Beef Spleen: Benefits, Nutrition & How to Eat

The beef spleen is a delicious yet underrated organ meat. It has a texture similar to the liver and adds a novel flavor to any meal that it is a part of.

It is located on the left side of the abdomen and extends from the dorsal ends of the last two ribs in the cows. Spleen is an important organ — it helps fight the germs invading the body since it contains infection-fighting white blood cells (WBCs). Spleen also filters the blood and removes any damaged red blood cells (RBCs).

The beef spleen is not only rich in dietary cholesterol but also full of nutrients such as iron, Vitamin B12 and a lot more.

Beef Spleen Nutrition Facts

The normal serving size of beef spleen is 100 grams. The per serving calorie value is 102 calories. Here is a breakdown of the nutrients that are present in one serving:

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Saturated Fat	1g	5%
Cholesterol	263mg	88%
Sodium	85mg	4%
Potassium	429mg	12%
Protein	18.3g	37%
Vitamin C	38mg	76%
Iron	19.6mg	248%
Riboflavin	0.4mg	22%
Vitamin B12	6mg	95%
Magnesium	24.0mg	6%
Zinc	2.2mg	14%
Copper	0.2mg	8 %
Phosphorous	305mg	30%
Niacin	7.2mg	42%
Vitamin B6	0.1mg	4%
Thiamin	0.1mg	3%

Macros of Spleen

Spleen, being high in protein, is very nutritious. Here is a breakdown of the macros present in beef spleen.

Macro	Amount per 100g	Daily Value
Protein	18.3 g	73 %
Fat	3 g	27 %
Carbs	0 g	0 %

 

Cholesterol

The beef spleen is a great source of cholesterol. From 100g of the spleen, you will get 88% of your RDV. Dietary cholesterol is very important — low cholesterol levels result in depression, brain fog, and a lot of other mental health problems.

Potassium

100g of beef spleen contains 429mg of potassium. For the normal functioning of your cells, you need potassium. It not only regulates your heartbeat but also ensures the proper working of your muscles and nerves.

Moreover, it is essential for synthesizing protein along with metabolizing carbs.

Iron

You get 250% of your recommended daily value of iron from the beef spleen. Iron has plenty of benefits. Your body needs iron for proper development and growth. Iron is used to make hemoglobin — a protein that is responsible for carrying oxygen to all parts of your body.

Beef Spleen Benefits

Here are some of the benefits of eating spleen:

Boosts Your Immune System

The beef spleen has small proteins known as peptides. The peptides — tuftsin and  splenopeptin- help in simulating the macrophages – infection fighting WBCs — and improve your overall immunity.

Promotes Red Blood Cell Formation

The beef spleen has plenty of iron in it which is great for boosting your RBC production. Moreover, iron helps with supplying oxygen to the whole body as well.

Creates Energy

Since it contains copper, the beef spleen increases energy levels and promotes strong metabolism and boosts brain function.

How to Cook Beef Spleen

Here’s how you can cook beef spleen easily and quickly.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Things You Will Need

• Beef spleen – 1 kg
• Salt – To taste
• Pepper – To taste
• Coconut Flour – 2 cups
• Butter – 2 cups
• Minced Garlic – 4 Cloves
• Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp.
• Ground Coriander – 4 tsp.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Trim the lining present on the spleen.
2. Cut the spleen into small, two-inch cubes.
3. Take 3 cups of cold water and add 3 tbsp. salt to it.
4. Let the spleen cubes soak in this mixture for 2 hours.
5. Take the cubes out and pat them dry.
6. Season them with salt and pepper.
7. Now coat them with flour.
8. Take some butter in a pan and heat it.
9. Place the spleen cubes in it.
10. Cook the beef spleen until it is cooked through and has a golden brown color.
11. Place the coriander, garlic, and the remaining butter in the pan. Cook until they are golden brown as well.
12. Return the beef spleen to the pan and add lemon juice to it.
13. Cook everything for 30 minutes. Your delicious spleen will be ready.

Here are some common dishes that you can make with the beef spleen.

1. Stuffed Beef Spleen
2. Spleen Roast
3. Beef Consommé with Hot Spleen Sandwiches

Eating Raw Beef Spleen & Safety

It is a common practice in many cuisines all around the world to eat raw meat. However, it comes with health risks. When you are eating raw beef spleen, one of the most common risks is that of contracting foodborne illness.

The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, body pains, etc. Though some people claim that eating raw meat has more nutritional value than cooked meat, there are no proven benefits to this. Most studies suggest that by cooking meat, you break down the animal protein, making it easier for you to digest it.

Where to Buy Quality Grass-Fed Beef Spleen

Grass-fed beef is better than grain-fed beef. According to research, grass-fed beef has been found to be higher in Vitamins A, E, and plenty of other antioxidants. Moreover, it has lower levels of saturated fat as well. Therefore, you should always go for grass-fed beef.

It is better if you source your beef spleen from a local, trusted source. If you reside in an area that has a local farmer’s market or a butcher’s shop, you can check from them as well. If you lack access to local sources or want convenience, then you go for online subscriptions for meat and get your organ meats from them.

Beef Spleen Supplements

Many companies offer beef spleen in supplement for people who don’t like the taste of organ meat or who can’t source good-quality beef.

If you buy a beef spleen supplement, make sure it comes from grass-fed beef that is hormone free, and it contains no fillers, flow agents, or additives.

Other Beef Organ Meats

Explore a range of beef organ meats and their health benefits:

• Beef brain 
• Beef heart
• Beef kidney
• Beef liver
• Beef pancreas
• Organ meats list