Wellness trends come and go, but the latest ones reveal some unexpected shifts in how we think about healthy living. Rather than the usual suspects like juicing and cold plunges, the wellness scene is now embracing a return to full-fat dairy and even cooking with beef tallow. What this really means is that the old rules around diet and nutrition may be changing, and we need to take a closer look at the science behind these trends.
Whole Milk Makes a Comeback
For decades, public health messaging has warned us away from high-fat dairy products like whole milk, cheese, and yogurt. But as Reuters reports, the argument against full-fat dairy is more "circumstantial" than based on solid evidence. In fact, some studies have even found benefits to higher-fat dairy over low-fat versions, like improved HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.
The bigger picture here is that our focus on limiting fat intake may have been misguided all along. As WHO guidelines suggest, the real culprits behind many health issues are things like excess salt, refined carbs, and added sugars. So the renaissance of full-fat dairy could be a sign that we're shifting away from simplistic "good fat, bad fat" thinking.
Other Wellness Trends Worth Watching
The dairy revival is just one of several notable wellness trends that NPR has covered in-depth. Others include the growing popularity of weighted vests for daily walks, the continued rise of cold plunge therapy, and the TikTok-driven "cottage cheese comeback." As this report suggests, the implications of these shifts could be far-reaching, from how we approach fitness to the types of foods and treatments we embrace for better health.
The common thread seems to be a move away from quick fixes and gimmicks toward more holistic, evidence-based approaches to wellness. While some of these trends may fizzle out, others could signal meaningful changes in how we think about and pursue healthy living in the years to come.