Wellness trends come and go — often propelled more by marketing than by science. The global wellness industry is now worth trillions of dollars, and that means plenty of overhyped or downright unhelpful health claims slip into everyday conversation. 

Here’s a breakdown of 14 popular health fads that don’t stand up to scrutiny, along with evidence-based explanations so you can focus your time and money on approaches that genuinely support your health.

1. Bovine Colostrum

This is the early milk produced by cows after giving birth. It contains nutrients tailored for a newborn calf — but there’s no robust evidence that it improves immune or gut health in adults. The practice also raises ethical concerns related to animal welfare. (Read more about Bovine Colostrum)

Takeaway: Not worth the hype.

2. Okra Water

Made by soaking chopped okra overnight, okra water is often promoted as a “health elixir”. It isn’t harmful, but you don’t get more nutrients than eating the whole vegetable — which is a far better choice. 

Takeaway: Eat whole foods instead.

3. Celery Juice Cleanses

Celery juice has been touted for everything from weight loss to inflammation reduction. In reality, there’s no evidence that juice cleanses improve health, and they can replace nutritious meals, leading to poorer dietary patterns. (read the science)

Takeaway: Not recommended, especially as a meal substitute.

4. Collagen Supplements for Skin, Hair, Nails

Collagen is essential in the body, but supplements and topical creams don’t deliver the promised benefits for hair or nails, and the evidence for skin ageing is weak. Collagen molecules in creams are typically too large to penetrate the skin. (read the science)

Takeaway: Limited benefit; not a miracle solution.

5. Drinking Borax Water

Borax is used in cleaning and fertilisers. Claims that it helps with arthritis or cramps are not backed by science. In fact, borax can be toxic and is banned as a food additive in many countries.

Takeaway: Avoid it.

6. Detoxes

“Detox” products and diets are marketed as cleansing the body of toxins — but your liver, kidneys and lungs already do this naturally. No clinical evidence supports detox diets, and some can be harmful. (how the body detoxes )

Takeaway: Unnecessary and potentially risky.

7. Calorie Counting and Very Low-Calorie Diets

While reducing calories can lead to short-term weight loss, most people regain the weight over time and low-calorie diets can slow metabolism. 

Takeaway: Not an effective long-term strategy.

8. Going Gluten-Free Without Medical Need

For people with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, cutting gluten is essential. But for most people, gluten is fine and unnecessary to avoid; gluten-free processed foods are often less nutritious. (more about the gluten free craze)

Takeaway: Only avoid gluten if you have a diagnosed condition.

9. Avoiding Seed Oils

Seed oils like sunflower or canola have been demonised online, but evidence doesn’t support claims that they cause disease. In fact, they can form part of a balanced diet. 

Takeaway: No need to cut them out if your overall diet is balanced.

10. “Brain Foods” as Isolated Products

Some marketed products claim to improve brain function. The reality is that no single food works in isolation. Foods that support overall health — like leafy greens and omega-3–rich sources — also benefit brain health. (more about seed oils )

Takeaway: Focus on a varied diet, not products with gimmicky labels.

11. Everyday Electrolyte Drinks

Electrolyte solutions are useful in specific situations — such as after intense exercise or dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea — but are unnecessary for most healthy adults day-to-day. (read the science)

Takeaway: Save them for when you really need them.

12. Drinking Urine

A practice known as “urophagy” is circulating online. It’s not only ineffective, it can be harmful; urine contains waste products the body is eliminating. 

Takeaway: Don’t do it.

13. Raw Milk

Raw milk advocates claim it’s richer in nutrients or probiotics, but it carries a much higher risk of infection from pathogens — especially for children, pregnant women and older adults. 

Takeaway: Pasteurised milk is safer and not inferior nutritionally.

14. NAD+ Supplements

NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is crucial for energy production in cells. Despite promises of boosting metabolism or longevity, there’s no strong evidence that NAD+ supplements deliver meaningful benefits. (more about NAD+)

Takeaway: Not worth your money right now.

What Does Work?

Instead of chasing fads, the best evidence suggests focusing on sustainable, balanced habits:

• Eat a diverse, plant-centred diet with plenty of fibre and whole foods. (ZOE)
• Maintain regular physical activity.
• Prioritise sleep and stress management.
• Build habits that you can maintain long-term without extreme restrictions.

Simple, science-based habits beat expensive trends every time.

 

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