Social Media Is Obsessed With Beef Tallow. Experts Reveal If It's Really That Healthy.

Huffpost - Mar 14th, 2025
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Beef tallow is gaining popularity as a cooking and skincare ingredient, fueled notably by a social media endorsement from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a shift by Steak ’N Shake to fry its fries in beef tallow instead of seed oils. Proponents argue beef tallow is less inflammatory due to its high saturated and monounsaturated fat content, while critics caution about the saturated fat's potential impact on heart health. Dietitians advise moderation, especially for those with cardiovascular concerns, and emphasize the need for more research on its health effects.

This renewed interest in beef tallow highlights broader dietary debates over fats, with many questioning the health implications of seed oils due to their polyunsaturated fat content, which can produce inflammatory compounds when heated. Despite some benefits, like fat-soluble vitamins in beef tallow, experts recommend a balanced approach, suggesting olive and avocado oils as healthier alternatives for their monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. The trend underscores the ongoing search for healthier dietary fats and the influence of social media on food trends.

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RATING

7.4
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the resurgence of beef tallow as a cooking ingredient, balancing expert opinions on its potential benefits and risks. It is well-written, clear, and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the main points. The use of expert quotes adds credibility, although the article would benefit from more direct citations to scientific studies to enhance its accuracy and impact.

While the article touches on controversial topics, it maintains a neutral tone and does not delve deeply into the debates, which limits its potential to provoke significant discussion. The article is timely and relevant, addressing a current trend and providing information that is of public interest.

Overall, the article is informative and engaging, but it could improve by providing more detailed evidence and actionable recommendations to increase its impact and engagement potential.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate representation of the composition and health implications of beef tallow. It correctly states that beef tallow is composed of approximately 50% saturated fat and 50% monounsaturated fat, which aligns with nutritional data. The mention of stearic acid as a type of saturated fat that does not raise cholesterol levels is also accurate and supported by existing literature.

However, the article could benefit from more precise language regarding the health impacts of seed oils. While it mentions the potential for oxidation and inflammation, it does not provide specific studies or data to back these claims, which are crucial for substantiating such health-related assertions. The article's claim that beef tallow is less inflammatory compared to seed oils is a simplification and would need more detailed evidence to be fully accurate.

The historical context provided about the use of beef tallow in fast food and its replacement by seed oils is accurate but lacks specific references to support the claim that this change is linked to the obesity epidemic. Overall, the article is mostly accurate but would benefit from additional citations and clarity in certain areas.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the benefits and drawbacks of using beef tallow, incorporating perspectives from multiple dietitians. It discusses both the potential health benefits, such as the presence of fat-soluble vitamins, and the risks, particularly for individuals with cardiovascular issues.

However, the article leans slightly towards promoting beef tallow by highlighting its resurgence and potential benefits without equally emphasizing the well-documented health risks associated with saturated fats. The inclusion of contrasting opinions, such as the recommendation to use olive or avocado oil instead, helps to balance the narrative but could be more pronounced.

The perspective that beef tallow is gaining popularity due to social media trends is mentioned, but the article could provide more insight into the reasons behind this trend and whether it is based on scientific evidence or anecdotal claims.

8
Clarity

The article is written in a clear and accessible manner, making it easy for readers to understand the main points. The language is straightforward, and the structure is logical, with a progression from explaining what beef tallow is to discussing its health implications and comparisons with other oils.

The use of quotes from experts helps to clarify complex nutritional concepts, such as the composition of fats and their health impacts. However, some sections could benefit from more detailed explanations, particularly when discussing the scientific aspects of fat oxidation and inflammation.

Overall, the article is well-organized and effectively communicates its message, though it could enhance clarity by providing more in-depth explanations in certain areas.

8
Source quality

The article relies on quotes from registered dietitians and experts from reputable institutions such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Cleveland Clinic. These sources lend credibility to the information presented, as they are authoritative voices in the field of nutrition.

However, the article does not provide direct links to studies or reports that support some of the more scientific claims, such as the inflammatory potential of seed oils or the specific health impacts of beef tallow. Including such sources would enhance the article's reliability and allow readers to further investigate the claims.

Overall, the use of expert opinions is strong, but the article would benefit from additional citations to peer-reviewed research or official guidelines to support its claims.

6
Transparency

The article provides some context about the resurgence of beef tallow and its historical use in fast food, which helps readers understand the background of the topic. It also transparently discusses the potential health implications of using beef tallow, both positive and negative.

However, the article lacks transparency regarding the methodology or sources of some of its claims, particularly those related to the health impacts of seed oils and the specific benefits of beef tallow. It does not disclose any conflicts of interest, which is important given the potential for bias in health-related articles.

To improve transparency, the article could include more detailed explanations of the basis for its claims and any potential biases of the sources cited.

Sources

  1. https://www.pcrm.org/news/news-releases/beef-tallow-doctors-group-shares-consumer-health-alert-warning
  2. https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/health/restaurants-beef-tallow-healthier/
  3. https://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/a63603209/is-beef-tallow-actually-good-for-you/
  4. https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/a62939998/is-beef-tallow-healthy/
  5. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/beef-tallow-for-cooking