Lard Can Be Good For You

Lard oil may not be unhealthy, and can actually be good for you. 

For years, we have been told that natural saturated fats like lard can contribute to heart issues. We were told to change to polyunsaturated fats in vegetable and seed oils. Recent studies have shown that this may not longer hold true. 

Lard is actually one of the best sources of vitamin D, second only to cod liver oil. One tablespoon of lard oil (from pasteurised pigs) can contain up to 1000IU of vitamin D, which is more than the required amount for a day.

Lard actually has even more monounsaturated fat than saturated fat. It’s about 48% monounsaturated, 40% saturated and 12% polyunsaturated fats. 

The oleic acid found in monounsaturated fat is also known to be cancer preventing. Lard oil also has choline which is a very essential nutrient that’s good for our liver, nervous system, metabolism and brain health.

In comparison, almost all vegetable oils have some amount of trans fat. Trans fat is now known to be harmful and can lead to actual cardiovascular diseases. Lard has no trans fat at all.

Vegetable and seed oils are also highly oxidised. When heated at high temperatures, such oils are likely to create more free radicals that can increase the risk of cancer. It can also lead to more chronic inflammation.

Lard oil is also simple to make at home. And it’s relatively cheap too. Here is how to make crispy lard and lard oil.

Pour 500g diced lard into a wok. Turn the stove on and set to medium heat to slowly render the pork fat. 

After a few minutes, you will see pork fat bubbling and after about 10 minutes, the lard oil will fill almost to a third of the wok.

Once the lard has turned golden brown, turn off the flame. Strain the oil to get the lard oil. The crispy lard will be golden and crispy and makes for a tasty snack on its own.

Store and refrigerate the lard oil in containers for use later. After a day, it will turn into a butter like creamy texture. Simply use a few teaspoons for cooking at a time. 

Now that we know that lard isn’t necessarily bad for us, consider using it occasionally. Moderation is also important, so don’t go drinking a gallon of it a day either.