Written by our in-house Naturopath, Holistic Nutritionist and Medical Herbalist Em (Nala Holistic)
A modern-day nose-to-tail approach to eating is a rediscovery of one of the most nutrient-dense, nourishing, and sustainable ancestral practices.
Many of us have become disconnected from the source of our food. We tend to favour muscle meats for their taste, but organ meats, once prized by hunter-gatherers for their rich nutritional value, were traditionally the first choice.
While we've lost this connection, the Hadza people of Tanzania—a protected indigenous tribe still living the hunter-gatherer lifestyle—have not. They revere organ meats, consuming them first because they understand that organs contain the highest concentration of nutrients. As a result, the Hadza people have some of the lowest rates of chronic disease and are considered to have some of the healthiest gut microbiomes.
A nose-to-tail approach means consuming the entire animal—from muscle meat to organs, bones, tendons, and cartilage. While this may be difficult for some to embrace, it’s important to remember that eating organ meats is not only great for our health, but it also honours the animal and promotes sustainability by reducing waste.
Sustainability isn't just about how we manufacture, package, and ship; it extends to how and what we eat.
We’re Bringing Back The Liver
The nutrient content of our food reflects the quality of the soil it’s grown in. Unfortunately, New Zealand's soils are lacking in essential nutrients and minerals needed to support basic biological functions. This is often due to the overuse of soil without proper nutrient replenishment and the widespread use of chemical fertilisers (typically nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, ignoring the other 50+ minerals our bodies need). That’s where our organ supplements step in.
Beef liver is arguably one of the most nutrient-dense foods nature has to offer. While we support a whole-food, plant-rich diet, the reality is that if nutrients aren’t in the soil, they aren’t in your food. That’s why high-quality, ideally whole-food and highly bioavailable supplements have become increasingly important. Freeze-dried organ supplements provide all the benefits of eating nose-to-tail without the hassle.
Let's take a quick look at the key benefits of beef liver:
- Known as "nature’s multivitamin" for its rich source of bioavailable nutrients—meaning the body can easily absorb and use them.
- Supports overall wellbeing, energy production, skin health, vision, and immune function.
- Packed with pre-formed, active vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin, vision, and immune function.
- Contains a powerful dose of B vitamins, supporting energy levels, cognitive and neurological function, and healthy blood.
- When paired with spleen, it offers additional co-factors that aid in the uptake and use of heme-iron.
When Two Become One
Beef spleen is rich in heme iron but lacks some nutrients needed for optimal iron absorption and utilisation. That’s where beef liver comes in, providing those essential nutrients. Together, they form the perfect 100% natural, synergistic iron supplement—fortifying both the blood and the entire body. As an added bonus, this dynamic duo also delivers a boost of vitamin B12, supporting energy levels and overall vitality.
Embracing a nose-to-tail approach is more than just a dietary choice; it’s a return to our roots, honouring the wisdom of our ancestors who understood the profound benefits of organ meats.
By embracing nose-to-tail eating, we return to using real ingredients that nourish our bodies and nurture the earth.
Incorporating organ meats like beef liver and spleen into our diets provides essential nutrients often missing in modern food systems. These supplements offer a convenient way to nourish our bodies, supporting energy, immune function, and overall vitality.
As we pursue healthier living, it’s important to remember the wisdom of indigenous cultures and the incredible benefits of a nose-to-tail approach. By including organ meats, we reclaim the nutrient-rich foods that nature has always provided.