From the Heart of the Forest:
The Real Deal on Beef Tallow, Health, and Why Seed Oils Don’t Belong in Your Body
Alright, let’s settle in around the fire and talk about a big change that snuck up on us—and not for the better. Once upon a time, beef tallow was a staple, keeping men strong and resilient against the toughest elements. It’s been replaced by a whole mess of oils that promise a lot but deliver inflammation, weight gain, and a lack of nutrients. That’s right: we’re talking about the so-called “heart-healthy” seed oils and why it’s time to bring beef tallow back into the spotlight for our health and strength.
Tallow: Nature’s Own Fuel
Beef tallow is like a gift from nature, packed with nutrients that the body can absorb and put to work right away. High in saturated fats (the good kind) like stearic and palmitic acids, it’s a powerhouse for **boosting energy, aiding in nutrient absorption, and even protecting against infections**. Back in the day, we’d rub it on our skin to fight chapping and drying winds, use it to season cast-iron, and keep it stocked as fuel. **Healthy fats like tallow are critical** to maintain hormone levels, fight off inflammation, and keep our metabolisms in check. Plus, unlike seed oils, tallow is stable at high heat, meaning it doesn’t break down into harmful compounds while cooking.
The Seed Oil Switcheroo: Where We Went Wrong
Seed oils weren’t originally created to nourish people; they were invented to lubricate machines! Yep, during WWII, oils from crops like soybeans, corn, and cottonseed were refined, deodorized, and chemically altered to fuel engines. But somewhere along the way, these oils made their way into our food supply. Fast forward, and we’re using these same oils—corn, soy, and canola oils—to cook our meals. These oils are stripped of nutrients, processed with solvents, and, despite being called "vegetable oils," contain nothing remotely veggie-like. The real cost? **Studies connect seed oils with higher inflammation, obesity, and metabolic issues**, as our bodies struggle to recognize and process them.
Health Benefits of Tallow
1. Boosts Immune Health: The saturated fats in tallow are essential for cell structure, helping fight off infections.
2. Strengthens Bones: Contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, crucial for bone health.
3. Supports Brain Health: Fats like these are essential for cognitive function and mental clarity.
4. Fights Inflammation: Unlike unstable seed oils, tallow helps reduce inflammation.
5. Skin Saver: When used as a moisturizer, tallow is one of the best remedies against cracked, dry, or damaged skin, acting as a natural barrier and healer.
Seed Oils vs. Tallow: The Connection to Obesity
The increase in seed oil consumption mirrors the rise in obesity and chronic health issues. Why? These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which **throw off the balance** with omega-3s, leading to inflammation. The body’s metabolism doesn’t recognize these chemically processed fats, leading to storage instead of usage, making weight gain almost inevitable.
*So next time you’re reaching for a cooking fat, think twice about that bottle of “vegetable” oil.*
Time to Get Cooking: Homemade Tallow Recipe
Want to reclaim tallow’s benefits for yourself? Here’s a simple recipe for making it from scratch right in your oven. All you need is beef suet, which you can get from a local butcher or meat shop.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pounds of beef suet
Directions:
1. **Preheat your oven** to 250°F (120°C).
2. **Chop the suet** into small chunks and place them in a heavy, oven-safe pot or dish.
3. **Bake for 3-4 hours**, stirring occasionally, until the fat is melted and separated.
4. **Strain the liquid** through a cheesecloth into a jar or container to remove any solid pieces.
5. **Let it cool** at room temperature, then store it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for months!
And there you have it—a little jar of gold. Use it for cooking, skin care, or even to season your cast iron.
Embrace the Real Deal, Ditch the Fake Stuff
Let’s get back to basics and support our bodies the way nature intended. Seed oils might be everywhere, but so is the knowledge to choose better. With tallow, we’ve got a healthy, stable fat that’s part of our history and something our bodies can thrive on. So, let’s make a pact here, deep in the woods: **Make Tallow Great Again!**
Let’s talk about Axe n’ Saws Digestive Enzymes—an unsung hero that pairs beautifully with tallow to maximize the absorption of essential nutrients, especially the heavy-duty fats and proteins found in beef. Tallow is packed with fat-soluble vitamins and beneficial fatty acids that support everything from cellular health to immune strength. However, to reap these full benefits, your digestive system needs a little extra boost.
Feel the strength, feel the health, and pass it on. Tallow’s back, fellas, and it’s here to stay.
Fred, The LumberJack