The Benefits of Chicken Liver (2024)

Fat and Cholesterol

A diet low in fat, particularly saturated fat, can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your chances of developing chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. One chicken liver contains 2.86 grams of total fat, with 0.9 grams being saturated. The same chicken liver has 248 milligrams of cholesterol. Healthy adults with normal LDL cholesterol readings should consume less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day, the American Heart Association reports. The cholesterol content makes chicken liver only an occasional part of your diet.

Iron and Zinc

A chicken liver provides a healthy dose of iron and zinc. Iron enables your body to use oxygen efficiently and to make new red blood cells. This mineral also plays a role in cell division and the health of your immune system. An iron deficiency can cause fatigue, decreased oxygen and a weakened immune system. Healthy males need 8 milligrams of iron each day and healthy females need 18 milligrams. One chicken liver provides 5.12 milligrams of iron. Zinc plays a role in wound healing, immune system function and cell division. Adult males need 11 milligrams of zinc each day and females need 8 milligrams. One chicken liver contains 1.75 milligrams.

Vitamins

Chicken liver is a nutritious source of B vitamins. One chicken liver contains 7.41 micrograms of vitamin B12, which is significantly more than the 2.4 milligrams you need each day. You need vitamin B12 for the healthy function of your brain and nervous system and to replenish your blood supply. One chicken liver supplies 254 micrograms of the 400 micrograms of folic acid you need on a daily basis. Folic acid reduces your risk of certain birth defects. The same chicken liver contains 5,864 international units of vitamin A, a nutrient that is essential for the health of your eyes and white blood cells. This is more than the 2,300 international units recommended for women and the 3,000 international units recommended for men. Eat chicken liver on an occasional basis to prevent taking in too much vitamin A, which can inhibit your body's ability to properly absorb vitamin D.

Tips

Saute sliced chicken liver with chopped onions, potatoes, mushrooms and bell peppers for a nutritious hash. Puree cooked chicken liver with a drizzle of oil and your favorite herbs and spices for a nutrient-dense dip that pairs well with whole-grain crackers. Thread raw chicken livers onto skewers with bay leaves. Grill the livers until they become firm and season with salt and pepper. Chop cooked chicken livers and add them to a pasta sauce or bowl of chicken noodle soup.

The Benefits of Chicken Liver (2024)

FAQs

The Benefits of Chicken Liver? ›

A chicken liver provides a healthy dose of iron and zinc. Iron enables your body to use oxygen efficiently and to make new red blood cells. This mineral also plays a role in cell division and the health of your immune system. An iron deficiency can cause fatigue, decreased oxygen and a weakened immune system.

How often should you eat chicken liver? ›

Because liver is so high in both vitamin A and copper, most doctors recommend that people without vitamin deficiencies eat just one serving per week.

Is chicken liver a super food? ›

In fact, chicken liver is so nutrient rich that it is best consumed as a supplement to a healthy diet - you don't need to eat it every day to obtain its benefits unless you have certain health issues such as anemia that would benefit from the excess nutrients.

Is chicken liver healthier than beef? ›

In terms of nutrient density and superiority, beef liver wins. The only way we suggest chicken liver, is if you're watching your calorie intake... Chicken liver has fewer calories compared to beef liver.

What does chicken liver do for skin? ›

Chicken liver is one of the greatest dietary sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A is vital for maintaining healthy skin, eyesight, and the immune system. It contributes to healthy development and growth as well.

What does chicken liver do to the body? ›

Iron and Zinc. A chicken liver provides a healthy dose of iron and zinc. Iron enables your body to use oxygen efficiently and to make new red blood cells.

What is the healthiest way to eat chicken liver? ›

Preparing chicken livers with little or no added fat and with a little salt is the healthiest way to have them. You can pair them with boiled, blanched or fresh greens to make a wholesome meal.

What are the side effects of chicken liver? ›

Because of this, if you eat an excess of liver, and therefore Vitamin A, it is possible to develop a toxicity that leads to vision problems, bone pain, increased risk of fractures, nausea, and vomiting [*]. This is also why doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid eating livers during pregnancy.

What are the pros and cons of eating liver? ›

Liver is low in calories and rich in high quality protein, all while providing an incredible amount of vital nutrients. For most people, liver can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, it should be eaten in limited amounts if you are pregnant and avoided if you have gout.

What are the 5 liver super foods? ›

Here are 10 of the best foods for liver health, and other tips for preventing liver disease.
  • 1. Fruits and Vegetables. istetiana / Getty Images. ...
  • Ginger. Armastas / Getty Images. ...
  • Garlic. SimpleImages / Getty Images. ...
  • Chia and Flax Seeds. Luis Echeverri Urrea / Getty Images. ...
  • Olive Oil. ...
  • Seafood. ...
  • Coffee and Tea. ...
  • Cacao Products.
Jan 9, 2024

Do you wash chicken liver before cooking? ›

To prevent them from tasting bitter and to make sure they cook properly, it's important to clean them correctly before you cook them. Soaking the livers in cold water and then removing any connective tissue will give you clean livers that are ready to cook.

Is chicken liver good for BP? ›

Chicken liver is a good source of various nutrients, including protein, iron, vitamins A and B12, and folate. However, individuals with high blood pressure should be mindful of their overall diet, including their intake of foods high in cholesterol and saturated fat, such as organ meats like chicken liver.

Which liver is tastiest? ›

Two of the most prized livers are calf's liver and chicken livers. Both are on the sweeter end of the offal spectrum, mild in their meatiness and relatively tender and delicate, though for obvious reasons, chicken livers are much, much smaller than the other meats mentioned here.

Is chicken liver good for hair growth? ›

Liver contains a mega-dose of vitamin A, which helps to strengthen hair. It also contains biotin and copper, both of which help increase elasticity and reverse gray hair. One of the best ways to eat liver is to make your own pâté from chicken or beef. Pâté will cut the organ taste and make liver more palatable.

Is chicken liver good for eyes? ›

Foods rich in Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps preserve the visual functions of the retina, prevents macular degeneration and protects the eyes from inflammation. It is found in foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids: beef or chicken liver, oily fish such as anchovies, mackerel, tuna, anchovies, sardines or salmon .

Does chicken liver have collagen? ›

Organ meats

Another natural source of collagen protein is organ meats. These include the liver, tongue, heart, kidneys, and brains from beef, pork, or chicken (León-López, 2019).

Is too much chicken bad for liver? ›

Chicken is a good source of lean protein and can be a healthy addition to your diet if you have fatty liver. Chicken, particularly without the skin, is an excellent way to get the protein you need without worrying about saturated fats, which can be hard on the liver.

Does cooking chicken liver destroy nutrients? ›

The cooking loss in cooked chicken livers is mainly caused by the loss of moisture, melting of fat, and denaturation of protein (Xiong et al., 2020). Most of the cooking loss constitutes water, along with a small number of other components such as vitamins and solubilized proteins (Tornberg, 2005).

Should chicken liver be rinsed before? ›

Do not wash or rinse raw meat or poultry before you cook it. Washing can cause bacteria found on the surface of meat or poultry to be spread to ready-to-eat foods, kitchen utensils, and counter surfaces. This is called cross-contamination. Rinse fruits and vegetables before eating.

How long do chicken livers last? ›

Chicken livers, like other offal, are perishable and should be handled with care. If unopened and stored in the refrigerator, fresh chicken livers can last for 1-2 days past the 'sell by' date printed on the package. Once opened, they should be used within 24 hours.

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