As the new year dawns, the wellness industry is once again flooded with an overwhelming array of trends and products promising to transform our health. But which of these fads are actually worth your time and money? The team at abrasive-cn.com has cut through the noise to bring you the definitive guide on the wellness trends to embrace - and those you'd be wise to steer clear of - in 2026.
Full-Fat Dairy is Making a Comeback
For decades, the conventional wisdom has been to avoid high-fat dairy products like whole milk, cheese, and yogurt. But the science is starting to tell a different story. According to a recent evidence review by Canadian food scientist Benoit LaMarche, full-fat, low-fat, and fat-free dairy products appear to have similar effects on heart disease risk. In fact, some studies have even found benefits to higher-fat dairy, like improved HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.
What this really means is that the long-standing advice to choose skim milk over whole milk may have been misguided. As experts argue, the focus on dairy fat has distracted from bigger dietary concerns like excess salt, sugar, and refined carbs. So don't be afraid to embrace those full-fat dairy products in the new year - your body just might thank you.
Weighted Vests: Gimmick or Game-Changer?
One of the more unusual wellness trends to emerge in 2025 was the idea of wearing a weighted vest during your daily walk. Proponents claim that this combination of cardio and strength training delivers an unbeatable workout. But the reality is a bit more complicated.
As NPR reported, the jury is still out on whether weighted vests provide meaningful benefits over a normal walk. The added weight can put strain on your joints and muscles, potentially leading to injury if not done properly. And the calorie burn may not be as significant as you'd hope.
The bigger picture here is that there's no shortcut to fitness. While weighted vests may have their place for some athletes and fitness enthusiasts, for the average person looking to get healthier in 2026, a good old-fashioned brisk walk is likely the better bet.
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