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The Benefits of a Carnivore Diet for Cardio Performance
When you’re training your cardiovascular system, it’s not just about aerobic volume or intervals. It’s about fuelling, repairing and sustaining the lifeline of your performance: your heart, lungs and blood. At Homegrown Primal, we believe that an animal-based approach provides deep targeted support, especially when you include organ blends that nourish tissues often overlooked. Why It Matters Your heart isn’t just a muscle; it’s a metabolic engine. It demands intense nutrient support: from saturated fats for mitochondrial resilience, to organ-derived compounds for cell repair and circulation. Your lungs and the oxygen-exchange system depend on cellular membranes, phospholipids, and clean vascular walls. Animal-based nutrients provide the building blocks of these vital structures. Your blood carries energy as well as immunity and recovery signals throughout your body. Supporting whole-blood health means we’re supporting cardiovascular capacity, endurance, and recovery. Ruminant Organ Advantage Our Heart & Lung and Blood+ products are designed to feed these systems directly: Heart & Lung delivers organ-derived tissue support, rich in peptides, which your cardiovascular system can use for resilience and efficiency. Blood+ provides nutrients geared toward red-blood-cell membrane integrity, haemoglobin function, and immune cell health, all critical for oxygen delivery, clearing waste, and regenerating tissue under cardiovascular load. What The Experts Say Dr Ben Bikman emphasises that metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, lipid quality, and mitochondrial efficiency are key to cardiovascular integrity. He questions the idea that saturated fat alone causes heart disease, instead pointing to issues such as carb load, inflammation and vascular stress. Dr Paul Saladino promotes an animal-based, nutrient-dense, organ-rich diet as the foundation for lasting health. Though his model has evolved beyond strict carnivore, his core focus remains: feed the body with bioavailable nutrients to support structure and function from within. Together, their work supports a simple idea: organs aren’t just fuel, they’re tissue support for performance. How To Apply It Before training Eat saturated-fat-rich animal foods plus one serving of an organ product 1–2 hours before a long cardio workout. This primes mitochondrial capacity and supports blood flow. After training Use Blood+, which can help repair red-cell membranes, replenish immune cells, and enhance circulation, reducing vascular load and supporting recovery. On rest days Organ blends can serve as foundational nutrition because your heart and lungs don’t take a day off. Regular use ensures your cardiovascular system isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving. Track markers beyond HR and VO₂ Monitor blood pressure variability, heart-rate recovery, red-cell quality and subjective recovery (less fatigue, better sleep). Key Takeaways Modern cardiovascular training means: Stress the system (intervals, endurance, load) Fuel the system (saturated fats, organ blends, animal-based nutrients) Recover the system (blood health, tissue repair, mitochondrial support) Organ-based nutrition gives your body more than calories; it provides structure, support and the building blocks for repair. That’s the primal edge: a cardiovascular system built for resilience, endurance and longevity. FAQs For Animal-Based Cardio Support Can An Animal-based Diet Really Support Heart Health? Yes, when done right. Animal-based diets rich in saturated fats, organ nutrients, and clean protein can strengthen the cardiovascular system by improving mitochondrial efficiency, metabolic flexibility, and inflammation control. Experts like Dr Ben Bikman and Dr Paul Mason remind us that context matters; saturated fats behave differently in a low-carb, low-inflammation diet than in a high-carb, seed-oil-driven one. It’s about fuelling your heart with ancestral nutrition, not fear-based modern guidelines. What Does The Heart & Lung Blend Actually Do? Our Heart & Lung formula nourishes the tissues that keep you alive and moving. Each serving delivers organ-specific nutrients, including peptides, coenzymes, and tissue proteins, that the heart and lungs use for resilience, oxygen uptake, and energy regulation. Think of it as feeding your internal engine with the parts it’s made from. How Does Blood+ Help With Endurance And Recovery? Blood+ was formulated to support red and white blood cell integrity, the carriers of oxygen, nutrients, and immune defence. By nourishing blood cells with heme-iron, B vitamins, and natural cofactors from organ sources, you’re improving: Oxygen delivery to muscles Waste removal and recovery speed Overall cardiovascular performance Better blood means better endurance. How Do These Organ Blends Support Cardiovascular Training Specifically? Training puts your cardiovascular system under intense oxidative and metabolic stress. Organ blends like Heart & Lung and Blood+ feed that system at the cellular level, giving your heart mitochondria the nutrients they need to stay strong, while supporting the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood. It’s nutrition that trains with you, rebuilding the system as you challenge it. Do I Still Need To Do Cardio Training If I Take These Products? Absolutely. These blends don’t replace movement; they enhance adaptation. Cardio training strengthens the heart through load and demand. Organ-based nutrition provides the raw materials to recover, rebuild, and perform under pressure. One fuels the work. The other makes the work worth doing. Can I Combine Tallow Or Bone & Marrow With These Blends? Yes, that’s where you’ll feel the biggest benefit. Tallow Capsules provide the stearic and palmitic acids that power mitochondria. Bone & Marrow supplies the collagen and minerals that support vascular elasticity. Heart & Lung and Blood+ nourish the cardiovascular tissues and the blood itself. Together, they feed strength, endurance, and recovery at every level. In Summary Your cardiovascular system isn’t just a pump. It’s a living network of muscle, blood, and oxygen. When you fuel it with organ-based nutrition, you’re not guessing; you’re giving your body the fuel it’s biologically built for.
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Train Like a Carnivore - the metabolic edge of animal fats
For decades, we've been told that fitness runs on carbs, powders, and seed oils. But nature says otherwise. Real cellular, muscular, and mental strength are built on animal fats.When you train like a carnivore, you're not just working out your body; you're restoring the energy systems your ancestors thrived on. At Homegrown Primal, we believe fitness begins with your metabolism, not your macros. And to fuel that fire, there's nothing cleaner or more powerful than the fats nature designed for humans: beef liver, organ blends, tallow, bone marrow, and brain are all full of species-appropriate nutrients. What Makes Saturated Fat The Ultimate Fitness Fuel? Modern diets have demonised saturated fat, but science says otherwise.In 2018, researchers published a Nature Communications study showing that stearic acid (C18:0), a major component of animal fats, literally activates your mitochondria, the powerhouses of your cells. Within hours of consumption, subjects experienced mitochondrial fusion, a process that boosts fat burning and energy production. In primal terms: Stearic acid wakes up your metabolism It helps your body burn fat cleanly and efficiently It builds endurance from the inside out Kiwiburn delivers this exact fatty acid profile, rich in stearic and palmitic acids, tested at over 40% saturated fat content. These aren't empty calories. They're structured energy, the kind your body was built to thrive on. Why Does True Training Start Inside Your Cells? Most people focus on the gym. Few train their cells. Your mitochondria decide how efficiently you produce energy, recover, and burn fat. When powered by saturated fats instead of seed oils, they perform cleaner and stronger, like running your engine on premium fuel instead of sludge. This is where Ignition and Kiwiburn come in: Ignition is rich in phospholipids, especially phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), vital for brain and muscle cell membranes. Kiwiburn delivers stearic-rich fats and micronutrients that regulate hormones and rebuild tissues. Together, they don't just feed your muscles, they feed your entire system. Why Should You Skip Nuts, Seeds, And Powders? Nuts and seeds may look "healthy," but in nature, they're naturally defended. They are also often grown in mono-crop environments where sprays are used. They're loaded with anti-nutrients like phytic acid, compounds that can bind minerals and block absorption. For athletes, that means slower recovery and weaker performance. Animal-based fats are different. They're bioavailable, mineral-rich, and free from plant defence chemicals. That's why our philosophy is primal and simple: Skip the nuts. Eat as nature intended. Train like a carnivore. How Do Animal Fats Support Recovery And Hormones? Training hard is easy. Recovering well is the art. Essential fats like stearic acid support: Hormone production (testosterone, growth hormone) Joint health and tissue repair Inflammation control and recovery When your mitochondria burn clean animal fats, you recover faster, think sharper, and perform stronger, without the crash. So, Why Train Like A Carnivore? Because fitness isn't about chasing calories or macros, it's about aligning your fuel with your biology. Animal fats aren't the enemy; they're the original endurance fuel. So next time you hit the gym, the trail, or the barbell, remember: You're not just building muscle, you're reviving a primal metabolism. You're training like a carnivore. FAQ's To Train Like a Carnivore Is Saturated Fat Actually Good For Fitness? Yes, when it comes from natural animal-based sources like beef tallow, saturated fat enhances metabolic health. Essential fats like stearic acid activate your mitochondria, your body's engines, to increase endurance and improve fat burning. Unlike seed oils, these fats burn clean, support hormones, and provide long-lasting power. What Makes Stearic Acid Different From Other Fats? Stearic acid is unique. It's the only known fat that signals your body to fuse mitochondria, improving energy production and fat metabolism It's found abundantly in beef tallow (Kiwiburn) and beef brain (Ignition). This is energy your body recognises. Can Animal Fats Improve Recovery After Workouts? Absolutely. Healthy saturated fats support hormone balance and help repair cell membranes. Ignition provides phospholipids that enhance neural recovery and reduce inflammation. Should I Replace Carbs With Fats For Energy? You don't have to cut carbs completely. When you do exercise that requires fast anaerobic activity, carbs are the body's preferred fuel for performance. Here, fruits or honey may support your training. But you should reclaim fat as your primary fuel. When your metabolism runs on animal fats, you gain metabolic flexibility, the ability to burn both fat and glucose with ease. That means no crashes. No slumps. Just clean, primal energy. Which Foods Or Supplements Help Me Train Like A Carnivore? Start with nutrient-dense animal fats and organ-based nutrition: Eggs, meat, and organs. Raw dairy and some supplementation with our products will help you be the best carnivore athlete possible. No powders. No plants. Just ancestral strength in capsule form. When Training Like A Carnivore, We Recommend: Protein and fat for breakfast Cut refined carbs and snacking throughout the day A 10 am - 6 pm eating window Daily walks after meals Train hard. Recover harder. Eat like your ancestors. If you'd like more information about the Carnivore diet, follow the link to our Guide to the Carnivore Diet
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The Halloween horrors lurking in our food: Industrial Farming, GMOs and Toxic Sprays
Lifting the veil on Frankenfoods, toxic sprays, and the man-made monsters lurking in our food this Halloween.
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Ancestral Health Principles: Taking Control of Your Nutrition and Wellbeing
Choices are abundant, however, making good ones around food are essential for a joy filled life.
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The Power of "Like Supports Like": Ancient Wisdom Backed by Science
It’s not just about getting nutrients in their most bioavailable form (though that’s a huge benefit). It’s about delivering precise, targeted support to the organs and systems in your body that need it most. This ancient wisdom, now backed by science, is a reminder of the incredible healing potential found in nature.
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What can Mojo do for your hair: How IGF-1 Supports Stronger, Healthier Hair
Hair loss affects millions worldwide, often viewed as an inevitable and irreversible part of aging. Traditional treatments focus on extending the growth phase of hair (anagen), minimising factors that hinder growth, and boosting follicle count and hair thickness. But what if nature held a key ingredient that could supercharge this process?
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Biohacking With Natural Animal Fats: A Better Alternative to Fatty15
The Rise of Biohacking and Fatty Acid Supplements I've had an email from a customer last week who has been following a Bio Hacker in the US, Dave Asprey, who swears by a product that has extracted a specific fatty acid C15. This component is purported to have many benefits; slowing down aging, removing inflammation, and if you head to the site you will find a lot of testimonials of amazing results. This is a good thing, people finding health! However the downside is cost, and a life long commitment to purchasing this product! A Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness I firmly believe that if we had a lifelong commitment to health and wellness. That we consider our bodies ( I hesitate but I'm going to anyway) sacred, that what we put in them, what we do with them, and how we manage stress, will all contribute to living optimally. If you're like me and find living these days expensive, then watching your pennies also makes a big difference on how you manage your health. Natural Animal Fats as a Source of Essential Fatty Acids We source our Kiwiburn from the fat from the marrow bones, it has a distinct fat profile. It contains an array of necessary fats that do all that the Fatty15 product does! C4: Butyric C14: Myristic C15: Pentadecylic C16: Palmitic C18: Stearic The list goes on. The amazing thing about this animal fat is that the balance of Omegas is in perfect balance, so our bodies can use them. Making Biohacking using fat, more effective!
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Why Haem Iron Is Essential for Energy, Performance and Health
Iron and Why It's So Important: Have you noticed how many people talk about being low in iron? It is one of those nutrients we often do not think about until our body starts asking for more. Fatigue, low energy, poor concentration, reduced performance, and feeling flat can all be signs that iron stores need attention. Iron is not just another mineral. It plays a vital role in how we make energy, move oxygen around the body, support our muscles, and keep the brain working well. And when it comes to iron, the form matters. Why is Haem Iron More Easily Absorbed by the Body? Haem iron is the form of iron found in animal-based foods such as red meat, organ meats, poultry, and fish. Your body recognises haem iron and absorbs it more efficiently than non-haem iron, which is the form found in plant foods. Plant-based sources of iron can still contribute to your intake, but their absorption is often affected by compounds such as phytates, which can bind to minerals and make them harder for the body to use. This is why animal-based iron is such a valuable part of a nutrient-dense diet. It is simple, bioavailable nutrition. The kind your body knows what to do with. What are the Health Benefits of Consuming Haem Iron? Eating an animal based diet can give your body access to highly bioavailable iron, along with other important nutrients such as vitamin B12, folate, choline, zinc, copper, and amino acids. Adequate iron supports: Healthy red blood cell production Oxygen delivery throughout the body Energy metabolism Muscle performance Cognitive function Immune health When iron stores are low, the body has to work harder. This can contribute to tiredness, weakness, reduced endurance, poor concentration, and a general feeling of running on empty. Haem iron helps support the foundations of vitality. Why do Humans Need Haem Iron? Iron is a vital mineral used to form haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. It is also involved in myoglobin, which helps store oxygen in muscles, and in enzymes that support energy production at a cellular level. Haem iron, found in animal-based foods like red meat, poultry, and fish, is absorbed 2–3 times more efficiently (15–35% absorption rate) than non-haem iron from plant sources (2–20% absorption rate). This high bioavailability makes haem iron a key dietary component for maintaining adequate iron levels, which are essential for: Oxygen Delivery Hemoglobin carries oxygen to muscles and organs, supporting energy production and physical performance. Energy metabolism Iron is a component of myoglobin (stores oxygen in muscles) and enzymes involved in ATP production. Muscle function Myoglobin stores and delivers oxygen to muscle tissue, supporting performance, recovery, and endurance. Cognitive and immune function Iron supports brain health, focus and a robust immune system. Insufficient iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, causing fatigue, weakness, impaired cognition, and weakened immunity. Why do Athletes Need Haem Iron? Athletes often have higher iron demands due to intense physical activity, which increases the need for oxygen transport and energy production. Specific reasons include: Increased oxygen needs: During exercise, muscles require more oxygen to produce energy. Haem iron ensures efficient haemoglobin production to meet this demand. Iron loss through sweat and stress: Athletes lose iron through sweat, red blood cell breakdown (haemolysis) from repetitive impact (e.g., running), and gastrointestinal stress. Haem iron’s high absorption helps replenish these losses quickly. Muscle recovery and performance: Myoglobin, which relies on iron, delivers oxygen to muscles for recovery and sustained performance. Low iron levels can reduce endurance and strength. Prevalence of deficiency: Studies suggest 15–35% of female athletes and 3–11% of male athletes may have iron deficiency due to intense training. Haem iron is a reliable way to maintain optimal levels. A 2019 study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that athletes with low iron stores had reduced aerobic capacity, which improved with iron supplementation, particularly from haem iron sources. Why do Pregnant Women Need Haem Iron? Pregnant women have significantly increased iron requirements due to physiological changes during pregnancy. Here’s why haem iron is critical: Expanded blood volume: Blood volume increases by 30–50% during pregnancy to support the fetus and placenta, requiring more haemoglobin and thus more iron (RDA: 27 mg/day vs. 18 mg for non-pregnant women). Fetal development: Iron supports the fetus’s growth, brain development, and oxygen supply. Iron deficiency in pregnancy is linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. Maternal health: Low iron can cause maternal anaemia, leading to fatigue, increased infection risk, and complications during delivery. Absorption challenges: Non-haem iron absorption can be hindered by dietary factors like phytates or calcium. Haem iron’s higher bioavailability ensures pregnant women meet their elevated needs more effectively. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends iron-rich diets, including haem sources like lean beef or chicken, to prevent deficiency, as 15–25% of pregnant women in developed countries experience iron deficiency anaemia. Food Sources of Haem Iron Haem iron is found in animal-based foods, especially: Beef Lamb Liver (Beef liver has nearly 5mg/100gm) Spleen Blood Heart Salmon Poultry Organ meats are some of the most nutrient-dense foods available. They provide not only haem iron, but also the co-factors the body needs to support healthy blood, energy, and overall vitality. This is nose-to-tail nutrition at its best. A Simple Way to Support Iron Intake Not everyone wants to cook liver, spleen, or blood. That is why we created whole-food supplements that make these powerful ancestral foods easier to include in daily life. Our iron-supporting range is designed to help you access nutrient-dense, animal-based nutrition in a simple and convenient way. Blood+ Blood+ combines beef blood, beef liver, and beef spleen. These are three traditional, nutrient-rich foods that provide haem iron, B12, folate, and other naturally occurring nutrients that support healthy blood, energy, and vitality. Thrive Thrive is a blend of carefully selected grass-fed beef organs and glands, created to provide broad nose-to-tail nutritional support. It is a simple way to bring more organ-based nutrition into your daily routine. Bone + Marrow Bone + Marrow provides whole bone extract, bone matrix, marrow, and cartilage. It supports the broader nose-to-tail approach, giving the body access to nutrients our ancestors would have valued and modern diets often leave behind. Iron Bundle: Anaemia Support Our Iron Bundle brings together these three premium, grass-fed New Zealand bovine organ products: Blood+ThriveBone + Marrow This bundle is designed to support healthy blood, energy, and overall wellbeing through nutrient-dense, nose-to-tail nutrition. High in naturally occurring iron, vitamin B12, and folate, it offers a simple way to reconnect with the foods that have supported human health for generations. Sourced from New Zealand pastures and minimally processed, these products are made with the same philosophy that guides everything we do: Pure nutrition. Nothing unnecessary. Nothing added that does not belong. Just real, ancestral nourishment in a modern format. Final Thoughts Haem iron is one of the most bioavailable forms of iron available to us, and animal-based foods remain one of the most effective ways to access it. Whether you are active, pregnant, rebuilding your health, or simply wanting to feel more energised in daily life, supporting healthy iron levels is a powerful place to start. Real nutrition does not need to be complicated. Sometimes, it means returning to the foods that were designed to support us best.
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The 12 Essentials of Daily Protein: Getting Enough Protein in your Diet
Why Protein Is Essential for the Body Getting adequate protein in your diet is essential for 12 of reasons: and they are all amino acids!! They all have specific responsibilities in our bodies, from muscle repair to brain health. Getting the right amount daily is necessary as we age as well. Keeping our muscles well fed and dense. Protein Content in Beef Liver and Daily Intake Beef liver is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body can’t produce on its own, plus many non-essential ones. However, the amount of protein you get from HGP daily dose is only 1.95gm, perfect to complement your protein allowance, which should be around 1.5gm/kg of body weight. So if you're 70 kg you should aim for 140 gm of protein. Eggs: 13gm/egg Steak: 100gm gives you about 21gm protein Liver powder: 3gm of powder has about 1.95gm of protein Choosing High Quality Protein Sources Keeping an awareness of how much protein you are having is as important is the type of food your protein is sourced from. Plant sourced protein don’t hit the same nutritional depth as HomegrownPrimal liver or meat and eggs. Where Do You Get Your Protein? If you’re after solid protein sources, you can’t go past what nature’s already sorted for you, especially when you take a carnivore or animal based approach to your diet. Here’s some top picks: Beef Liver (Freeze-Dried or Fresh): At about 0.6 grams of protein per gram of freeze-dried powder, it’s not just protein-packed but also loaded with vitamins and minerals you won’t find in most other foods. A 5-gram scoop of your powder gives you around 3 grams of protein—small but mighty. Fresh NZ grass-fed liver’s even better if you’re cooking, with 20-23 grams per 100 grams. (If you have specific questions about organ nutrition its worth taking a look at our FAQs for more information) Meat (Beef, Lamb, Chicken): Classic Kiwi staples—grass-fed beef or lamb from your local butcher gives you 25-30 grams of protein per 100 grams cooked. It’s hard to beat for taste and nutrition. Fish and Seafood: Being in NZ, we've got options like snapper, salmon, or mussels. Salmon’s got about 25 grams per 100 grams, plus omega-3s for good measure. Eggs: Cheap as, versatile, and around 6 grams of protein per egg. Free-range from a local farm’s the way to go. Dairy: NZ’s dairy game is strong—think cheese or Greek yoghurt. A 100-gram chunk of cheddar has about 25 grams of protein, and yoghurt’s around 10 grams per cup. These whole foods are your best bet—real, nutrient-dense. They’ve got amino acids, fats, and micronutrients that work together, not just isolated protein. If you are looking for sourcing recommendations in New Zealand you can find them here. Essential Amino Acids in Protein Foods Introducing the essentials we can find in all the foods above: Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine (BCAAs): Great for muscle repair and energy. Lysine: Supports collagen formation and immune health. Methionine: Key for detoxification and metabolism. Phenylalanine:** Precursor to neurotransmitters like dopamine. Threonine: Supports skin and connective tissue health. Tryptophan: Linked to mood regulation via serotonin production. Histidine: Important for growth and tissue repair. Notable Non-Essential Amino Acids: Arginine: Supports blood flow and detoxification. Glutamic Acid: Plays a role in brain function and energy. Taurine: An antioxidant amino acid good for heart and muscle health. Carnosine (from beta-alanine and histidine): May support muscle endurance and anti-aging. Bonus Nutrients Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): An antioxidant that supports energy production in cells, especially beneficial for heart and liver health. Hyaluronic Acid: Trace amounts may support joint and skin health. So, keep a diary of your protein intake and be aware that animal protein is the best protein to eat.
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