Heart of Ag: Make America Healthy Again, Bring Beef Tallow Back

The political winds are changing as a red wave has swept across America. Currently trending is the theme of “Make America Healthy Again,” the notion being that prioritizing policy within the upcoming Trump administration would help address the health concerns which continue to plague American families.

The rate of obesity, heart disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases, depression, anxiety, diabetes and chronic illness continue to skyrocket in this country, and many Americans are looking at food as the culprit – or the cure.

While there is some trepidation and concerns about what “making America healthy again” might look like – largely, would policies coming out make it harder or more limiting for farmers in the future – I anticipate there will be a greater focus on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and placing an emphasis on foods which have been proven to be healthful since the beginning of time. 

The guidelines impact so many things – daycares, schools, military, hospitals, nursing homes and those living in poverty. 

And beyond the scope of nutrition, the guidelines have been compromised by lobbyists and special interests with the committee emphasizing topics like animal welfare and environmentalism when creating their recommendations. 

While I’m uncertain what’s ahead as far as food and agricultural policy, I am delighted to see meat, dairy and eggs are trending in a big way right now.

Folks are leaning into the wisdom of our ancestors that these wholesome foods are nourishing, delicious and should be incorporated into our diets. 

As an example, days after the election, the “Make America Healthy Again” mantra transitioned into calls for McDonald’s to go back to cooking its French fries in beef tallow.

Beef tallow has been used for centuries as a primary cooking ingredient, and in my line of work with Bid On Beef, I am thrilled to see some of our ranching clients creating their own line of beef tallow for both cooking and skin care.

Beef tallow has many benefits, including the 10 listed below. 

1. Beef tallow contains many nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, K and B12, as well as choline. These vitamins are fat-soluble, which means fats in the diet are needed to absorb them. 

2. Beef tallow can be used as a natural moisturizer and has anti-inflammatory properties. 

3. Beef tallow contains conjugated linoleic acid, which may help with fat burning and metabolism. 

4. Beef tallow has antimicrobial properties, which can help boost the immune system. 

5. Beef tallow contributes to bone growth and muscle health. 

6. Beef tallow may help improve cognition and brain health. 

7. Beef tallow may help improve HDL cholesterol. 

8. Beef tallow contains a mix of nourishing fats, including saturated fat, which may helps improve blood sugar balance. 

9. Beef tallow has a higher smoke point than other cooking fats and oils, such as butter and olive oil. 

10. It makes food flavorful, and it makes your skin glow too.

I’ll be leaning into this trend as much as I can. It’s time to not only “Make America Healthy Again” but to also “Make Ranching Viable Again,” and this growing focus on healthy beef and tallow has me wildly excited for the future for America’s beef cattle ranchers. 

I’m bullish on cattle, and I’m excited to see what savvy entrepreneurs in the cattle business will accomplish in the years ahead. 

Amanda Radke is a rancher, author, motivational speaker and podcast host. For more from Radke, visit amandaradke.com.