Organ meats such as liver, heart, kidneys, intestines, and stomach are rich in nutrients, providing protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins A and B12. However, they can also contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium, metabolites, and harmful microorganisms if not thoroughly cleaned and properly prepared.

Doctor Nguyen Anh Duy Tung from Nutrihome Nutrition Center explains that elevated liver enzymes indicate liver cell damage. This occurs when the liver is overworked processing toxins, or when it's inflamed, fatty, or infected with a virus. Organ meats contain high levels of cholesterol, and consuming too much cholesterol increases the burden on the liver during lipid metabolism, especially for those with lipid disorders or fatty liver disease.

When the liver overworks to eliminate excess cholesterol, liver cells can become damaged, leading to high liver enzyme levels. Organ meats are also rich in purines, which metabolize into uric acid, increasing the risk of gout and kidney stones. Long-term consumption can also affect liver and kidney function.

According to Dr. Tung, healthy individuals can eat organ meats up to twice a week in moderate portions (under 100g per serving). People with liver disease, elevated liver enzymes, blood lipid disorders, high blood pressure, or gout should minimize or avoid organ meats altogether, following their doctor's advice. Instead of organ meats, they should increase protein intake from lean meat, fish, eggs, and tofu, which are easier to digest, lower in cholesterol, and don't elevate liver enzymes.

Consume organ meats in moderation to avoid adverse health effects. Photo: Trong Nghia

It's important to purchase organ meats from reputable sources that have passed food safety inspections. Before cooking, soak them in salt or vinegar to remove odors, then parboil them to eliminate toxins before fully cooking. Limit dishes that are deep-fried or heavily seasoned to avoid straining the liver.

Dr. Duy Tung recommends regular health check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing weight to protect the liver. He also suggests supplementing with natural extracts like s. marianum and wasabia to help control kupffer cell activity (resident macrophages in the liver), potentially improving detoxification, lowering liver enzymes, and preventing and supporting liver function recovery from hepatitis and fatty liver disease.

Trong Nghia