What Is The Most Nutrient-Dense Food In The World?
If you search the hashtag "healthiestfood" on Instagram, you'll see thousands of posts from people, some experts, some influencers, and some advertisers, talking about the healthiest foods on earth. While some of these foods are healthy, you may wonder, are any of them the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet?
In addition to being packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, berries are a low-calorie, low-sugar food and contain prebiotics, which support a healthy gut (via The Washington Post). Eric Rimm, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has done significant research on berries and tells The Washington Post, "On average, people who eat more berries seem to live a little bit longer," making berries one of the healthiest foods you can eat. However, as healthy as berries are, they are not the most nutrient-dense food.
According to Today's Dietitian, organ meats (offal) are extremely nutrient-dense as they contain iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamins A, D, B12, and B6, the latter of which contributes to cognitive development and the regulation of blood pressure.
Nutrient dense may not equal delicious
Organ meats are chock full of good stuff and that eating them offers many health benefits. Food Navigator reports that doctors across the U.K. are making a push to encourage the population to eat organ meats at least twice a week, claiming the organs are "the healthiest food on the planet." Dr. Zoe Harcombe, obesity researcher and nutrition expert, told Food Navigator, "If you want to win a nutrient contest, pick liver and you've won." She went on to say offal is "unbeatable," nutritionally speaking.
According to Men's Journal, beef, lamb, and chicken hearts are packed with amino acids, which support collagen and elastin production. The nutrient-packed organ also includes high amounts of protein, thiamine, and folate, which support muscle growth and boost stamina. Medical News Today reports that while all organ meat is nutrient-dense, liver is the best choice of all. Packed with vitamin A, chromium, and folic acid, the liver benefits heart, brain, and eye health and is known for reducing the risk of diseases that cause inflammation.
It's worth noting that there are some people who shouldn't eat organ meats in excess. Healthline suggests that those prone to gout, along with pregnant women, should watch their intake of organ meats.