Beef tallow is everywhere in tiktok and Instagram food. But what exactly is beef tallow? Is it good and safe for us? Dive into this buzzy wellness topic.
When it comes to skincare, many of us try everything to pursue a perfect, shining complexion. But is the rendered animal fat going too far? Beef Tarow is a product that may sound like it belongs to Grandma’s Pantry, but it has an amazing comeback in both the kitchen and beauty routine. The once-old rendered beef fat has gained new popularity among health enthusiasts and skincare enthusiasts. But what is the real deal with tallow? Is it actually worth the hype?
Beef tallow devastation: What you need to know
“Beef fat is a product that comes from cow fat and is taken from kidneys and hip-cuffed sweats (hard, white fat),” explains Registered dietitian Dr. Kezia Joy. “This raw fat is rendered to provide tallow, meaning heat is used to slowly melt fat and separate it from pure fat, connective tissue and impurities.” Once the process is complete, the result is a creamy, shelf-stable fat that is perfect for cooking and skincare.
Nutritional Benefits of Consuming Beef
Nutritionally speaking, beef fat offers some amazing perks when consumed moderately. “Beef fat is full of saturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K2) that help in producing and regulating good hormones,” says Joy. “Fat is required to form steroid hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. It is a part of a diet with a balanced nutritional concentration that promotes overall well-being, but it works best with other whole food and lifestyle factors, such as sleep, stress management, and exercise.
Tails contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. It also has a high smoke point (about 400°F) making it a great option for frying and frying without the risk of harmful oxidation that some alternative oils can release.
Skincare benefits from beef tallow
Today, beef tallow is not limited to kitchen use. Using rendered fats in skincare is becoming increasingly popular due to the importance of its historical use and profile. Furthermore, due to its similarity to fatty acids found in human skin, beef tallow can be highly nourished when applied topically. “It contains supplemental fatty acids such as oleic acid, palmitine and stearic acid that support skin moisture barriers and help prevent water loss,” says Joy. She also states that fats are particularly popular among people with dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin, as they contain no synthetic substances, preservatives or fragrances.
When applying tallow topically, don’t forget to come a little longer. Apply a small amount after night cleansing. It can be used as a facial moisturizer, lip balm, or even as a soothing ointment for irritating patches of the skin.
Is beef fat safe?
Although generally considered safe, there are several cases where tallow can be more harmful than good. If you have skin that is prone to acne, be careful as it can be comedogenic to some people. Alternatively, if you decide to use fat when cooking, be careful about your saturated fat intake and stick to moderation. Joy suggests paying attention to people who may be at risk for cardiovascular disease. “The relationship between saturated fat and heart health is complex and evolved, but it is generally recommended that people with a family history of LDL cholesterol, hypertension, or heart disease consult their healthcare provider before regularly consuming saturated fats, such as tallow,” she says.
When buying beef, choose products labeled as grass-fed (not grain). Grass-fed beef fats include omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and vitamins that cannot be obtained with grain-fed products. Joy also recommends looking for a clean label to avoid additives, preservatives and synthetic fragrances, especially for those who use tallow in their skin care.
Take home beef
At first glance, beef tallow may seem like a strange choice for radiant skin and nutritious diets, but digging a little deeper and that makes sense. This old-fashioned staple food is packed with fat-soluble vitamins, which naturally fits with skin barriers. Whether used to fry dinner or moisturizing patches of dry skin, tallow has proven to be a multipurpose powerhouse.
