Recently, there has been renewed interest in beef tallow, but it has been used in food products for centuries due to its high smoke point and rich flavor. It is primarily used for flavoring dishes, as well as for roasting and baking. Other uses include making candles, skin care products like soaps and moisturizers, and even as a fuel.
However, people search for beef tallow with higher nutritional value because they may have several nutritional and health concerns regarding its consumption. In this search, grass-fed wagyu beef tallow has emerged as a popular alternative.
Wagyu refers to a Japanese breed of cows renowned for their high marbling (fatty stripes in the meat), high nutritional profile and excellent taste.
Also Read: What Is Wagyu Beef Tallow? – Everything You Need to Know
So, let’s explore “Is Wagyu beef tallow healthy?” or “Does it cause any side effects?”
Why Do People Think Wagyu Beef Tallow Can be Harmful?
If we look at the nutritional value of Wagyu beef tallow, it contains a high amount of saturated fats and calories.
For some people, this might be a concern, as certain experts suggest that saturated fats can raise total cholesterol levels, potentially increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
The American Heart Association recommends that less than 6% of your total daily calories should come from saturated fats. For example, if your daily calorie intake is 2,000, no more than 120 calories (about 13g) should come from saturated fats.
The health effects of saturated fats remain a topic of debate among experts. A meta-analysis found no significant link between saturated fats and heart diseases. However, the researchers also emphasized the need for more studies to achieve accurate conclusions.
Why is Wagyu Beef Tallow Healthy?
Before understanding the health benefits, let’s take a look at the complete nutritional profile of Wagyu Beef Tallow. According to Nutritionix, one tablespoon (14 grams) of Wagyu Beef Tallow contains the following nutrients:
- Saturated Fat 5g
- Unsaturated fat: 8.g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g
- Monounsaturated Fat 7g
- Cholesterol 10mg
Studies have found that consuming unsaturated fats instead of saturated fats reduces heart risks. However, it is difficult for anyone to consume only one type of fat because most fatty foods contain both types of fats together. Wagyu beef tallow is a great example of this.
As we found in the nutritional profile of Wagyu Beef Tallow, it contains a good amount of unsaturated fat. According to studies, unsaturated fats help balance cholesterol levels. They reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol), which lowers the risk of heart diseases.
Unsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids found in polyunsaturated fats, help reduce inflammation. This can lower the risk of inflammation-related diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
The fatty acids in Wagyu beef tallow support healthy skin by keeping it moisturized, soft, and glowing.
It also plays a key role in brain function and helps the body absorb essential fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
Also Read: Beef Tallow for Skin: Exploring Its Benefits and Risks
What to Know Before Using Wagyu Beef Tallow?
Wagyu beef tallow offers several health benefits, but experts remain divided on the effects of its high saturated fat content. Nonetheless, it is important to consume it in moderation, staying within the limits recommended by the American Heart Association to minimize potential health risks.
It is important to use Wagyu beef tallow in moderation and avoid reheating it repeatedly. Reheating it multiple times can lead to oxidation in the beef tallow, which may degrade its healthy fatty acids, create trans fats, and affect its taste and smell. As a result, it can become harmful to health.
Choose only high-quality, grass-fed Wagyu beef tallow for roasting and baking .
If you have heart disease, high cholesterol, or other health problems, consult a doctor before consuming Wagyu beef tallow.
Conclusion
Wagyu beef tallow contains more fat, marbling, and nutrition compared to regular beef tallow. However, its higher saturated fat content may be a concern for some individuals, as some experts suggest it could increase cardiovascular risks. On the other hand, some research indicates that saturated fat may not have a significant impact on heart health, making this a subject of ongoing debate. Additionally, Wagyu beef tallow offers a good amount of unsaturated fat, which provides various health benefits. Nevertheless, it is recommended to consume high-quality Wagyu beef tallow in moderation.