Doctor 24/7: What should people who like to eat animal organs pay attention to?

Specialist Doctor Vong Minh Kien, Head of Cardiovascular - Diabetes Clinic, 315 Health System (HCMC), answered: The types of animal organs that are often used by humans as food are kidney, brain, liver, tongue, heart, lungs, stomach, intestines... The group of organ meats contains many different nutrients that are beneficial to health, of which the following are prominent:

Offal dishes are popular with many people.

Photo: AI

Iron : Iron is needed to make hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. If children or adults are looking to increase their iron intake, organ meats may be an option, especially liver. Chicken liver contains 10.2 mg of iron.

Vitamin B : Organ meats are rich in B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, which serve many important functions in the body. B6 is important for breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and supports healthy immune function. B12 is needed to make brain and nerve cells, DNA, and red blood cells.

Protein : Protein is the building block of cells, especially new cells, and repairs existing cells. Although not as high in protein as muscle meat, many organ meats are still good sources of protein. 100 grams of beef liver contains 20.4 grams of protein.

Alpha-lipoic acid: Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has been shown to have health benefits. It protects mitochondria—the part of cells that produces energy—from damage, helping to turn nutrients into energy. Alpha-lipoic acid may also be helpful for neuropathy (or nerve damage) associated with diabetes.

The body makes alpha-lipoic acid, but it decreases as we age. Alpha-lipoic acid is found in foods such as organ meats (beef heart and kidney contain the most), spinach, tomatoes, and broccoli.

Important Minerals : Magnesium plays a vital role in internal organs, including nerve and muscle function and bone formation. Selenium is an important nutrient for thyroid function and reproductive health. Zinc helps boost immunity and heal wounds, and is also needed to make proteins and DNA.

People with risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, are best off choosing lean meats over organ meats.

Photo: AI

Note when eating organs

Organ meats are safe for most people when eaten in moderation and in a hygienic manner. However, organ meats are also high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which can increase blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, for people with risk factors for heart disease such as high cholesterol, it is best to choose lean meats instead.

People with gout (a type of arthritis) should also watch their meat intake, including organ meats. They contain purines (a naturally occurring compound) that can aggravate gout. Children should also limit their intake of organ meats.

Organ meats are high in vitamin A, which pregnant women should avoid as excess vitamin A can cause birth defects. Organ meats are also high in iron, which can be a problem for people with iron overload disorders.

Eating organ meats may slightly increase your risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. To be safe, if you have type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol — two risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease — you should avoid eating organ meats.

Regularly eating organ meats may also increase the risk of developing bladder cancer, although more research is needed. If you have a history of bladder infections or other risk factors, limit your intake of organ meats.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-24-7-nguoi-thich-an-noi-tang-dong-vat-nen-luu-y-gi-185250518172142955.htm