Prominent health influencers on Instagram, including “Liver King” Brian Johnson and Dr Paul Saladino, are leading a new and unconventional movement, advocating for the inclusion of raw liver and other raw organ meats in everyday diet for its purported health benefits.
Setting aside the question of whether this is appetising or not, Indian doctors are warning people NOT to indulge in this fad as it could be dangerous.
Can I eat raw liver?
Recently, Instagram influencers posted videos of themselves eating raw liver of cow and goat, explaining that it is a reliable source of bioavailable Vitamin A and is packed with Vitamin B12, folate, ion, choline, phosphorous, zinc, copper, and more.
They have also claimed that raw liver and other organ meats are typically richer in glycine, an essential amino acid.
However, leading liver specialist from Aster Hospital in Bengaluru, Dr Kaiser Raja, vehemently opposes the concept of eating raw liver.
He tells South First that raw liver can harbor dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, E coli, Hepatitis A, and Campylobacter, which can lead to severe food-borne illnesses. These bacteria are particularly harmful to pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Adding to this, consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, Dr Sudhir Kumar, who also closely follows fitness and diet-related studies, tells South First that the liver is no doubt a good source of vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
However, “eating uncooked (raw) liver is not advisable. This could become a source of infections. It can give rise to several food-borne diseases”, he points out.
He adds that in some cases, infections can become severe and even lead to death.
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Is eating cooked liver daily good?
Though cooked liver has a lot of proteins and is considered extremely healthy, Dr Sudhir Kumar warns against eating it on a daily basis. He explains that liver contains a significant amount of Vitamin A and eating liver on a daily basis can cause Vitamin A toxicity.
“Eat liver only after it is thoroughly cooked. Cooking does not significantly reduce the nutritional value to liver,” he adds.
Meanwhile Dr Kaiser Raja also suggests that the liver is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. It’s packed with high-quality protein, Vitamins A, B12, B6, and iron, which are crucial for energy metabolism, immune function, and red blood cell production.
“Especially for those who are anaemic, eating (cooked) liver can prove very beneficial. However, eating liver once a week is recommended to balance the benefits with the risk of excessive nutrient intake, especially vitamin A,” he adds.