Beef liver

meats

Beef liver

8/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 5.8

Rated by 11 diets

6 approve4 caution1 avoid
Is Beef liver Healthy?

Yes — Beef liver is broadly considered healthy. 6 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
175kcal
Protein
27g
Carbs
4.9g
Fat
5g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
0g
Sodium
78mg

Diet Ratings

Keto6/10CAUTION

Beef liver contains approximately 3-5g net carbs per 100g serving, which is manageable but requires portion control. Nutrient-dense organ meat with good fat content, but carb content is higher than muscle meats.

iSome keto practitioners embrace organ meats like liver as nutrient-dense superfoods and consume larger portions, viewing the minimal carbs as negligible within daily limits.

Vegan1/10AVOID

Beef liver is animal flesh and organ meat. Completely incompatible with vegan diet.

Paleo10/10APPROVED

Organ meat with exceptional micronutrient density (iron, B vitamins, copper). Paleolithic staple and nutritional powerhouse.

Mediterranean5/10CAUTION

Organ meats are nutrient-dense but beef is a red meat limited in Mediterranean diet. Liver is traditionally used in some Mediterranean regions in small amounts as a nutrient source.

iSome Mediterranean traditions, particularly in Southern Italy and Greece, incorporate organ meats like liver regularly as part of nose-to-tail eating practices and traditional cuisine.

Carnivore10/10APPROVED

Organ meat, unprocessed, exceptionally nutrient-dense with bioavailable vitamins A, B12, iron, and copper. Explicitly encouraged by all major carnivore authorities.

Whole309/10APPROVED

Whole, unprocessed organ meat with no excluded ingredients. Nutrient-dense Whole30 compliant food.

Low-FODMAP9/10APPROVED

Plain beef liver is low-FODMAP. Monash confirms unprocessed organ meats are safe at all servings during elimination phase.

DASH5/10CAUTION

Excellent source of iron, B vitamins, and minerals aligned with DASH nutrient profile. However, high cholesterol content (331mg per 3oz) and red meat classification create concern. NIH DASH guidelines do not explicitly recommend organ meats.

iUpdated clinical interpretation suggests beef liver's micronutrient density (iron, folate, B12) may justify occasional consumption despite cholesterol, particularly for those with anemia. NIH DASH guidelines emphasize limiting red meat without specific organ meat guidance.

Zone6/10CAUTION

Excellent micronutrient profile and lean protein, but contains moderate carbohydrates (glycogen) and some saturated fat. Usable in Zone but requires carb accounting and careful portioning.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

Exceptional micronutrient density (iron, copper, selenium, B vitamins). Low in saturated fat relative to other beef cuts. Antioxidant-rich despite being organ meat.

GLP-1 Friendly8/10APPROVED

Beef liver is exceptional for GLP-1 patients: 26g protein per 100g, very low fat (5g per 100g), and extraordinary micronutrient density (iron, B12, folate, choline). Highly nutrient-dense per calorie. Supports muscle preservation and addresses micronutrient gaps from reduced food intake. Easy to digest in small portions. Mild flavor concerns for some patients.

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.8Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Beef liver

Keto 6/10
  • 3-5g net carbs per 100g
  • Moderate fat content
  • Exceptional micronutrient density
  • Portion control required
Paleo 10/10
  • Organ meat
  • Micronutrient-dense
  • Ancestral food
  • High bioavailability
Mediterranean 5/10
  • Red meat category
  • Nutrient-dense
  • High in iron and B vitamins
  • Traditional in some regions
  • Cholesterol content
Carnivore 10/10
  • Organ meat
  • Micronutrient density
  • Bioavailable nutrients
  • Recommended by all protocols
Whole30 9/10
  • Unprocessed
  • No additives
  • Nutrient-dense
Low-FODMAP 9/10
  • Unprocessed organ meat
  • No added ingredients
  • No fermentable carbohydrates
DASH 5/10
  • Very high cholesterol
  • Excellent micronutrients
  • Red meat category
  • High iron content
Zone 6/10
  • High in micronutrients
  • Contains carbohydrates
  • Lean protein source
  • Requires carb tracking
  • Extremely high in bioavailable micronutrients
  • Contains choline and folate
  • Low saturated fat for beef
  • Antioxidant compounds present
  • Excellent protein density
  • Low fat
  • Exceptional micronutrient density
  • Addresses nutrient gaps from reduced intake
  • Easy to digest
  • Supports muscle preservation

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Last reviewed: Our methodology
Is Beef liver Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai