NPR has launched a new series called Healthy or Hype? In a recent article, correspondent Andrea Muraskin explores some of the wellness trends making their way into the new year as part of healthier living. I thought it’d be worth checking out these trends and and see what we can learn from them.
Muraskin points out that the wellness trends for 2025 include both new and revived practices, such as celery juicing, cold plunging, protein bars, and cooking with beef tallow. NPR’s science desk examined seven health trends, sorting fact from fiction using expert insights and data. A quick summary of those findings is below.
- A return to full-fat dairy: A review of dairy and heart disease risk by Benoit LaMarche, a Canadian food scientist, found that fat content in dairy products has little impact on health. Experts suggest focusing on reducing salt, refined carbs, and sugar intake instead. Bottom line: Not the worst idea.
- Wearing a weighted vest while walking: Weighted vests are marketed for strengthening, weight loss, and cardio, but evidence for their effectiveness is limited. While they may offer cardiovascular benefits and increased calorie burn, resistance training is a more scientifically supported method for building muscle and bone density. Bottom line: Won’t hurt but there are better ways to build muscle.
- Tracking your blood sugar, even if no diabetes: Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) show promise for helping people without diabetes manage their blood sugar and weight. However, research shows mixed results, with some individuals experiencing significant benefits while others see little to no change. Bottom line: Continuous glucose monitors can be helpful, but take them with a grain of salt.
- Drinking a bright blue dye: Wellness influencers promote methylene blue dye, claiming it offers benefits like slowing aging and improving cognition. While studies show it improves mitochondrial function in rodents, human studies show no significant benefit, and it poses risks like serotonin toxicity. Bottom line: You’re probably turning your tongue blue for no reason.
- More protein in everything … Packaged snacks marketed as “high protein” may not be healthy, as there is no standard definition for the term. Check the nutrition facts label for a protein percentage of 20% or above to determine if a snack is truly high in protein. “Protein snacks can be a convenient way to reduce muscle soreness after a workout.” Bottom line: Junk food is still not a good choice, even with protein added.
- Beef fat for cooking and skincare: Health Secretary Kennedy and Sean Hannity discussed at a fast food burger joint about obesity and metabolic disease at a Steak N’ Shake, highlighting the chain’s switch to beef tallow for frying. While Kennedy claims seed oils contribute to obesity, experts argue that refined grains, sugars, and other additives in junk food are the real health concerns. Meanwhile, skincare products made from beef tallow are trending due to skepticism of synthetic ingredients. However, they may worsen skin problems like acne for some users. Bottom line: Not so fast.
- Creatine supplements are everything: Creatine, a compound made from three amino acids, is praised for its ability to add lean muscle mass and provide energy for workouts. However, it’s important to combine creatine supplements with resistance training for optimal results. Bottom line: These might actually be pretty helpful, but don’t skip the gym.
Acknowledgement: This summary was generated using AI writing tools as part of my experimental learning process. For more information, check out the original articles in NPR News.