Beef tallow is trending for crispy fries and glowing skin. Here’s what dietitians and dermatologists actually say—and why sunflower oil still wins for heart health.
1. Why Beef Tallow Is Suddenly Everywhere
Influencers in the “Make America Healthy Again” movement claim beef tallow is a cleaner, ancestral alternative to “toxic” seed oils. Even U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tweeted “Make Frying Oil Tallow Again,” fueling curiosity and controversy. <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/beef-tallow-diet-skin-health" ;="" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gq.com</a>
2. The Skincare Pitch—Moisturizing, Yes; Pore-Friendly, Not Really
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3. Inside Your Frying Pan: What the Nutrition Evidence Says
Beef tallow is roughly 50% saturated fat, the type shown to raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase cardiovascular risk.
A recent JAMA Internal Medicine cohort study found that replacing animal fats (e.g., butter, tallow) with plant-based oils reduced overall mortality by 16%.
4. Seed Oils vs. Tallow: No Need for a New Villain
Seed-oil backlash is headline-worthy, but decades of research consistently show that unsaturated fats in sunflower, canola, and soybean oils lower heart-disease and stroke risk.
Additionally, oils like high-oleic sunflower deliver vitamin E and antioxidants without the saturated fat baggage.
5. When (and How) Tallow Can Fit
| Use It For | Keep In Mind |
|---|---|
| Old-school steakhouse flavor or the occasional high-heat sear | Treat it like butter: an indulgence, not a daily habit |
| Extra-rich balm on feet, knees, or elbows | Avoid on the face—high breakout potential |
6. Key Takeaways
No miracle here: Tallow offers niche benefits, but not enough to offset LDL-raising saturated fat.
Evidence favors plants: Unsaturated, plant-based oils remain the gold standard for heart and metabolic health.
Skin safety first: If you’re curious, test tallow on small, non-facial spots and watch for irritation.
Ready for a Heart-Smart Oil That Can Take the Heat?
Our Westa High-Oleic Sunflower Oil boasts a 450 °F smoke point, vitamin E for skin health, and zero trans fats—perfect for crisp fries and happy arteries.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for personalized medical advice.
