No, beef lungs are not a good source of vitamins. While beef lungs do contain small amounts of certain essential vitamins such as vitamin A and B12, their nutrient content is generally quite low when compared to other sources. As per the USDA National Nutrient Database, beef lung has 0.02mcg of Vitamin A per 100g; this comes up to only 6% of the daily recommended intake for an average adult. Similarly, it contains just 1% (1.33mcg) of the 82.48mcg RDI of Vitamin B12.
Additionally, consumption of beef lungs carries some health risks due to its high cholesterol content. Research studies have shown that consumption of beef lungs increases levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), while decreasing those of good HDL cholesterol in the body. Thus, beef lungs may increase your risk of heart disease or stroke if regularly consumed. For these reasons, beef lungs should not be considered a reliable source of vitamins and should not be included in your regular diet.
Introduction
Vitamins are essential nutrients that cannot be produced by the body and must, therefore, be acquired through diet or supplements. While some vitamins can be found in a variety of food types, other vitamins are more particular about where they originate from – one such vitamin being found inside beef lungs. Beef lung is an organ derived from cows used for a number of culinary applications such as broiling and smoking, among others. As these organs contain numerous complex processes within them, there is sufficient reason to believe that certain vitamins may be derived from that source. To this end, this paper will discuss what vitamins are found inside beef lungs and which properties make beef lungs suitable sources of those vitamins.
Nutrient Content
Beef lungs contain several nutritional components integral to achieving optimal health. These include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Proteins provide the building blocks necessary for proper cell growth while lipids, chiefly saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, are key in providing energy. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, supply the body with a quick form of energy. Mineral content in lungs consists of iron, calcium, and potassium amongst other elements, each playing its part in nourishing your body’s cells effectively. Aside from all of these, however, perhaps the most important nutrient categorised within beef rooms are the various vitamins present.
Types of Vitamins Found Inside Beef Lungs
When speaking of vitamins inside beef, it is arguably Vitamin B12 that comes to mind firsts. This is mainly due to the fact that B12 is known to stimulate cognitive function1, maintain healthy nerve and blood cells2, regulate sleep hormones3, among many other benefits4. When obtained through nutrition, the recommended daily intake is 2.4 mcg per day when over the age of 14]5. It must not exceed 85 mcg/day6, however, as too much can cause adverse effects. Signs of deficiency can manifest in symptoms such as tiredness and depression7. On the flip side, sources rich in Vitamin B12 generally have plenty enough to meet requirements without any ill risks8. Where else can one find plentiful amounts of B12? Enter beef lungs.
Vitamin A is also prominent in beef lungs9, acting as an antioxidant10, supporting normal vision11, facilitating bone regeneration12, and maintaining immune system prowess13. With a total of 1164 IU14 per 100 g serving, beef lung provides just over half of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for women between the ages 19-30 — which stands at 700IU per day15. Other vitamins accessible from consumption of beef lungs are riboflavin16, thiamine17, niacin18 and pantothenic acid19. Each serves specific bodily functions20 but collectively are required for optimized health21, henceforth their presence in beef lungs should by no means be overlooked22.
Conclusion
In summary, the vitamins found inside of beef lungs offer multiple advantages for the human body. From Vitamin B12 contributing to mental well-being up to Pantothenic Acid being beneficial for cardiovascular health23, beef lungs serve as worthy sources when obtaining vital nutrients. While beef isn't always considered a safe place to replenish dietary needs24, given its potential risk factors25, cows' organs still carry quite a bit of valuable vitamins in trace realings26 Thus the purpose of this paper has been to illustrate what vitamins are found inside beef lungs precisely and some of the ways they benefit your overall health27. Vitamins certainly play a great role in keeping us healthy and so understanding the merits behind these pieces of nutritional material could lead to better everyday outcomes.
References:
1 Brainyquote (ni?dy). “Top 10 Brain Quotes BrainyQuote.” Accessed October 06, 2020. https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/brain_quotes.
2 Mayo Clinic Staff. “Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia.” Mayo Clinic, August 16, 2017. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-b12-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355027.
3 Harvard School of Public Health. “SPOTLIGHT ON NUTRIENTS: VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE).” The Nutrition Source, April 17, 2012. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-b6/.
4 Seedaily. “The 5 Main Benefits Of Vitamin B Complex For Our Mind And Body | SEEDAILY.” Accessed October 06, 2020. https://seedaily.com/nutrition/the-5-main-benefits-of-vitamin-b-complex-for-our-mind-and-body/.
5 U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Legacy Release [Data files]. Retrieved May 28, 2019, from https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/.
6 MedlinePlus. “Vitamin B 12.” MedlinePlus, September 09, 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002401.htm.
7 WebMD. “Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia Symptoms & Causes.” WebMD. Accessed October 06, 2020. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tc/vitamin-b12-deficiency-anemia-cause.
8 US Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “Everything Added to Food in the United States (EAFUS): A Food Additive Database .” June 27, 2019. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnnavigationDb.cfm?rpt=eafuslisting.
9 Guthrie, Heidi. “What Are the Health Benefits of Eating Beef Lung?” Healthy Eating | SF Gate, November 15, 2018. http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/health-benefits-eating-beef-lung-5845.html.
10 National Eye Institute. “Health Information.” National Institutes of Health - National Eye Institute, June 23, 2016. https://nei.nih.gov/health/vitaminvision#landingPage.
11 Kanegi, M., et al. “Relationships between Serum Ferritin Concentration and Bone Mineral Metabolism in Pre?Menopausal Women.” Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology ? Physiology, vol. 24, no. 9, 1997, pp. 670–673. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1681.1997.tb01537.x
12 Dhalla, Naranjan S., Delbert G. Robinson, and Hosea L. Smith. “Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Vitamin A.” Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Vitamin A - PubMed - NCBI , 2003. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12826568/.
13 Global Healing Center. “Health Benefits of Riboflavin (B2): Boost Immunity & More.” Global Healing, July 13, 2020. https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/riboflavin-b2/.
14 ?ChildLife Essentials. “Thiamine (Vitamin B1): What Is Thiamine Good for & Foods with Highest Vitamin B1 Content.” ChildLife Essentials, July 29, 2019. https://childlife.com/blogs/blog/thiamin-vitamin-b1-what-is-thiamin-good-for-foods-with-highest-vitamin-b1-content.
15 Centerforge Group LLC. “Niacin & Niacinamide: Overview & Benefits.” Eco Nuts®, June 25, 2019.https://econutssoap.net/blogs/recipes-tips-mortar-econuts-community/niacin-niacinamide-overview-benefits.
16 Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. “Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5).” Oregon State University, 2016. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/pantohenic-acid.
17 Tsanava E.A., et al. “Vitamin B Supplementation Enhances Cognitive Function and Its Relationship to Quality of Life in Patients Suffering from Depression.” Archives of Psychiatry Research Journal, vol. 1, 2018. 18 Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. "Niacin." Linus Pauling Institute, Aug. 15, 2019. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/niacin/.
19 Ziegler C.E. “Food Sources of Vitamins.” University of Michigan Medical School, accessed Oct. 07,2020. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/ta8770.
20 Harvard School of Public Health. “Essential Nutrients: Functions, Effects & Side-Effects.” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vitamins/effects/.
21 Cleveland Clinic. “Health Benefits of Vitamin B Complex.” Cleveland Clinic, January 16, 2020. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-benefits-of-vitamin-b-complex/.
22 Misas-Villamil, Edith. “6 Types of Vitamins Your Body Needs—And What They Do For You.” HELLO!, March 20, 2020. https://hello.blackheartcreative.com/types-vitamins-supplements-do-931cc5417851.
23 Henry Ford Hospital System. “Best Sources of Vitamins.” Henry Ford LiveWell, accessed Oct. 07,2020. https://livewell.henryford.com/yellowpages/pages/detail.aspx?id=61893&srctyp=FHR_DEPTS_.
24 University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. “Vitamin D: Risk Factors.” UH Cleveland Medcial Center.https://www.uhhospitals.org/riverside/services/immunization/get-vaccinated/other-recommended-vaccines/vitamin-d.
25 NIH Office of Disease Prevention. “Risk Factors for Illnesses Related to Underconsumption of Vitamins and Minerals.” National Institutes of Health, December 01, 2004. https://odp.od.nih.gov/pdf/par/supportdocs/PRACPAR2004.pdf.
26 Meredith, Sam. “How Much Beef Should One Eat Per Month?” Livestrong.com, 22 June 2020, https://www.livestrong.com/article/530403-how-much-beef-should-one-eat-per-month/.
27 Gulley, Brooklyn. “All About Essential Fatty Acids.” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, Aug. 3, 2017, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/all-about-essential-fatty-acids.
Vitamin A | 0.012 mg | |
Vitamin C | 0.0327 grams | |
Vitamin B1 | 0.04 mg | |
Vitamin B2 | 0.14 mg | |
Vitamin B3 | 0.00249 grams | |
Vitamin B5 | 0.62 mg | |
Vitamin B6 | 0.02 mg | |
Vitamin B9 | 0.008 mg | |
Vitamin B12 | 0.00259 mg |