Latest news with #beeftallow
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
As some restaurants ditch seed oils for beef tallow, UPEI prof warns it's no health upgrade
At Pedro's Island Eatery in North Rustico, owner Pedro Gameiro has long been not a fan of using seed oils for frying — so much so that he once considered removing fried foods from his menu altogether. "So, I found an alternative… by going back to my roots," the Portuguese chef told This is P.E.I. podcast host Mitch Cormier. That alternative is beef tallow, or rendered beef fat. Gameiro said Portuguese and Italian cooking methods often use animal fats like lard and beef fat for cooking as well as preservation. Now his restaurant has eliminated seed oils from the kitchen and switched to beef tallow for frying. The change is costing him more, almost double compared to seed oils, but he believes it's the right choice for both his business and his customers. "It's a matter of principle, and taste for the customer," he said. Beef tallow has recently gained new popularity, partly thanks to high-profile figures like U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Back in March, Kennedy appeared in a Fox News interview with a cheeseburger and fries, endorsing a burger chain's decision to fry their food in beef tallow. The interview was one of many instances in which Kennedy publicly criticized seed oils, despite decades of research supporting their use. Dietitians like Jennifer Taylor, who teaches courses in food and nutrition at the University of Prince Edward Island, are concerned about these recent shifts in public messaging. While seed oils aren't perfect, she said eliminating them doesn't mean health benefits. Often known as cooking or vegetable oils, seed oils come from the seeds of plants such as canola, corn, soybeans or sunflowers. The oils have a high concentration of omega-6 fatty acids and low concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids. Both are polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in blood — reducing the risk for heart disease and stroke. In comparison, animal-based oils or fats like beef tallow have saturated fats, which can raise your bad cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are also found in tropical oils such as coconut and palm oil. "The amount of evidence that palm oil, coconut oil and beef tallow can make your health worse is huge. You look at all the major organizations — you know, the World Health Organization, any big organization in the U.S., in the U.K., in Europe — they're all saying the same thing," Taylor said. Taylor said she's aware of the recent resurgence of beef tallow, appearing in social media skincare trends and having high-profile individuals promoting it. "Pushing beef tallow for health reasons is ludicrous, in my mind," the dietitian said. However, while there are health benefits to seed oils, they can pose risks when reused over and over again for frying, Taylor said. That's because polyunsaturated fats are vulnerable to oxidation — chemical changes that occur when exposed to oxygen and heat repeatedly. "Things start to break down, and you can form compounds that are, you know, not necessarily very good for you." That's why she recommends choosing reputable restaurants that regularly change their oil. "A good restaurant is not going to let their oil get black," she said. Another reason some people are concerned about seed oils is that some old research suggests having a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids could lead to higher levels of chronic inflammation, she said. "We know now that pretty much every disease that we worry about is basically coming from an inflammatory process. So if you eat a lot of foods that are what we would call pro-inflammatory foods, you might be more likely to develop high cholesterol, you might be more likely to get cancer, those kinds of things." Still, she stressed that nutritional scientists consider both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to be healthy fats. "We have a mountain of evidence that says that these healthy fats, that we continue to say are healthy fats, will decrease your risk of the things that kill us," she said. "And then we have a little tiny bit of evidence that says maybe these omega-6s might lead to inflammation, but it's more of a theory. We don't really have any proof for that." Taylor said it's important that people evaluate the source and quality of any health claims, especially when they come from individuals without expertise in nutrition. "When an individual MD comes out with a claim, you have to ask them, 'Well, how much evidence do you have?'... and 'How much background do you have in nutrition?'" In the end, Taylor said that despite the health benefits of seed oils, moderation is important — especially when it comes to fried foods. "You're not supposed to be eating buckets of any kind of oil." Variety is also key, she said. Nutrients like omega-3s can be found not just in seed oils but in many healthy foods, including fish, nuts, seeds and avocados. As for Gameiro, he said that after reading more about both types, he found beef tallow to be less processed than seed oils. Since making the switch, he's noticed a real differences in both taste and texture. "The fries come out in a way that they never did with seed oils," he said. "It's a much lighter fry. And even the... fish and chips, it's much lighter, better tasting." He also said beef tallow can last longer in the fryer, as long as it stays under 350 F. Gameiro isn't worried about losing customers. When he posted about the change on social media, the response was largely positive, he said. Still, he agrees with Taylor on at least one point: Fried food is still fried food. "I don't find they're something that is great for your health. You have to limit the consumption."
CBC
14-06-2025
- Health
- CBC
As some restaurants ditch seed oils for beef tallow, UPEI prof warns it's no health upgrade
Social Sharing At Pedro's Island Eatery in North Rustico, owner Pedro Gameiro has long been not a fan of using seed oils for frying — so much so that he once considered removing fried foods from his menu altogether. "So, I found an alternative… by going back to my roots," the Portuguese chef told This is P.E.I. podcast host Mitch Cormier. That alternative is beef tallow, or rendered beef fat. Gameiro said Portuguese and Italian cooking methods often use animal fats like lard and beef fat for cooking as well as preservation. Now his restaurant has eliminated seed oils from the kitchen and switched to beef tallow for frying. The change is costing him more, almost double compared to seed oils, but he believes it's the right choice for both his business and his customers. "It's a matter of principle, and taste for the customer," he said. 'Pushing beef tallow for health reasons is ludicrous' Beef tallow has recently gained new popularity, partly thanks to high-profile figures like U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Back in March, Kennedy appeared in a Fox News interview with a cheeseburger and fries, endorsing a burger chain's decision to fry their food in beef tallow. The interview was one of many instances in which Kennedy publicly criticized seed oils, despite decades of research supporting their use. Dietitians like Jennifer Taylor, who teaches courses in food and nutrition at the University of Prince Edward Island, are concerned about these recent shifts in public messaging. While seed oils aren't perfect, she said eliminating them doesn't mean health benefits. Often known as cooking or vegetable oils, seed oils come from the seeds of plants such as canola, corn, soybeans or sunflowers. The oils have a high concentration of omega-6 fatty acids and low concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids. Both are polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in blood — reducing the risk for heart disease and stroke. In comparison, animal-based oils or fats like beef tallow have saturated fats, which can raise your bad cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are also found in tropical oils such as coconut and palm oil. "The amount of evidence that palm oil, coconut oil and beef tallow can make your health worse is huge. You look at all the major organizations — you know, the World Health Organization, any big organization in the U.S., in the U.K., in Europe — they're all saying the same thing," Taylor said. Taylor said she's aware of the recent resurgence of beef tallow, appearing in social media skincare trends and having high-profile individuals promoting it. "Pushing beef tallow for health reasons is ludicrous, in my mind," the dietitian said. Seed oil concerns However, while there are health benefits to seed oils, they can pose risks when reused over and over again for frying, Taylor said. That's because polyunsaturated fats are vulnerable to oxidation — chemical changes that occur when exposed to oxygen and heat repeatedly. "Things start to break down, and you can form compounds that are, you know, not necessarily very good for you." That's why she recommends choosing reputable restaurants that regularly change their oil. "A good restaurant is not going to let their oil get black," she said. Another reason some people are concerned about seed oils is that some old research suggests having a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids could lead to higher levels of chronic inflammation, she said. "We know now that pretty much every disease that we worry about is basically coming from an inflammatory process. So if you eat a lot of foods that are what we would call pro-inflammatory foods, you might be more likely to develop high cholesterol, you might be more likely to get cancer, those kinds of things." Still, she stressed that nutritional scientists consider both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to be healthy fats. "We have a mountain of evidence that says that these healthy fats, that we continue to say are healthy fats, will decrease your risk of the things that kill us," she said. "And then we have a little tiny bit of evidence that says maybe these omega-6s might lead to inflammation, but it's more of a theory. We don't really have any proof for that." Taylor said it's important that people evaluate the source and quality of any health claims, especially when they come from individuals without expertise in nutrition. "When an individual MD comes out with a claim, you have to ask them, 'Well, how much evidence do you have?'... and 'How much background do you have in nutrition?'" In the end, Taylor said that despite the health benefits of seed oils, moderation is important — especially when it comes to fried foods. "You're not supposed to be eating buckets of any kind of oil." Variety is also key, she said. Nutrients like omega-3s can be found not just in seed oils but in many healthy foods, including fish, nuts, seeds and avocados. Still fried food, after all As for Gameiro, he said that after reading more about both types, he found beef tallow to be less processed than seed oils. Since making the switch, he's noticed a real differences in both taste and texture. "The fries come out in a way that they never did with seed oils," he said. "It's a much lighter fry. And even the... fish and chips, it's much lighter, better tasting." He also said beef tallow can last longer in the fryer, as long as it stays under 350 F. Gameiro isn't worried about losing customers. When he posted about the change on social media, the response was largely positive, he said. Still, he agrees with Taylor on at least one point: Fried food is still fried food.
CNET
19-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
What Dermatologists Have to Say About Using Beef Tallow for Your Skin
On TikTok, there's a place for everything, especially skincare. The latest trend is all-natural beef tallow, or rendered beef fat, to hydrate, prevent blemishes and more. This is part of a movement to return to basic care and chemical-free products. While you may be used to beef tallow as a kitchen staple (it's most commonly used as an oil for frying, giving your dishes a light beef flavor), this simple product can be used for many other things as well. It's been tested as a household product over the years, and social media has now brought it to the masses. However, it hasn't been studied closely as a skincare ingredient, so as with any new product that you want to try, do so with caution and consult your dermatologist before jumping on the bandwagon. Below, learn more about all the buzz around beef tallow, including the potential benefits and drawbacks. Read more: Easy Ways to Improve Your Skin's Glow What is beef tallow? Beef tallow is the product of clarifying fatty tissue from around the organs of a cow. At room temperature, it's solid and often used in cooking. It can also be used in things like soap, candles and other skincare products because of its creamy texture and oiliness. According to the Mayo Clinic, beef tallow is primarily made up of saturated fats due to its solid nature. It also has saturated and polyunsaturated fats. Beyond fats, beef tallow contains fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids, which has made it an attractive cooking ingredient. Beef tallow rave on TikTok Beef tallow has recently surged in popularity, thanks in large part to social media. Content creators on TikTok have been touting its claims, saying the natural product is giving them incredible skin. One user posted a video in January saying beef tallow "healed my skin barrier." The belief is that beef tallow can hydrate skin and help protect the skin barrier. Some even believe it can act as an anti-inflammatory and help relieve blemishes. This can vary greatly, though, depending on each person's skin -- as with any skincare product and regimen. The benefits of your beef tallow can also vary based on your cows. The Mayo Clinic states the grass-fed cows will have a more robust vitamin profile in their tallow than those on a conventional diet. Tallow has a similar texture and appearance to coconut oil, and as a beauty product, it's almost balm-like. Some of these beauty fans are even making their own beef tallow products at home, rendering the tallow themselves, as it just requires boiling down the fat over the stove. You can also get the fat from your local butcher. If you don't want to DIY, you can buy premade beef tallow products online for under $20. What experts have to say about beef tallow Dr. Teresa Song, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical, sees some benefits in using beef tallow as a skincare product but cautions most people against trying it. "It is probably better tolerated for dry skin and should be avoided in those with sensitive skin, combination, acne and oily skin types due to potential worsening of breakouts," she tells CNET. However, for those who can tolerate it, Dr. Song notes that it can be a worthwhile skincare product if chosen carefully and used properly. Though it hasn't yet been widely studied, it is believed to mimic human vitamin profiles -- A, D, E, K and B12 -- which may offer benefits for certain skin types. She also highlights its role in promoting hydration for very dry skin, making it worth considering for those with the right skin type. AleksandarNakic/Getty Images As some on TikTok have experienced, the thick texture of beef tallow can be problematic. That's why Dr. Song doesn't recommend it for sensitive skin, as it can lead to breakouts rather than help with acne. She also stressed the fact that it is an animal product and that some people may have an allergic reaction. Beyond the risk of an allergic reaction, the animal-based nature of tallow is another concern, Dr. Song notes, as it has a higher potential to spoil. In contrast, plant-based moisturizers like shea or cocoa butter are more stable. "Modern ingredients are also more studied and processed as compared to beef tallow," she adds, continuing, "Modern skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalene and ceramides tend to offer targeted hydration without greasiness as compared to beef tallow. Sources of the beef tallow need to be more standardized and use should be individualized." Sustainability and ethical considerations Though vegans and vegetarians would disagree with using beef tallow, those who believe in not letting any part of an animal go to waste would support using pieces that might normally be thrown out. Fat isn't often valued, and finding an additional use for the beef tallow (beyond just cooking with it) creates less waste. However, it is a meat product, and the most ethical way to source it is to find cows that are farmed responsibly and taken care of in a sustainable environment. These cows are usually grass-fed and pasture-raised. Plus, when you get tallow from cows raised this way, they're often healthier, which means a higher quality of tallow. For vegans and vegetarians, the alternative is to find a plant-based product, which is what many of the other beauty products on the market already are.
