Is beef tallow healthier than seed oils? Unpacking RFK Jr.’s views
Trump selects RFK Jr. to lead HHS
President-elect Trump selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health,” Trump said in his annoucment Thursday. “The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country.”
LOS ANGELES – President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services has brought renewed attention to Kennedy’s stance on health matters, including his belief that beef tallow is a healthier cooking fat than seed oils.
The shift from beef tallow to seed oils in the 1990s, he argued, aligns with rising obesity rates in the U.S. But is this claim supported by research? Here’s a breakdown of what experts say.
Beef tallow is a type of rendered fat made from the fatty tissue surrounding the organs of cows, often referred to as “suet.”
Beef tallow has gained popularity in certain dietary circles for its high smoke point and nutritional profile:
However, beef tallow is high in saturated fat, which has raised concerns in the medical community regarding its potential impacts on cardiovascular health.
Seed oils have recently gained attention online, especially on platforms like TikTok, where influencers and health advocates warn about their risks.
Some of the most commonly used seed oils include:
The oils are extracted through processes involving refining, bleaching, and heating to create stable, shelf-ready products.
However, experts say this perspective may oversimplify the issue.
Seed oils are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat needed by the body in small amounts.
This imbalance may lead to chronic inflammation associated with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
“Instead of removing seed oils entirely, focus on limiting ultra-processed foods,” Zumpano says. “Seed oils, when used in small amounts, don’t pose the same risk as when they’re part of heavily processed or fried foods.”
For those looking to minimize their intake of omega-6s, nutritionists suggest using oils high in omega-3s, such as extra-virgin olive oil for low-heat cooking and avocado oil for high-heat applications.
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