> In Southern New Mexico, where I live most of the year, lard is a staple part
> of the diet.  People buy really large tubs of lard in the grocery store and
> use it in their daily cooking.

I grew up in the midwest, on a hog farm. We always had a 5
gallon tub of lard in the pantry. I married a butchers
daughter (unfortunately he is retired now) and he cooks some
lard up in the kitchen whenever we get low. The stuff my
father-in-law makes in the kitchen looks and
feels just the same as the commercial product. It is the
same, I think, except for no BHA/BHT.
My grandparents
lasted into their late eighties on this diet, and my folks
are still active and healthy in their seventies now. I worry
about them, because they are starting to "eat healthy foods"
in accordance with their doctor's advice.

My Dad was interested when I told him my migraines and knee
pains cleared up when I cut out wheat. A lot of these things
run in families.