456: Why You Need Lard In Your Diet (And On Your Skin)
Jan 8, 2024
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Charles Mayfield discusses the benefits of lard in our diet and on our skin, including its similarity to our natural skin oils. He explores the impact of industrial meat practices on the quality of lard and highlights the historical use of lard for skincare. The chapter also delves into the importance of natural products and prioritizing sleep for better health.
Using lard for skincare is beneficial because it closely mimics our natural skin oils and provides nourishment and hydration.
The quality of lard depends on the regenerative farming practices and diet of pigs, making it important to choose high-quality sources for optimal nutrition and benefits.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Lard for Health and Skincare
Lard, derived from pigs, is a nutrient-dense fat that offers various benefits for both our health and skin. Lard provides a healthy fatty acid profile, essential vitamins and minerals, and natural collagen. It closely mimics the natural oils produced by our skin, making it ideal for skincare. However, the quality of lard varies depending on the farming practices and diet of the pigs. Regeneratively farmed pigs produce high-quality lard with superior composition and benefits compared to pigs raised in factory farms. The mass marketing of vegetable oil-based products in the past negatively impacted the reputation of lard. Nonetheless, the importance of using high-quality animal fats, like lard, is gaining recognition in the skincare industry.
Differences Between Lard and Tallow
Lard is the rendered subcutaneous fat from pigs, while tallow is the rendered visceral fat from ruminant animals like cows or deer. Lard and tallow have slightly different nutrient profiles due to the differing metabolisms and diets of the animals. Lard, which is unique to pigs, is derived from domesticated omnivores, while tallow comes from herbivorous ruminants. The way these animals metabolize their environment and energy differs, affecting the composition and quality of their fat. It is important to source lard and tallow from pasture-raised and healthy animals to get the full nutritional benefits.
The Impact of Industrial Farming on Lard Quality
The majority of pork produced in the United States comes from industrial farming, where pigs are raised in crowded and unclean conditions. These pigs are often fed a poor diet and lack exposure to sunlight, leading to subpar quality and composition of their subcutaneous fat. Consequently, most store-bought lard does not meet the standards of high-quality lard. To obtain healthy and beneficial lard, it is essential to raise pigs in regenerative farming systems, providing them with ample sunlight, open pastures, and a natural diet. The quality of lard is heavily influenced by the health and happiness of the pigs and their natural environment.
The Importance of Using Healthy Animal Fats for Skincare
Our skin is the largest organ of our body, and it requires proper nourishment and care. Using animal fats, like lard, for skincare can provide numerous benefits. Lard closely matches the pH balance and lipid balance of our skin, making it an ideal choice for moisturizing and nourishing the skin. Unlike many commercial skincare products that contain chemicals and synthetic ingredients, lard is a natural and wholesome option. By embracing traditional skincare practices and opting for high-quality animal fats, we can nourish and support the health of our skin effectively.
Lard mimics our natural skin oils. It has the same ph balance and lipid balance as our skin does. This is one reason we might want to consider not only cooking with it, but using it for skin care! Charles Mayfield, author, regenerative farmer, and founder of Farrow (lard-based skincare) today explains how lard is good for both our health and our skin.
He goes over lard’s nutrient profile, why it’s been maligned or misunderstood for so long, and how he stumbled into discovering its wonders himself. Charles also offers simple tips for healthy living, inside and out!