Article Written by Gianna Napolitano

Welcome back, dearest readers!

I enlisted one of my team members to write a fun article about beef tallow and 5 major nutritional benefits. While my dear 17-year-old friend, Gianna Napolitano, looked at me like I had 5 heads as I filtered high-quality suet from some gorgeous pieces of fat I had saved from club steaks and porterhouses, I asked her if she knew of any benefits that beef tallow offered? She said “no” (slightly grossed out by the idea). So, we discussed some of the beneficial properties of tallow while finely chopping fresh herbs from the garden.

The 5 major benefits below are the results of some of our conversation but mostly her findings.

Enjoy!

Having a balanced diet offers numerous benefits for overall human health. Achieving a balanced diet requires understanding your body and its nutritional requirements. If you're unsure about your limits, it's an opportune time to explore and identify them. Contrary to popular belief, not all fats are unhealthy; fats are essential for proper nutrition. Discovering the right and optimal products for your personal bio-individual needs is crucial. One lesser-known, healthier fat option is a high-quality beef tallow.

5 Major Benefits of Beef Tallow:

1.   Beef tallow is an excellent source of healthy fats that support the absorption of essential nutrients. Contrary to common belief, the saturated fat found in tallow is considered to have mostly neutral effects on blood cholesterol levels. In fact, it may even raise the levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol, indicating that moderate consumption of high-quality tallow and lard is unlikely to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases significantly. Including saturated fat as part of a well-balanced diet has been linked to a reduced incidence of obesity-related type 2 diabetes in specific cases. Additionally, consuming natural fats can positively affect cognitive health since a substantial portion of the brain comprises cholesterol and fat. Research indicates that a chronic deficiency in high-quality fats over several decades may contribute to developing conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia.

2.   Beef tallow plays a role in promoting satiety, aiding weight loss, and maintaining weight stability. It is rich in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), a fatty acid that studies suggest can support a healthy metabolism and potentially contribute to fat burning. CLA has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties and support the immune system. It may also inhibit tumor growth, similar to the fatty acid oleic acid.

3.   Tallow is vital in facilitating the body's absorption of fatty acids and minerals. Fats are necessary for the diet to effectively absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. Without adequate fat intake, the long-term digestion of food can result in various health issues and vitamin deficiencies. These essential minerals and vitamins support the immune system, skeletal system, heart, skin, and other bodily functions. Moreover, the absorption of fatty acids supports the inflammatory process and has been shown to support the inflammatory responses within the body. Inflammation is a necessary and primary role within the body; however, inflammation over a long period of time (seen as chronic) can be extremely detrimental to the body’s overall health. 

4.   Beef tallow possesses a high smoke point, which means it can be used at high temperatures without undergoing significant changes in its chemical composition. In contrast, cooking oils like canola and virgin olive oil tend to oxidize at high temperatures during roasting, frying, and baking. This oxidation can lead to the formation of potentially harmful and inflammatory compounds within the body. When oils are subjected to excessively high temperatures, various chemical reactions occur, causing the oil to lose its nutritional value and alter its taste profile. Therefore, utilizing beef tallow for high-heat cooking methods maintains the oil's integrity and preserves its nutritional and flavor properties.

5.  Beef tallow offers skin-hydrating properties and contributes to improved collagen and elasticity. It contains abundant fatty acids, such as palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid (also found in olive oil). These fatty acids help in forming lipids that protect and moisturize the skin. With approximately 47% oleic acid content, tallow has demonstrated the ability to combat aging skin, replenish moisture, and prevent transepidermal water loss. Additionally, oleic acid aids in restoring natural oil production and can help prevent breakouts. While consuming fats supports skin health, certain fats can also be applied topically to benefit the skin.

Incorporating beef tallow into your routine can be nutritionally worthwhile with multiple potential health benefits. Feeling apprehensive when trying something new is natural, but exploring different options to improve your health is a positive step.

Everyone is bio-individual so if you’re looking to try something new nutritionally or you’re looking to explore creative cooking options we have our very own beef tallow for sale in the store now infused with fresh herbs from the garden.

We look forward to seeing you!

With love from behind the block,

The Wayside Market Team