver is the most popular of all organs. Often consumed as a dietary supplement to support overall health and wellness, as well as to treat specific conditions such as iron-deficiency anaemia, over time it has been used in various dishes in many different cuisines around the world. 

We are biased having grown up in Denmark with beef liver pâté as the sandwich spread of choice. Liverwurst, and sautéed liver and onions have also been popular across Europe until recent years and these traditional wholesome dishes have sadly waned. In our modern diet, due to its distinct taste, and lack of consistent availability, liver tends to be consumed in capsule and powder forms making it easy and quick to ingest.

Kelp: A source of natural energy

A previous blog ‘Iodine one of the biggest deficiencies in our modern diet’ from our blog library highlights how iodine is critical for overall health, and how we lack it in our modern diet. This is a worldwide challenge.  Iodine is essential for the development of the foetal brain during pregnancy, making it a crucial nutrient for pregnant women. 

Before iodized salt was introduced in the early 20th century, iodine deficiency was a widespread problem, especially in areas where the soil was deficient in iodine, such as mountainous regions and inland areas far from the sea. 

Iodine deficiency was a particular problem in the United States, where the Great Lakes region, the Appalachians, and the Northwest were known to have low levels of iodine in the soil. In such cases, mental retardation and other physical health problems became prevalent, such as goitre, an enlargement of the thyroid gland.

When small amounts of iodine were added to table salt it was easy for people to get better levels of iodine and reduce the effects of having too little. Today, iodized salt is widely used across households and in food processing, such as in bread and other baked goods. This helps people to improve their iodine intake, yet it remains questionable whether it is enough.  

Over the past 6 years Grassland Nutrition has produced tried and tested products that meet our ‘iodine crisis’, and we are passionate about the genuine benefits of kelp, so much so we visit our Tasmanian supplier regularly where the air is pure and only 1% of kelp is hand-harvested from the shores of the Australian Southern Ocean, the world’s cleanest environment.

Our wholefood Bull Kelp Crunch was a revelation and is delicious.  It derives from freeze dried Durvillaea Potatorum, a unique species of Bull Kelp that thrives in the mixing zone of nutrients welling up from the depths of the The Great Southern Ocean. Tested 100% free of inorganic arsenic and radiation, it is particularly rich in iodine which promotes optimal thyroid function.

The benefits of combining beef liver and kelp

Liver and kelp when combined can be even more powerful. Both liver and kelp are rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can support overall health and wellness. However, the combination of liver and kelp offers unique advantages compared to liver on its own.

In addition to iodine, kelp contains other minerals and antioxidants that may support liver health. For example, research has suggested that the antioxidants in kelp may help protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins and free radicals.

Another benefit of adding kelp to beef liver is that it can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Kelp contains a range of antioxidants that can help to reduce oxidative stress in the body, which is linked to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a significant contributor to many health issues, including heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. By reducing inflammation, kelp helps to promote overall health and wellbeing. 

Finally, adding kelp to beef liver can significantly improve overall gut health. Kelp is an excellent source of prebiotics, which are essential for feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut. These bacteria help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for a strong immune system and digestion. Adding kelp to beef liver can, therefore, promote healthy digestion, reduce inflammation in the gut, and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. 

How to include beef liver and kelp in your diet

Tips for making liver and kelp a part of your daily routine

Try Grassland Nutrition’s 2 in 1 blend either in powdered form or in capsules. This unique blend of organically sourced grass-fed beef liver and kelp is an energy optimised formulation, a combination of 2 supplements in one affordable package. 

Our grass-fed grass-finished beef liver is organically sourced from the Channel Country of Outback Australia where cattle roam freely and graze on over 250 species of native herbs and grasses and herbaceous plants watered by natural rainfall. The stocking rate is around one cattle per square kilometre. We freeze dry to preserve heat sensitive vitamins, minerals and co-factors that make liver nourishing 

Our certified organic kelp is sourced from the purest waters of Western Tasmania. Besides iodine, it is also a rich source of natural vitamin D – and is tested free of inorganic arsenic and radiation. We freeze dry to preserve heat sensitive nutrients, co-factors and biological activity.

Additionally, it is …

– Halal sourced

– Hormone, pesticide, antibiotic & GMO free

– Zero fillers or flow agents

– Non-defatted – left in its natural state

The bottom line

Grassland Nutrition uses the power of concentrated whole food and passes it onto customers that want to improve their health and vitality through their diet.

First time buyer?  Take 10% off at the checkout with FIRST10OFF

This one simple mistake could be costing you maximum health benefits

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Iodine is an essential mineral needed for the healthy function of the thyroid gland that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, which affects growth, development, and many other bodily functions

The essential role of iodine in human health

Iodine deficiency can lead to a condition known as hypothyroidism, which can cause fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. It can also lead to Goitre, an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Vital for brain development and function, iodine is especially important for infants and young children, as well as pregnant and lactating women. 

Read more about why iodine is so vital in our blog, ‘Iodine. One of the biggest deficiencies in our modern diet.’

The table below clearly demonstrates the huge difference in concentration of iodine found in kelp (seaweed).

Where can you source iodine? 

As we can see from the table above, foods that contain iodine include seafood, dairy products, and eggs. It is also added to salt in many countries to help prevent deficiency.

While present in certain foodstuffs, the concentration of iodine in seaweed/kelp far outweighs that of iodised salt. In addition,the misconception of salt intake being unhealthy has led to many switching to sea salt or not adding salt to their meals at all.

What parts of kelp are harvested?

Much of the rich goodness in bull kelp is in the stem, which is the part Grassland Nutrition uses. This is validated by the expert bull kelp farmer in Tasmania that we source our kelp from to produce iodine rich products that promote health, strength and increased immunity. 

Air-dried kelp can be difficult for the human body to absorb. That’s why at Grassland Nutrition we carefully freeze-dry our kelp for maximum absorption.
Here you can see the flexible stem that extends to between 10-20 metres, gradually expanding outwards and upwards to the sea’s surface with a buoyant mass of fronds and narrow blades that form a golden-brown canopy on the sea’s surface.

Is kelp safe to consume?

Also a great source of vitamins, and minerals kelp and is safe to eat as long as it is   harvested from clean, unpolluted waters. 

Kelp sourced from this magnificent spot on the Tasmanian coast has been tested and is free from both inorganic arsenic and radiation, not much kelp around the world can claim that.

ABC Back Roads Marrawah Special feature

Aussie chef, farmer and TV presenter Paul West and his crew recently produced and aired a feature piece on Marrawah, Peerapper country in an episode of the popular ABC ‘Back Roads’ now in its third series.

Paul and co captured the rugged, unspoil delights of Marrawah, situated on the coast of Tasmania where the air is the purest. In this unforgiving, raw yet stunning landscape Stafford and his son, and his father before him, have been dedicated to harvesting the kelp that naturally washes up on the foreshore. This ABC feature beautifully encapsulates the raw, rugged landscape and the fascinating and inspiringly creative inhabitants that live and flourish in this unspoilt yet isolated part of the world.  Log into ABC iView and watch the 30-minute episode 

Across the last 4 years, Grassland Nutrition has worked with Stafford and his family sourcing Bull Kelp for our most significant products.  

Whole food Bull Kelp freeze-dried crunch washed up from the Great Southern Ocean goes way beyond iodised salt and has a great moreish taste and crunch that can be added to savoury or sweet dishes.

A powerful 2-in-1 energy formula with grass-fed and grass-finished beef Liver and Kelp has been produced into capsules and available in powder form. Rich in B12 and iodine for stamina and vitality, it assists with energy production, improves metabolism, thyroid regulation, and supports both weight loss and B12 levels.

Look for pure Bull Kelp products produced from the stem and this one simple mistake can be remedied. Welcome health and vitality!
Get in touch We’d be delighted to hear from you. 

The Silent Epidemic: Why Choline Deficiency Might Be Making You Sick

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  • What is choline?
  • The choline deficiency epidemic
  • The health effects of choline deficiency
  • How to get enough choline
  • Supplements and diet changes
  • Key takeaways

Choline is an essential nutrient your body needs to function effectively and yet, this isn’t widely known. In this blog, we’ll explore what it is, why it is so important. Also how you can increase your choline intake for your overall health.

What is Choline?

Choline is an essential micronutrient that is needed for human health and a deficiency can make you sick. Found in all cells in the body, choline plays a critical role in a number of important bodily functions, such as fetal development, brain function, energy production, muscle control, and liver function. Choline is also an important component of cell membranes and plays an important role in metabolism. Choline can be found in a variety of foods, but the majority of it comes from meat and dairy products. Choline is also created in the body, but not enough to meet the body’s needs. Therefore, it is important to obtain enough choline through diet and/or supplements. 

Unfortunately, most people do not get enough choline, which can lead to a number of health problems. 

The Choline Deficiency Epidemic

It’s estimated that 90% of adults do not meet the recommended daily intake of choline. This is largely due to poor dietary habits, and not enough choline-rich foods that can be found in meat and dairy products. Additionally, certain medications and environmental toxins can also reduce the body’s ability to absorb and use choline. 

Other factors can also contribute to choline deficiency, such as stress and ageing. 

Since the body doesn’t produce enough choline on its own, maintaining adequate levels of choline intake is important for overall health. 

Choline is also important in fetal development as choline will be pulled from the mother’s blood to supply adequate amounts to the fetus. Pregnant and lactating women have higher choline needs, yet only 5% are getting enough, according to the study, Habitual Choline Intakes across the Childbearing Years: A Review that collected evidence on choline consumption in the preconceptual, pregnancy, and lactation life stages. 

The Health Effects of Choline Deficiency

The effects of choline deficiency can be far-reaching and can range in severity. Common symptoms of choline deficiency include fatigue, memory loss, muscle weakness, difficulty concentrating, and poor coordination. Additionally, choline deficiency can also cause choline-dependent disorders such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis (a hardening of the arteries caused by a build up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery). A further study, ‘Food Components to Enhance Performance: An Evaluation of Potential Performance-Enhancing Food Components for Operational Rations details in chapter 19 specifically focusing on Choline: Human Requirements and Effects on Human Performance held in the National Library of medicine 

“Until recently, choline was considered a dispensable nutrient for humans…  the demand for choline is modified by the rate of growth of an individual and by complex interrelationships between choline and the nutrients methionine  (an essential amino acid found in meat, fish, and dairy products), folic acid, and vitamin B12.

However, it is known that human cells grown in culture have an absolute requirement for choline, and recent studies have established that choline is indeed an essential nutrient for normal humans when methionine is not available in excess of requirements.”

Steven H.Zeisel, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, University of North Carolina

How to Get Enough Choline

Getting enough choline is essential for optimal health. The easiest way to get enough choline is through diet and lifestyle modifications.The highest amount of choline is found in animal products. Eating a balanced diet rich in choline-rich foods such as eggs, liver, beef, pork, fish, and dairy, is a great way to increase your choline intake. Plant-based sources of choline include nuts, seeds, and cruciferous vegetables (cruciferous because their four-petaled flowers look like a crucifer, or cross  Think edible cabbages). 

Additionally, reducing stress and alcohol consumption can also help to maintain adequate choline levels. 

Supplements and Diet Changes 

If dietary and lifestyle modifications are not enough to meet the body’s choline needs, there are supplements available to help increase choline intake. 

Eating choline-rich foods is the best way to get enough choline, but supplements can be beneficial for people who are deficient or at risk of deficiency. Choline supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, and powders. Additionally, some multivitamins also contain choline. 

Conclusion

Grassland Nutrition products can help with choline deficiency to balance a healthy choline intake.  We know in our modern diet the majority of us are deficient in many nutrients, not solely choline. Products that help increase choline levels include freeze dried beef liver powder, wholefood snacks and capsules, as well as other beef organ product lines. Find out more here 

Key Takeaways

  • Choline is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in important bodily functions, including fetal development, brain health, energy production, liver function, and muscle strength.
  • Choline is present in a variety of foods, yet most of us don’t get enough of it in our diet. 
  • Choline deficiency can lead to many health problems, such as fatigue, memory loss, muscle weakness, and difficulty with holding concentration. 
  • To ensure adequate choline intake, we must eat a balanced diet that is rich in choline-rich foods. 
  • Reducing stress and alcohol consumption can also help to maintain adequate levels. 
  • If dietary and lifestyle modifications are not enough, choline supplements can be beneficial.

All you need to know about vitamin K2

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Basma Saleh is a health coach, founder of Ancient Traditions and a new stockist of Grassland Nutrition products. Basma offers a range of natural supplements, without fillers, binders, preservatives and other nasties. Her product selection ensures sustainable methods of sourcing, balanced with science-based findings.  Ancient Traditions has been borne out of desire to understand more about the body and its requirements and treat imbalances and deficiencies with natural products.

An online journal houses her vast knowledge base and Basma has kindly allowed us to share with you her informative article that follows.

All you need to know about vitamin K2

In the 1930s, during his endeavor in search of the secret to health, Dr. Weston Price, a highly respected dentist, spent 10 years visiting hundreds of cities in 14 countries on 5 continents.

Dr. Price’s aim was to find people with overall excellent health, minimal tooth decay and high immunity. Indeed, he did find that indigenous people who ate their own ethnic unprocessed foods met his criteria. However, Dr. Price found that when people within these groups were introduced to modernized foods, such as white flour, white sugar, refined vegetable oils and processed foods, they showed signs of quick deterioration in their health.

In 1939, upon returning back from his journey and compiling his research, Dr. Price described a fat-soluble vitamin, which he called X-Factor or Activator X. Through his lab tests, Dr. Price found that activator X, is mainly present in butterfat, organs and fat of animals consuming rapidly growing green grass. He also noted that this compound plays an important role in the utilization of minerals, protection against tooth decay, growth, protection against heart disease, as well as the brain function.

After decades of research, scientists were able to identify Dr. Price’s Activator X as the fat-soluble vitamin K2.

Not to be confused with vitamin K1

Both vitamins K1 and K2 are forms of vitamin K. Vitamin K1 is the one found in dark leafy greens and vegetables, such as kale, spinach and broccoli; and is most famous for helping our blood clot, thus preventing serious bleeding. The highest concentration of vitamin K1 in the body is found in the liver.

Vitamin K2, as mentioned above, is found in butterfat, organs and fat of animals consuming rapidly growing green grass, as well as in fermented foods. The highest concentration of vitamin K2 in the body is present in the pancreas followed by the second highest concentration which is found in our saliva.

Tooth decay and vitamin K2

Dr. Weston Price had performed a number of fascinating studies on vitamin K2 where he referred to it as activator X; and combined it with high quality cod liver oil.

In one of the studies, Dr. Price selected a group of twenty-seven children; all from poverty stricken families and suffering from rampant tooth decay. The children’s diet was very deficient as it mainly consisted of “highly sweetened strong coffee and white bread, vegetable fat, pancakes made of white flour and eaten with syrup, and doughnuts fried in vegetable fat.”
 
All of the children received one extra good meal a day at midday.
 
The children’s meal included about 4 ounces of tomato or orange juice and a teaspoonful of a mixture of equal parts of a very high-vitamin natural cod liver oil and butter oil (ghee) with a high content of activator x.
Each child then received around half a liter of a very rich vegetable and meat stew that always contained finely chopped vegetables and plenty of very yellow carrots. Dessert consisted of cooked fruit with very little sweetening and rolls made of freshly ground whole wheat and spread with butter with a high content of activator X. Each one of the children also received two glasses of fresh whole milk a day.
 
At the end of the trial, dental caries of all the children were completely controlled. Impressively, during the trial two different teachers came to Dr. Price
“to inquire as to what had been done to make a particular child change from one of the poorest in the class to have the capacity to learn to be one of the best.”
In another illustration, Dr. Price was able to save the teeth of a 14 year old girl who had forty-two open cavities in twenty-four teeth. The girl’s local dentist had indicated the necessity of removing all of the decayed teeth and the construction of two artificial dentures. However, Dr. Price placed the girl
 “on a reinforced diet including approximately one-half teaspoonful of a mixture of a high-vitamin A and high-activator X butter oil mixed with equal parts of a very high-vitamin, natural cod liver oil taken in capsules three times a day.” After following the regimen for seven months, all the teeth of the girl healed.

Latest research on vitamin K2

Recent research suggests that vitamin K2 has a number of health benefits and can help in many health conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis and calcification of the blood vessels.

While calcium insufficiency may lead to a higher risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis, the overconsumption of calcium supplements may lead to calcium deposits in the blood vessels and soft tissue, causing kidney stones and heart disease. This is where vitamin K2 plays an important role as it has been shown to have the ability to prevent calcium from depositing in the arteries and causing arterial calcification.

However, besides the risk of arterial calcification, calcium overconsumption may lead to obesity, Type 2 diabetes, depression, hypertension and more. That is why many health experts nowadays suggest that in order to maintain healthy bones and overall good health vitamins D, K2, and A (from a natural source such as cod liver oil), as well as magnesium should be taken in adequate quantities together with calcium from calcium-rich foods, such as sardines, oats, oranges, kale, spinach, parsley, dried figs, raw almonds and more. 

In a large meta-analysis, it was concluded that high vitamin K2 levels were associated with 60% reduction in vertebral fracture risk, 77% reduction in hip fracture risk and 81% reduction in non-vertebral fracture risk. The beneficial effect of vitamin K may not be due to an increase in the bone mineral density but improved bone strength.

Numerous studies have also shown that vitamin K2 is effective against cancer; with one study showing it slows cancer growth among lung cancer patients through encouraging apoptosis, while another showing that vitamin K2 intake decreases the risk of prostate cancer.

Vitamin K2 was also shown to help against other types of cancer, such as colon, leukemia and stomach.

How to get vitamin K2

There are two types of vitamin K2: MK-4 and MK-7.

MK-4 is the type that Dr. Weston Price researched and found in animal fat and organs. After testing more than 20,000 butter samples, Dr. Price was able to conclude that the highest vitamin K2 concentrations were found in the products of animals that grazed on rapidly growing green grass during the springtime.

Why rapid growing grass specifically? Because it contains the highest amount of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is then processed by probiotic bacteria in the guts of these animals into MK-4. Cows fed on dead hay will produce lesser amounts of vitamin K2, while those fed on corn and soy will produce the least, if any.

Based on Dr. Price’s research we all need MK-4 for the integrity of our teeth. Furthermore, pregnant women need MK-4 for their babies. In her book, Vitamin K2 and Calcium Paradox, Dr. Kate Rhéaume-Bleue states that weeks 5-12 of pregnancy are critical for the baby’s teeth development. Both sets of teeth, the baby teeth and adult teeth are formed during these weeks. Proper bone, jaw, skull, and dental development is impossible without adequate MK-4.

On the other hand, MK-7 is produced by beneficial bacteria and found in fermented foods such as natto, which is Japanese fermented soybeans. Cheeses such as Gouda, Brie and Edam are among the highest in vitamin K2 with Brie containing around 75 mcg per 100 grams. However, in order to get the suggested daily requirement of around 180 mcg, you need to eat more than 200 grams of cheese.

Our body needs both MK-7 and MK-4 in order to function well and maintain good health. Acquiring both forms through diet would be the ideal way to supply our needs, but the problem is that with the current farming practices and the lack of nutrients in the soil, we need very large quantities of food to meet all our needs. Supplementation is sometimes required, especially if we’re dealing with a health condition such as tooth decay or pregnancy.

How much do we need daily and how to find a supplement

We need much more MK-4 than MK-7 because MK-4 is much more abundant in our body tissues and is the only form found in our brain. Research suggests a minimum of 500 mcg of MK-4 per day and 100 to 180 mcg of MK-7 per day.

Goose liver and emu oil contain the highest amount of MK-4, at around 369 mcg/100 grams. Butter and egg yolks contain around 15 mcg MK-4 per 100 grams, while some brands of ghee were found to have around 35 mcg/100 grams. As mentioned above, Gouda, Brie and Edam are amongst the cheeses highest in MK-7, at around 75 mcg/100 grams. If you want to go natural, focus on getting adequate amounts from a variety of foods.

If you’re looking for supplements, look for a supplement that contains both MK-4 and MK-7 in reasonable proportions. Make sure that the MK-7 is in the Trans form, which is found in nature, not the Cis form.

Note: Research shows that vitamin K2 supplements are best taken around 8-12 hours away from vitamin D supplements. It is a good idea to take your vitamin D with breakfast and vitamin K2 with dinner.

In conclusion, the merits and accessibility of bridging the gap of vitamin K2 deficiency with organ meat. 


Life is too short to be tired all the time!
Grassland Nutrition is a quality online and in-store purveyor of organic 100% beef organ meats in freeze-dried form. The rationale for freeze drying is simple and we do it because:

●     the process preserves the concentrated nutrients,
●     The product keeps for longer, and
●     when in powdered form it can be used in smoothies, shakes, sauces, sprinkled on almost any meal and added to yogurt!

Choose from liver, kidney and heart wholefood snacks, beef organ powders and beef liver capsules to improve your health, strength and immunity.

How Our Organic Beef is Guaranteed Halal

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Our most frequently asked question by far is…

“Are your beef products Halal?”

The simple answer is YES!  We hope that we can satisfy your curiosity through this blog. and provide peace of mind that Grassland Nutrition products are Halal safe – as well as organic sourced.

What is organic Halal beef ?

Halal is Arabic for permissible. Halal food adheres to the Islamic law, as defined in the Quran   and Sunnah. The slaughter can either be done by a Muslim, Christian or a Jew (people of the Book) as long as they recite Bismillah and Allahu Akbar (In the name of God and God is the Greatest).  

Animals must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter and all blood is drained from the carcass. 

The Islamic form of slaughtering  is done via an incision to the trachea, esophagus and the jugular veins in conjunction with the carotid arteries, but not the spinal cord.

Australia has strict food safety and traceability systems with controls applied in the production of Halal meat and meat products by approved Islamic organisations. This ensures that high food safety standards and Halal robustness measures are maintained.

When you buy Australian Halal meat and meat products, you can be confident that you are buying clean, safe and 100% guaranteed Halal meat.

What makes our organic Halal beef products unique?

Our products contain organic beef – and NOTHING else. There are no fillers, flavours or preservatives. Purity of products these days is rare, for instance up to 5% of a capsule’s contents can be padded out with fillers and still regarded as pure! You can trust us to provide ONLY the purest product. We will not compromise on quality and see no value in offering anything less than the best.

Grassland Nutrition’s organic Halal beef products are:

  • Grass-fed and grass-finished
  • From a Certified Organic source
  • Hormone, pesticide, antibiotic & GMO free
  • Zero fillers (or) flow agents
  • 100% freeze dried, not heat processed – that way all the nutrients are retained for your maximum benefit
  • Non-defatted and left in their natural state

We practice what we preach by consuming Grassland Nutrition products everyday.  It’s the very reason we created our selective range of products and we enjoy the clear benefits of more energy, strength and immunity. This drives our passion to pass on the benefits of nutrient rich organic beef wholefood snacks, powders and nutritional supplements to you.

Why choose us for organic Halal beef  products?

Grassland Nutrition sources its organic beef from OBE Organic, the oldest and most trustworthy producer of organic beef in Australia. The farming collective covers 16 million acres of organic land in Australia’s Channel Country where cattle roam freely and graze on hundreds of native herbs, grasses and herbaceous plants. The global Muslim community can be confident that products from OBE Organic and by association – Grassland Nutrition – adheres to the Halal regulations . This is further illustrated in the OBE Organic Halal Beef showcase.

Conclusion

Organic and Halal beef liver from Grassland Nutrition is rich in B12 to support energy and strength. 

Our beef liver product range includes:

Beef Liver Powder

We recommend you use it in your smoothies,shakes, sauces, add it to ground beef, sprinkle it on eggs, or even over yoghurt. Our organic beef liver powder is an economical choice compared with the capsule form.

Beef Liver Capsules

Ideal for if you are on the go and aren’t keen on the Powder, take these capsules as directed for maximum benefits. Not only a great choice for bone and muscle health, after only one month you will notice the difference in your hair and skin quality too.

Beef Liver, Kidney & Heart Wholefood Snacks

Diced and easy to consume, freeze-dried organic Halal beef liver Kidney & Heart wholefood  snacks are three to four times as nutritious in volume to their raw equivalent, you can eat these as a snack or incorporate them in your everyday dishes. We like to snack on these – along  with our latest product in the range, Beef Suet.

Beef Liver and Kelp Energy Formula Capsules

In addition to the beef exclusive products we produce popular blended formula with Organic Sourced Australian Beef Liver and Australian organically harvested Bull Kelp that is rich in B12 and Iodine. These superfoods combined, create a powerful 2-in-1 unique energy formulation. Read more about the significance of iodine, its amazing health and immunity properties and how iodine is one of the biggest deficiencies in our modern diet. Check out the blog.

Powder

Grassland Nutrition’s blended liver and kelp formula is available in powdered form for those who prefer to add the blend into sauces, or add to smoothies and shakes to get their immunity and strength boost. Get your liver and kelp powder here

Bull Kelp Crunch

We love the moreish Bull Kelp Crunch that can be sprinkled on literally anything to add a little salty flavour and crunch. It’s available in 50g and 100g size resealable bags.  Take it from us there won’t be many reseals once you’ve tried it!

Please share your favourite ways of adding our organic Halal Beef products to your daily dishes, so we may pass further recipe ideas to our growing community. [contact us]

Nature’s antidote for an underactive thyroid

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Problems arise when your thyroid produces too many hormones (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism).

And the main cause..? A lack of iodine.

Where is your thyroid?

The thyroid gland is positioned – as you can see in the first image below – with the ‘X’ marking the spot. It is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, below the throat. This sensitive gland that can cause so much havoc in the body is part of the endocrine system that coordinates many bodily actions, as well as producing hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism.

Looking at the entire world’s population, thyroid problems occur most in countries that rarely use iodised salt. And in those countries that do, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the main thyroid issue (hypothyroidism).

A lack of selenium can also be a contributory factor, where the heart and the nervous system are put at risk. When the deficiency is ongoing it can lead to mental health challenges with the individual experiencing anxiety and depression that can result in dementia. A lack of selenium can also negatively affect fertility.

What doom and gloom, yet it needn’t be the horror show of yesteryear with stories of people coming down the mountains to fix their ‘big neck’ (referred to so nicely as a Goiter). Measured in degrees of severity 1-3, the more pronounced and more painful the Goiter. We don’t see instances of higher levels of ill-functioning thyroids nowadays, like the Mayan mask sculpture depicted here. However, treatments for thyroid dysfunction are commonplace today – and in modern medicine, it means taking daily medication – for life. Yet in the case of an underactive thyroid, it needn’t.

There can be a natural approach to thyroid wellness.

Antique Goiter Mask (Patzcaa Dance) – Huehuecho-Rabinal mayan folk art

What are the main types of thyroid dysfunction?

When the thyroid becomes ineffective, symptoms will help identify whether it is underactive or overactive. Thyroid conditions are many and names you’ll come across include; Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, Goiter (swollen thyroid), and thyroid nodules.

Hyperthyroidism

In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is overactive. It produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause many of your body’s functions to speed up. Heart racing, itchy skin and in some cases this condition can make the eyes bulge. The symptoms are many and differ with the individual. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, affecting about 70% of the population.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is what we are focusing on in this blog and where the thyroid gland is underactive and can’t produce enough hormones. This can cause some of the body’s functions to slow down. Of the two types, more people suffer from too little thyroid hormone production than too much.

Common symptoms? There are many and can include: fatigue, dry skin, dry hair, increased sensitivity to cold, brain fog, depression, constipation and unexplained weight gain. None of these are pleasant and so what can be done without resorting to medical intervention?

This engraving ‘Goiter’ is credited to Sartori, Franz (1819)

Nature’s antidote to Hypothyroidism is iodine

And where can it be found naturally…? In Kelp!

Kelp forests flourish in underwater areas that cover a large part of the world’s coastlines. Kelp is neither a vegetable nor a plant, it’s a protest, and most importantly, one of the best natural sources of iodine.

Iodine is a mineral needed by the body to make thyroid hormones. People with a deficiency in iodine are more at risk of developing thyroid problems, with common symptoms including fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and dry skin. Kelp also contains high levels of vitamin K (which helps with blood clotting) and other minerals to help keep the body healthy. These properties that are rich in antioxidants support the heart and the immune system.

How is kelp best consumed?

The team behind Grassland Nutrition are huge advocates of kelp usage as a vital element in good nutrition. The bull kelp we ethically source comes from The Great Southern Ocean and is rich in natural Iodine.

Here’s Kel, against a backdrop of bull kelp blades that had washed up on the beach the previous night, washed and drying on a bright Winter’s morning, with our finished freeze-dried kelp product to the right finely chopped.

In summation, kelp is nature’s antidote for an underactive thyroid as a natural iodine and selenium source, combined in a ready-made package. This magical natural health product not only supports thyroid health, it also boosts energy. The iron guru Vince Geronda is a testament to its physical benefits (you can read more about this smart, legendary bodybuilder in an earlier blog, ‘Why Liver and Kelp?’ )

The bull kelp we use is 100% organic and the store offers a number of bull kelp products:

  • Kelp Crunch is a moreish salty ‘crunch’ that can be sprinkled over meals.
  • As a supplement, blended with organic beef liver. This energy-boosting blend in capsule form we have found to be an antidote to those that suffer from a restless sleep – and acts as a natural energy booster.
  • Liver and Kelp can be taken as a powder (we recommend it for any savoury dishes and can also be mixed in with yoghurt).

Why did we blend liver and kelp?

Grassland Nutrition’s roots lie in organic beef farming. We know that beef liver has many fantastic health properties and we experimented with adding kelp for its additional antioxidant properties. This is not a new or maverick approach. The aforementioned Vince Gironda, bodybuilder (1917-1997) recommended mineral sea kelp for its iodine content and dried liver extract for blood building and oxygen capacity boosting.

It’s been tried and tested for generations!

We are proud of our organic sourced Australian Beef Liver from OBE Organic, that have been practising certified organic sustainable agriculture for over 20 years in the Australian Channel Country. The cattle are raised with no growth hormones on natural pastures and pure water in clean air and sunshine. Combine this with Bull Kelp products that are rich in B12 and Iodine…

We’ve created a powerful 2-in-1 unique energy formulation!

Head to the Grassland Nutrition store. We’ve got you covered, naturally….

SOURCES

  1. Iodised Salt.  Wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodised_salt
  2. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Underactive thyroid condition. Wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashimoto%27s_thyroiditis
  3. Types of thyroid disorders. Healthline  https://www.healthline.com/health/common-thyroid-disorders
  4. Goiter engraving. Wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congenital_iodine_deficiency_syndrome
  5. Protist (kelp) Wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protist
  6. Where we source beef organs from.  OBE Organic https://www.obeorganic.com/
  7. Antique Mayan Goiter maskhttps://www.ebay.com.au/itm/283001884136?hash=item41e43a0de8:g:hJ0AAOSwcF1bHAzt&frcectupt=true
  8. Where to buy Grassland Nutrition liver and kelp products https://www.grasslandnutrition.net/shop-location/