Beef tallow has re-emerged as a trending topic across social media, alternative wellness spaces, and even fast-food menus. While TikTokers are slathering it on their skin and political health influencers are calling for its return to fryers, the bigger question remains: is beef tallow healthy and actually any good for you?

This simple substance, derived from rendering beef fat, has sparked debates surrounding skincare, cardiovascular health, and ancestral nutrition. Its resurgence is closely tied to broader cultural movements, such as Make America Healthy Again (MAHA), where food choices are viewed as political statements. But beyond the hype, expert insight shows there’s more nuance to tallow than the headlines would have us believe.

What Exactly Is Beef Tallow?

Beef tallow is rendered beef fat. It’s cooked down to remove impurities and has a high smoke point, making it a traditional favourite for frying. Historically used before the rise of seed oils, tallow fell out of favour due to its saturated fat content. Now it’s having a moment again, in kitchens and on vanities.

Its use is twofold: as a cooking oil that proponents claim is healthier than seed oils, and as a skin moisturiser due to its natural fatty acid profile. From influencers to celebrity chefs, beef tallow is being rebranded as a “clean” and “ancestral” fat, but the scientific verdict is more mixed.

Is beef tallow healthy?

Why People Are Cooking With It Again

The MAHA crowd, as well as health-conscious chefs, have criticised seed oils for their high omega-6 content and link to chronic inflammation. Figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have promoted beef tallow as a healthier alternative, and franchises like Steak ’n Shake have already made the switch.

However, according to registered dietitian Maddie Pasquariello, the claim that tallow is nutritionally superior is unfounded. Yes, it contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K2, but those same nutrients can be obtained from other foods that don’t come with the downside of high saturated fat.

Sweetgreen, for example, has moved away from seed oils in favour of olive and avocado oils—a pivot driven by concerns over ultra-processing, not necessarily a return to animal fats. What unites both camps is a desire for fewer additives and closer-to-nature ingredients, even if their interpretations differ.

The Skincare Craze: Should You Use Beef Tallow on Your Face?

On the beauty front, beef tallow has gone viral on TikTok, with users praising it for its hydrating benefits. Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green notes that tallow’s fatty acid composition mimics the natural oils in human skin.

“It can replenish moisture and contains linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties,” she explains. According to a 2024 meta-review, tallow may aid in treating dry skin, psoriasis, and minor wounds.

But that doesn’t mean it’s a skincare miracle. Dr. Corey Hartman warns that tallow is comedogenic, meaning it clogs pores. “If you have oily or acne-prone skin, using it on your face is likely to cause breakouts,” he says.

Instead, the experts suggest safer, proven alternatives: humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin for hydration, and ceramides for barrier repair.

Where Can You Safely Apply Tallow?

Dr. Hartman recommends using tallow only on body areas that lack oil glands, such as elbows, knees, and heels. These rough patches can benefit from an occlusive moisturiser without risking clogged pores or flare-ups.

Sensitive skin types should still proceed with caution. Dr. Green points out that irritation and allergic reactions are possible, especially without formulation testing. Tallow may work as an occasional balm, but shouldn’t replace a tailored skincare regimen.

Nutritional Drawbacks: A Cardiologist’s View of Beef Tallow

From a dietary perspective, beef tallow is less forgiving. Dr. Kaustubh Dabhadkar, a preventive cardiologist, explains that its high saturated fat content raises LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.

“LDL leads to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease,” he says. For people with diabetes, cholesterol issues, or heart disease risk factors, tallow should be avoided.

In comparison, seed oils like canola, soybean, and sunflower—despite being ultra-processed—contain more unsaturated fats, which help lower LDL and support cardiovascular health.

A recent study showed that replacing saturated fats with plant oils significantly reduced mortality from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. These findings reinforce the long-standing dietary guideline: swap out saturated fat for unsaturated fat when possible.

Are There Any Real Benefits?

Proponents argue that tallow supports hormonal health and detoxification. Dr. Gowri Rocco, a California-based physician, notes that tallow is nutrient-dense, but cautions that there’s no clinical evidence supporting hormonal benefits.

Meanwhile, Pasquariello calls out the marketing hype. “Tallow is not inherently toxic, but there are no unique health advantages. You can get the same fat-soluble vitamins from leafy greens, oily fish, and colourful vegetables,” she says.

The Bigger Picture: What Beef Tallow Says About Health Trends

Beef tallow’s resurgence aligns with a few broader food and beauty movements:

• Ancestral eating: favouring traditional fats and foods
• Skincare minimalism: using fewer, simpler ingredients
• Food politicisation: MAHA and anti-seed oil campaigns

These trends emphasise returning to nature, avoiding additives, and embracing self-reliance. But they also risk spreading oversimplified or unscientific claims that don’t account for individual health contexts.

Whether you’re buying into beef tallow for its retro appeal, its culinary flair, or its TikTok-backed glow-up, the experts advise moderation, not devotion.

Cultural Influence and the Animal Fat Revival

The return of beef tallow is part of a larger cultural revival tied to the Paleo and Carnivore diet movements. These communities advocate a return to traditional animal-based fats, often rejecting processed oils and carbohydrates altogether. Influencers within these spaces glorify tallow not just for its culinary use but as a symbol of ancestral strength and purity.

On social media, the promotion of tallow has taken on a performative dimension, with wellness influencers portraying it as a badge of authenticity in a world full of synthetic products. Whether used in cooking or rubbed on skin, beef tallow has become a rallying cry for those disenchanted with modern food and beauty industries.

This symbolic use of tallow underscores a deeper yearning—one for simplicity, strength, and natural order—even if the scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited. Like many modern trends, it’s as much about identity as it is about health.

Final Word: Beef Tallow. It’s Fat. Not a Miracle.

Beef tallow isn’t evil, nor is it the elixir it’s being made out to be. It’s a fat. One that adds flavour to fries and may help your cracked heels. But for heart health and clear skin, you’re better off relying on evidence-based ingredients and balanced nutrition.

If you enjoy cooking with tallow or want to dab a bit on dry skin, go for it. Just know it’s not the miracle that some wellness influencers would have you believe.

Is beef tallow healthy? Yes.

If you’ve ever spent time (and money) chasing that perfect, gleaming smile, you know the effort it takes to maintain it. The truth is, even the best teeth whitening products or professional treatments will only deliver short-lived results if your daily habits continue to sabotage the sparkle. In this deep dive into why your teeth don’t shine — and how to get them white again — we’re laying out everything you need to know to win the battle against discolouration.

The phrase “How to Get Them White Again” sits right at the centre of this story, because restoring brightness is far more than cosmetic. It’s a confidence thing, a hygiene thing, and often an investment you’ll want to protect. We’ve enlisted the expert advice of Dr Keith Bracy, DDS, a leading dentist based in NYC’s West Village, to uncover the habits that fade your pearly whites, and what actually works to bring them back to brilliance.

Your Teeth Are Yellow for More Reasons Than You Think

It’s easy to blame coffee, tea, or red wine. But yellowing teeth are the result of a much larger lifestyle picture. Even those with the whitest smiles often didn’t start that way — they worked for it, or had cosmetic help. Understanding the cause behind dull teeth gives you the first step toward restoring their brightness, without wasting money on treatments that get undone in days.

1. You’re Not Brushing or Flossing Quickly After Eating

Let’s be honest: avoiding curry, red wine, or soy sauce altogether is an unrealistic approach to life. According to Dr Bracy, what matters more is your behaviour after consuming these foods. “Chances are, if you’re eating like a normal human being, you’ll encounter plenty of foods and liquids that stain your enamel,” he says. “Some level of staining is inevitable in a healthy, varied diet.”

The key? Clean up quickly. Brushing and flossing soon after indulging helps neutralise acid attacks and removes chromogens (colour pigments) before they settle. Wait too long, and you’re allowing those stains to embed themselves into your enamel.

2. You’re Brushing and Flossing Incorrectly

You might brush your teeth daily, but if your technique is sloppy or too short, you’re not doing yourself any favours. Brushing should last two full minutes, cover every corner of your mouth, and be done at least twice a day. “And flossing? That’s non-negotiable,” says Dr Bracy. “Especially before bed. Otherwise, you leave food pressed between your teeth overnight, and that’s a recipe for discolouration.”

When brushing, use a soft-bristled brush and avoid scrubbing too hard — enamel doesn’t grow back. Improper technique can cause gum recession and surface damage that makes your teeth appear darker.

3. You’ve Never Actually Tried Whitening

If you haven’t whitened your teeth, don’t be too hard on yourself for having a natural yellow hue. Genetics play a role, as does ageing. But if you genuinely want whiter teeth, you’ll likely need to put in the effort. Over-the-counter strips can help, but professional treatments or at-home systems with custom trays are more effective and safer for long-term maintenance.

“Stop overanalysing why your teeth are yellow,” advises Dr Bracy. “Most people with very white teeth weren’t born that way. They’ve either undergone professional whitening or chosen veneers. If you want results, talk to your dentist about your options.”

4. You’re a Smoker

This one’s obvious, but too often dismissed. Smoking is one of the fastest ways to discolour your teeth, not to mention destroy your gums and oral health. And it’s not just tobacco: cannabis is also a culprit. “Cannabis contains the same tannins as tea, and those can stain just as badly,” notes Bracy.

Both substances contribute to brownish, sticky tar deposits on the enamel surface. Quitting isn’t just better for your lungs — it could dramatically improve your smile, too.

5. You’re Getting Older

Just like collagen loss leads to wrinkles, enamel wears down with age, allowing the naturally yellow dentin underneath to show through. Dr Bracy explains, “Teeth become more resistant to whitening with age. The younger you are, the better results you’ll see.”

But don’t lose hope — consistent maintenance and occasional whitening touch-ups can still make a significant difference. Focus on a routine that keeps surface stains at bay and supports healthy enamel.

6. You Skip Regular Dental Cleanings

Even if you brush daily, routine professional cleanings are essential. Dental hygienists remove extrinsic stains (surface-level discolouration) with tools and techniques that your toothbrush simply can’t match.

“It’s very common for patients to complain about yellow teeth while also having neglected their regular cleanings,” says Bracy. Those cleanings also allow your dentist to track any enamel erosion or gum disease that may be accelerating the dulling effect.

7. You’re Using Ineffective Whitening Products

Whitening toothpastes are often marketed as miracle products, but many of them lack the strength to produce visible results. “The best method is custom whitening trays like the KöR Whitening System,” says Bracy. “They mould to your smile, ensure even coverage, and can be reused with refill gels.”

Using these trays as part of a “maintenance whitening” plan (once every few months) keeps your teeth at their peak whiteness. Plus, they’re far less abrasive than strips and reduce sensitivity when used correctly.

8. You Use Mouthwash with Alcohol

Surprisingly, some types of mouthwash can dry out your mouth, especially those containing alcohol. Saliva is your mouth’s natural cleansing agent — it helps wash away food particles and neutralise acids. A dry mouth creates an environment where stains settle more easily.

Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash that supports enamel health and promotes saliva production. Better yet, drink more water throughout the day and chew sugar-free gum to keep your mouth hydrated.

9. You Grind Your Teeth

Teeth grinding (bruxism) wears down enamel and leads to microfractures that can darken teeth over time. It’s especially common during sleep and often goes unnoticed.

If you wake up with jaw pain or sensitivity, talk to your dentist about a custom night guard. Protecting your enamel from further erosion can preserve brightness and make whitening more effective.

10. You’re Not Consistent with Your Routine

The best teeth whitening plan in the world won’t work if it’s not done consistently. Whitening gels need to be used regularly, your brushing technique must be on point, and you need to follow through with touch-ups. “Think of it like going to the gym,” Bracy says. “You can’t expect six-pack abs after one session. The same logic applies to your smile.”

Consistency builds and maintains results. Pair that with the right products and habits, and your pearly whites can stay brighter for longer.

The Bright Way Forward

When it comes to getting your teeth white again, the answer isn’t just “buy the best whitening strips” or “book a treatment.” It’s about long-term behaviour changes that support oral health and make those cosmetic efforts worthwhile. Brush and floss properly, eat and drink mindfully, visit your dentist regularly, and invest in quality whitening methods that actually work.

As Bracy puts it, “A healthy, bright smile is achievable at any age — you just need the right roadmap.”

Zinc deficiency symptoms can sneak up on you—unlike vitamin D or B12, which tend to get all the attention. But overlooking zinc could cost you more than just energy levels. From weakened immunity to hair loss and delayed healing, zinc is a critical mineral your body can’t afford to miss. The twist? Your body doesn’t make or store it. So you have to get it daily, and most people don’t even know they’re falling short.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about zinc: what it does, how to know if you’re deficient, how it affects your skin, hair and libido, and what to do about it if your levels are low. We’ve asked expert UK-based nutritionists and medical professionals to give us the full picture—plus tips on how to correct it with diet or the right supplements.

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What Is Zinc and Why It Matters

Zinc is an essential trace mineral responsible for supporting more than 300 enzymes in the human body, which means its deficiency can lead to significant health challenges. It contributes to:

• Immune system health
• Wound healing and tissue repair
• DNA and protein synthesis
• Cell division and growth
• Metabolism regulation
• Taste and smell perception

Dr Gina Schoeman, aesthetic doctor at CREO Clinic in London, explains:

“Zinc is vital for immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Our bodies cannot store zinc, so we must obtain it regularly through our diet.”

Unlike fat-soluble nutrients, your body doesn’t have a “zinc reserve.” This makes daily intake crucial—miss a few days and the effects begin to show.

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Common Signs and Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency

Zinc deficiency is more common than you might expect, especially among people with restricted diets, chronic stress, or high alcohol intake. Symptoms are often subtle but progressively damaging, highlighting the importance of monitoring zinc deficiency closely:

• Frequent colds or infections
• Fatigue and low energy
• Delayed wound healing
• Loss of appetite
• Hair thinning or loss
• Dry skin or acne
• Reduced sense of taste and smell
• White spots on fingernails
• Mood swings, irritability or depression

“Identifying a zinc deficiency can be tricky since symptoms can be vague and overlap with other nutritional deficiencies,” says Dr Schoeman. “However, if you experience fatigue, frequent infections or delayed wound healing, it might be worth checking your zinc levels.”

In children, zinc deficiency can also cause growth delays and weakened immunity.

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How Zinc Deficiency Affects Skin, Hair and Nails

Zinc is a top performer in skin integrity and tissue renewal. Nutrition expert Rachel Clarkson notes that a lack of this mineral can severely impact skincare efforts:

“Zinc deficiency can cause dry, flaky skin, nail abnormalities, acne breakouts, and even eczema-like rashes. Cuts and scrapes may also take longer to heal.”

Dr Schoeman adds that zinc deficiency is one of the most overlooked causes of female hair thinning:

“It plays a role in hair tissue growth and repair, and adequate levels help prevent hair loss. Zinc deficiency is often linked to thinning, particularly in women.”

It even helps shield your skin from UV damage and supports post-sun repair. So if your skincare routine isn’t delivering results—it might be your zinc intake that’s off.

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Zinc’s Role in Sexual and Reproductive Health

Zinc is a heavy hitter when it comes to sexual health and fertility—for both men and women. Its deficiency could disrupt delicate hormonal balances, affecting overall health significantly.

According to Harley Street nutritionist Clarissa Lenherr:

“Zinc is crucial for the production of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. Low levels are linked to reduced libido and sexual performance. It’s also essential for spermatogenesis—maintaining sperm motility and quality.”

In women, zinc supports hormone regulation and egg health. It plays a subtle but powerful role in reproductive balance, especially during pregnancy, menstruation, and hormonal fluctuations.

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What Causes Zinc Deficiency?

Zinc deficiency can be caused by several factors, and understanding them is crucial to addressing the issue:

• Poor diet – Lacking zinc-rich foods like meat, shellfish, seeds, and whole grains
• Vegetarian or vegan diets – Plant-based zinc is harder to absorb
• High sugar intake – Reduces zinc bioavailability
• Alcoholism – Interferes with zinc absorption and increases urinary excretion
• Digestive disorders – Conditions like Crohn’s disease, IBS or coeliac disease impair absorption
• Excessive sweating – Athletes and those in hot climates may lose zinc faster
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding – Higher demands not always met by diet alone

Even regular stress and overtraining can reduce your zinc levels subtly over time.

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How to Test Your Zinc Levels

To confirm a deficiency, the best way is through a serum plasma zinc test conducted by your GP or private clinic. Addressing zinc deficiency starts with accurate diagnosis.

Other ways include:

• Hair mineral analysis – Indicates long-term deficiency, although less reliable
• Functional tests – Indirect markers like low alkaline phosphatase levels or white blood cell count
• Taste tests – Zinc taste tests can indicate potential deficiency but aren’t highly accurate

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How to Increase Zinc Levels Through Diet

Start with your plate. Dr Schoeman recommends focusing on dietary changes to mitigate zinc deficiency:

Top zinc-rich foods (by content per 100g):

Food	Zinc (mg)
Oysters (wild)	60 mg
Beef (lean)	12.3 mg
Pumpkin seeds	10.3 mg
Lamb	6.7 mg
Cashews	5.6 mg
Chickpeas (cooked)	1.5 mg
Fortified cereals	3.8 mg
Yoghurt	1.0 mg