In the not-so-distant past, our ancestors revered animal organs as sacred foods, packed with nutrients and healing properties. Among these prized organs was the humble beef spleen, a treasure trove of health benefits waiting to be rediscovered. Today, we’ll delve into the rich cultural heritage of eating beef spleen, exploring its use in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the “like-supports-like” philosophy that underpins its remarkable health benefits.

Our ancestors practiced a simple yet profound principle for centuries: honoring the animal by consuming every part of its body. This nose-to-tail approach not only ensured minimal waste but also provided a diverse array of essential nutrients. Organ meats like beef spleen were particularly prized for their concentrated stores of vitamins, minerals, and peptides.

For centuries, traditional cultures have turned to animal spleen as a natural remedy for various health concerns. This approach was guided by the principle of “like supports like,” which suggests that the organs of a healthy animal can be used to nourish and strengthen the corresponding organs in the human body. As herbalist James Green notes in “The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook,” “the part of the animal or plant that corresponded to the human organ or system would have a special affinity for, and therapeutic effect on, that part of the human body” (Green, 2000). This ancient wisdom has been echoed in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where pig spleen is still valued as a tonic to support digestive health, boost energy, and alleviate anemia.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spleen is considered a vital organ responsible for transforming and transporting nutrients, as well as filtering and cleansing the blood. In Western physiology, we know that the spleen plays a crucial role in removing old and damaged red blood cells, and storing platelets and white blood cells. It’s also involved in immune function, producing antibodies and activating immune cells to fight infection. Given its critical role in nutrient metabolism and immune function, it’s no surprise that consuming spleen has been used to support spleen health in TCM. The “like supports like” principle suggests that the nutrients and peptides present in animal spleen can help nourish and support our own spleen function. Indeed, beef spleen is a nutrient-dense food, rich in heme iron, vitamin B12, copper, selenium, zinc, and other essential micronutrients that play a critical role in healthy red blood cell production, immune function, and antioxidant defenses. Additionally, spleen contains bioactive peptides, such as tuftsin and splenopentin, which have been shown to stimulate immune cell activity and support the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

Over the past century, beef spleen has been quietly phased out of modern diets, relegated to the realm of obscure or exotic foods. Once a revered component of traditional cuisines worldwide, its consumption has dwindled, leaving behind a nutritional void. As global dietary patterns have become increasingly homogenized, anemia has emerged as a pervasive health concern, affecting millions and leaving individuals struggling with persistent fatigue, cognitive fogginess, and shortness of breath. The absence of these traditional foods leaves us wondering: “how have the lost nutrients of spleen and other organ meats shaped the modern health issues that plague us today?”

Unfortunately, our modern approach to health has led us down a path of specialization and fragmentation, where the wisdom of traditional diets and remedies is often overlooked. Our pursuit of quick fixes and pharmaceutical solutions has led us to forget the art of nourishing our bodies with foods that have been used for centuries. 

So, what exactly have we been missing out on? Beef spleen is a nutrient-dense superfood with an impressive array of vitamins, minerals, and other essential compounds. Here are just some of the key nutrients found in beef spleen along with the percentage of the Recommended Daily Value (RDV):

***Note: The exact nutritional content may vary depending on factors like the animal’s diet, breed, and cooking method. These values are approximate and based on data from Cronometer.

Beef spleen is also a rich source of bioactive peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that have been shown to have profound effects on human health. These peptides, including tuftsin, splenopentin, and spleen extract peptides, have been found to possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Research has demonstrated that these peptides can stimulate the immune system, enhance the production of antibodies, and increase the activity of natural killer cells. Additionally, they have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. The peptides present in beef spleen may also have benefits for gut health, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.

Beef spleen can provide an effective and lasting treatment for anemia. While isolated supplements of iron, vitamin B12, and folate may provide temporary relief from anemia, they fall short of replicating the intricate complexity of the food matrix found in beef spleen. The synergistic relationships between the various nutrients, peptides, and bioactive compounds present in spleen cannot be reduced to a simple supplement or infusion. It is the harmonious combination of these nutrients, working in concert, that enables the body to effectively address anemia. For example, vitamin B2 facilitates the process of iron uptake in the body, vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in the synthesis of hemoglobin, copper is necessary for the production of ceruloplasmin, a protein that carries iron in the bloodstream and helps regulate iron levels, while the folate and vitamin B12 work together to regulate the production of red blood cells.

Iron infusions, in particular, have become a common treatment for anemia, but they often provide only temporary relief. For many individuals, anemia returns once the infused iron is sequestered into the tissues, leaving the underlying issues unaddressed. This is because iron infusions do not provide the same comprehensive benefits as consuming iron-rich foods like beef spleen. The antioxidants present in beef spleen, such as selenium and CoQ10, help to protect red blood cells from oxidative damage, promoting their health and longevity.

The reductionist approach of supplementing with isolated nutrients overlooks the intricate web of relationships between different nutrients and the body’s physiological processes. In contrast, consuming whole foods like beef spleen provides a holistic approach to nutrition, where the various nutrients and bioactive compounds work together to promote optimal health. By providing a balanced mix of nutrients, beef spleen supports the production of healthy red blood cells, enhances oxygen delivery to tissues, and promotes overall well-being. This holistic approach can help to address the underlying causes of anemia, rather than just masking the symptoms. 

As we revive the tradition of spleen consumption, consider incorporating this nutrient-dense food into your diet. Try your hand at Moroccan stuffed spleen, beef spleen curry, or a simple fried spleen with herbs and onions, which not only showcases the versatility of spleen but also offers a flavorful gateway to its nutritional benefits. For those who prefer a more convenient solution, Heart of Cultures offers a high-quality, grass-fed desiccated beef spleen that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine, making it simpler than ever to tap into the nutritional wisdom of our ancestors.

Written by:

Jacqui Niehaus (MSc Biostatistics, Dip. Nutritional Therapy, RCP Consultant)