Haaland's diet: organ meats, liver, and why the liver is the body's metabolic powerhouse

Whenever the ball starts rolling at a World Cup, millions of people pay attention not only to the goals, but also to how the protagonists live. Erling Haaland, one of the most dominant strikers of his generation, has become known for his scoring instinct and for his unconventional habits. Among all of them, one stands out for anyone interested in metabolic health: as widely reported by sports media, Haaland includes organ meats such as heart and liver in his diet, seeking nutrient density.

In this article we explain, based on publicly reported information and from general physiology (not as medical advice), why liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods that exists, and how that connects with the central idea of the Salinas Method: the liver is not just any organ, it is the metabolic powerhouse of the human body.

What has been publicly reported about Haaland's diet

According to what the player himself has shared in interviews and what sports outlets have reported, several of Haaland's habits have become public. It is important to frame it this way: what follows is publicly reported information, not a recommendation and not a description of his personal health status.

Among the things reported, Haaland is said to pursue a high-calorie, very nutrient-dense diet, in line with the enormous physical demands of an elite footballer. As part of that strategy he has mentioned eating organ meats, specifically heart and liver. It has also been reported that he prefers filtered water and avoids tap water, that he uses blue-light-blocking glasses, and that he places a strong priority on tracking and protecting his sleep.

Beyond the curiosity each habit sparks, there is an interesting common thread: the idea of giving the body high-quality raw materials and taking care of recovery processes. Filtered water, controlled light exposure in the evening, and disciplined sleep all point in the same direction as choosing nutrient-dense foods, which is the effort to support how the body fuels and repairs itself. And the liver, both as a food and in its role as an organ, sits right at the center of that conversation.

Why liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods

From the standpoint of physiology and food composition, liver (beef liver, for example) is remarkable for its nutrient density: it delivers a significant amount of micronutrients per serving compared with many other foods. Among the nutrients traditionally associated with liver are:

Vitamin A: liver is one of the most concentrated sources of preformed vitamin A (retinol), which plays a role in vision, immune function, and skin health. Vitamin B12: essential for red blood cell formation and the functioning of the nervous system. Iron: present as heme iron, which the body absorbs readily. Copper: a trace mineral needed for several enzymes and for iron metabolism. Choline: a key nutrient for liver function, fat transport, and the health of cell membranes.

This concentration explains why liver has been valued across many cultures as a special food. It is no surprise that an athlete focused on getting the most out of every meal keeps it on his radar. At the same time, precisely because it is so concentrated, it deserves respect and moderation, as we will see in the caution note.

The liver: both a food and an organ

Here is the point that matters most to us in the Salinas Method. The liver has a fascinating double nature: it is an extraordinarily nutritious food and, at the same time, it is one of the hardest-working organs in your own body. Understanding the second part is what can truly change your relationship with your metabolic health.

Your liver is, in simple terms, the body's central processing plant. It takes part in regulating blood sugar, in fat metabolism, in protein production, in storing vitamins and minerals, and in transforming substances the body needs to clear out. When we call the liver the metabolic powerhouse of the body, it is not just a poetic metaphor: it is a fairly literal description of how many processes happen inside it every second.

That is why, while the world is fascinated that a footballer eats beef liver, in the Salinas Method we insist on looking inward: how your own liver is functioning. The nutrient density of a food is interesting, but the state of your internal metabolic factory is what sustains your energy, your weight, and your vitality day after day.

From the athlete's plate to your own physiology

The useful lesson is not to copy anyone's menu, but to understand the principle behind it: the body works better when it is given quality raw materials and when its central organs work without being overloaded. The liver sits on both sides of that equation, as a food that can supply concentrated nutrients and as the organ that quietly manages how those nutrients are used, stored, and balanced over time.

If you are interested in going deeper into how your liver regulates your metabolism and what you can learn about its condition, one of the most underrated tools is imaging. We recommend reading our guide on the liver ultrasound, a simple and non-invasive window into how your metabolic factory is doing.

And if you want to understand the complete system, Dr. Guillermo Salinas's approach is laid out step by step in the Salinas Method books, where you will find why caring for your liver means caring for the very center of your metabolic health, explained in clear, educational language.

A note on balance and caution

It is important to keep things in perspective. Organ meats, and liver in particular, are extremely rich and concentrated foods. That same density that makes them valuable also means they deliver large amounts of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, which in excess is not always desirable. Moderation is key, and what works for an elite athlete with an enormous energy expenditure is not necessarily transferable to someone else.

This is also not about imitating any athlete. Every body, every medical history, and every lifestyle is different. The wisest approach is to stay informed, observe with curiosity what others do, and, before any major change to your diet, discuss it with health professionals who know your particular situation.

The real protagonist of your metabolic health

The World Cup leaves us with many stories, and the curiosity around Haaland's diet is an excellent excuse to talk about something we all carry inside: our own liver. You do not need to eat beef liver to appreciate how extraordinary this organ is. It is enough to understand that, while you sleep, eat, and live, your liver works tirelessly as the metabolic powerhouse of your body. Taking care of it is, in the end, taking care of the silent engine of your energy and your well-being.

Disclaimer: This content is educational and based on publicly reported information about Erling Haaland's habits. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and it does not describe any individual's personal health status. Organ meats are very concentrated, nutrient-rich foods, and copying any athlete's diet is not suggested. For any decision about your diet or your health, consult a qualified health professional who knows your case.