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4 Valentine's Day candy options free of dyes and chemicals

11 February 2025 at 04:00

As the Make America Healthy Again movement gains traction nationally, many parents and grandparents may be reminded to keep an eye on the kinds of candy their children and grandchildren may receive this Valentine's Day.

To avoid potentially harmful dyes and chemicals in some candies and baked treats, certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco, whose business is in New York, and registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein of Los Angeles offered a few MAHA-minded swaps.

Here are four alternatives for a healthier Valentine's Day this year for all family members.

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Instead of choosing chocolate candies that are "loaded with sugar," artificial food dyes and preservatives, DeCicco recommended trying organic YumEarth ChocoYums candies, which are free of artificial food dyes and high-fructose corn syrup.

She said Rawmio Organic Keto Dark Chocolate Hearts are made with raw cacao nibs.

"This chocolate is the real deal," she said. "There isn't even any butter or milk added – so this is also dairy free."

'GOD-INTENDED FOODS' ARE KEY TO A HEALTHIER AMERICA, EXPERT SAYS

Muhlstein recommended a variety of Hu dark chocolate bars, which are vegan, gluten-free and made with organic cacao.

Some colorful candies include a variety of potentially harmful colors, including red dye 40 and yellow and blue food coloring.

DeCicco suggested YumEarth Giggles as a hard chewy candy option, which uses organic fruit and vegetable concentrates for coloring.

The East Coast-based nutritionist recommended Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears, made with natural fruit and vegetable juice, as a swap for gummy or fruit snacks.

Muhlstein also listed a few healthier options for chewy and gummy sweets, including low-sugar Numa Taffy Candy, Pure Organic Fruit Bars, YumEarth Organic Chewys and BEAR Real Fruit Snack Rolls.

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For a bubble gum alternative, Muhlstein recommended Tree Hugger tooth-friendly gum with added xylitol for oral health.

While pink and red-colored cupcakes, brownies and other baked treats are festive and delicious, DeCicco said some red velvet cake mixes include preservatives to extend shelf life, as well as red dye.

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The nutritionist instead suggested Go Nana's Red Velvet Banana Bread/Cupcake Mix, including beet root powder for red coloring and no preservatives.

Muhlstein told Fox News Digital that any cake mix and frosting can be turned pink or red by mixing in natural ingredients like freeze-dried strawberries, pomegranate juice or mashed-up raspberries.

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DeCicco also offered a healthy Valentine's Day recipe for brownies. (See the video at the top of this article.)

Single-ingredient foods like fruits are always a good choice, said Muhlstein.

To make things a bit more festive for Valentine's Day, she suggested the idea of using a heart-shaped fruit cutter to slice strawberries, apples, bananas or other fruits of choice.

Heart-shaped cookie cutters can also be used to shape other food options, such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made with all-natural peanut butter and no added sugars.

Some brands are also focused on single-ingredient snacking, such as The Daily Good – recommended by Muhlstein – which makes soft-dried dragon fruit slices of 100% dragon fruit.

Top influencers in the Make America Healthy Again movement: See the list

2 February 2025 at 03:00

"Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) became a rallying cry during the final months of the 2024 presidential election, after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed President Donald Trump and joined his campaign.

A little over a week after Election Day 2024, Trump announced Kennedy as his pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 

Under Kennedy's leadership, the MAHA movement aims to improve nutrition in America, eliminate toxins, preserve natural habitats and fight the chronic disease epidemic, according to its website.

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Read on to learn more about some of the key players behind the MAHA movement.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a former presidential candidate, son of former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and President Trump's pick for HHS secretary. 

Kennedy has said he aims to make America healthy again through strategies such as focusing on food and nutrition, targeting chronic diseases, changing FDA policies and raising awareness of alternative health treatments. 

'GOD-INTENDED FOODS' ARE KEY TO A HEALTHIER AMERICA, EXPERT SAYS

Jessica Reed Kraus is the author of "House Inhabit," one of the top culture Substack blogs. The California-based influencer previously described herself as "super liberal," but her politics shifted during the coronavirus pandemic

Kraus worked with both the Trump and RFK Jr. presidential campaigns, and she wrote glowingly about the MAHA Inaugural Ball in her Substack.

Marla Maples, ex-wife of President Donald Trump and mother of Tiffany Trump, was among the supporters who appeared on Capitol Hill this past Wednesday during the confirmation hearing for HHS secretary. 

The Georgia native, also a co-founder of the Global Wellness Forum, shared her excitement for the MAHA movement and her hopes for a healthier America.

MARLA MAPLES ADVOCATES FOR HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES FOR AMERICANS AMID RFK JR. HEARINGS

"I have to support America's health, our children's health … We suffered [for] so long with what they're putting in our food supply without having consent on what we're getting medically," she told Fox News Digital in an interview. 

Jillian Michaels is a renowned fitness expert based in Miami, Florida. As a certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist, she takes a no-nonsense approach to health and wellness. 

In Sept. 2024, Michaels appeared in a "Make America Healthy Again" ad with healthcare entrepreneur Brigham Buhler.

Alex Clark is the host of the "Culture Apothecary" podcast. She speaks with guests who share their own healing remedies for those seeking alternative healthcare methods. 

A contributor to the nonprofit political organization Turning Point USA, the Arizona-based Clark has over 120,000 followers on X and nearly half a million Instagram followers.

Known as the "Food Babe," Vani Hari has been raising alarms about chemicals in food, water and the air for over a decade. 

Based in North Carolina, the mother of three is the author of several books and the "Food Babe" blog. 

As a food activist, Hari aims to influence major food giants to adopt healthier policies.

Caitlin Sinclair, who is with Turning Point Action, spoke with Fox News Digital about her personal connection to the MAHA movement.

Sinclair experienced a "dark, seven-year odyssey" of wrongful diagnoses, she shared. 

The MAHA movement is part of a "spiritual awakening" in the U.S. that is key to helping people achieve the American dream, she said.

Calley Means is a New York City-based entrepreneur, author and advocate for healthcare reform, focusing on the intersection of food, policy and chronic disease. 

Means co-founded TrueMed, a company in Washington, D.C., that helps Americans use health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for preventative health measures like nutrition and fitness. 

He also co-wrote the book "Good Energy" with his sister, Casey Means, M.D. 

Dr. Casey Means is a Stanford-trained physician and metabolic health expert based in Los Angeles.

Formerly a surgeon, she shifted her focus to preventive medicine, emphasizing the role of diet and lifestyle in combating chronic disease. 

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Means focuses on metabolic health, highlighting the connections between blood sugar, inflammation and long-term wellness. She was among the supporters who attended the confirmation hearing for RFK Jr. on Jan. 29.

Nicole Saphier, M.D., a board-certified radiologist with advanced fellowship training in breast imaging, is a Fox News medical contributor and bestselling author. 

The New York City-based doctor also wrote the book "Make America Healthy Again" in 2020, spearheading the MAHA movement. 

An Australian who now calls Los Angeles home, Liana Werner-Gray said her life changed dramatically in 2009 at age 21, when she was told she had cancer in her lymphatic system  

Eschewing traditional medicine, Werner-Gray embarked on a "massive detox" and changed her diet. She is the author of "The Earth Diet" and several other books.

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The wellness advocate spoke with Fox News Digital about her personal health journey while attending RFK Jr.'s confirmation hearing.

Daphne Oz is an Emmy-winning TV host, author and wellness advocate known for her expertise in healthy living, nutrition and balanced lifestyle choices. She is based in Florida.

As the daughter of Dr. Mehmet Oz, Daphne Oz has built a career emphasizing the importance of nourishing foods, mindful indulgence and wellness. She was recently spotted at the MAHA inaugural ball held in celebration of RFK Jr. on Jan. 20. 

FDA recalls breadcrumbs sold nationwide

1 February 2025 at 12:55

Breadcrumbs sold for months throughout the United States contain an undeclared allergen and are being recalled for safety reasons, the Food and Drug Administration announced on its website on Jan. 28.

La Fiesta Food Products, LLC, which is based in La Miranda, California, announced the recall on its website on Jan. 25. The FDA published it three days later, on the 28th.

The recalled products include 8-ounce packages of La Fiesta brand "Unseasoned Bread Crumbs (Pan Rayado)" and "Seasoned Bread Crumbs (Pan Rayado Sazonado)," said the release from La Fiesta Food Products

FDA CLASSIFIES CHOCOLATE RECALL TO MOST SERIOUS LEVEL

"The products contain sesame as an undeclared allergen. Additionally, the labels do not include the allergen declaration in Spanish," said the release. 

"People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to sesame run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products," said La Fiesta Foods, who noted "No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this issue."

The unseasoned bread crumbs were sold at stores throughout the United States from April 10, 2024, through Jan. 22, 2025, said La Fiesta. 

The seasoned breadcrumbs were sold from Aug. 29, 2024, through Jan. 22, 2025. 

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"The recall was initiated after discovering that the product contained undeclared sesame. Further investigation revealed that the issue was caused by errors on the product labeling," said La Fiesta Foods. 

Those who have the recalled products "are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund," said the release. 

In 2023, the FDA added sesame as the ninth major food allergen in the United States, Fox News Digital previously reported.

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The previous eight foods identified as major allergens – milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans – account for 90% of food allergies, said the FDA's website. 

"In addition, the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research (FASTER) Act of 2021, declared sesame as a major food allergen," said the FDA. 

"These nine foods, and any ingredient that contains protein derived from one or more of them, are designated as 'major food allergens.'" 

Marla Maples backs RFK Jr. for Trump Cabinet, advocates for healthier food choices

30 January 2025 at 03:30

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared on Capitol Hill Wednesday for the confirmation hearing for HHS Secretary, supporters and leaders in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement gathered to show their support.

Among the supporters was Marla Maples, ex-wife of President Trump and mother to Tiffany Trump, who co-founded the Global Wellness Forum.

The organization "unites and empowers groups and activists worldwide, amplifying their efforts to promote health, sovereignty, truth and transparency," according to its website.

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Maples spoke with Fox News Digital in an on-camera interview sharing her excitement for the MAHA movement and her hopes for a healthier America under her friend Kennedy.

"I have to support America's health, our children's health … we suffered so long with what they're putting in our food supply without having consent on what we're getting medically," said Maples.

Maples added, "It's the most important thing I think we have for ourselves [and] our children … and I have a little grandbaby coming, so I want to make sure we leave a cleaner world for our children's children, too."

Tiffany, 30, is expecting a child with her husband Michael Boulos, President Trump announced in October. 

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Maples shared that Americans should "read every label" of the food they are consuming.

"Just make sure you stay away from corn syrups, any artificial colors. I've been telling people forever. No refined sugars." 

Maples said she believes Americans should rely on their own intuition when it comes to their health.

"Truly, you have an inner sense of what's good for us, and really trusting that, taking time and just caring enough about yourself."

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She added, "It's really about maintaining your own health and being your own best doctor."

Maples also advocated for people growing their own food when possible.

"If you have the chance to grow your own garden, that's the best. I used to do it growing up. Now I live in a condo and I have little herbs growing."

The wellness advocate is also a big believer in the power of prayer, sharing, "Be really sure before you put anything in your body and pray over it all."

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To stay fit both physically and mentally, Maples shared that she does handstands and lots of stretching.

"If I have a chance to play a sport during the week, I'll get out and do that because it keeps my mind very clear and helps my mind be very focused."

Representatives of the Global Wellness Forum were also seen supporting Kennedy at his confirmation hearing.

"We're going to be helping support Bobby and Bobby's initiatives in the government … making sure there's a way we can bring teams together to support what he's going to be doing in the government, so we can support in the community," Maples added.

To stay healthy, eat more foods with vitamin D, nutrition expert advises

24 January 2025 at 04:00

Vitamin D is an important nutrient but one that people tend to lack during the winter months. Vitamin D helps keep bones strong and works to support the body's immune system. 

The main way people get vitamin D is through sunlight — but with the shorter days and colder temperatures, spending time outdoors can be a challenge.

To make up for the lack of sunlight, certain foods can provide an extra boost of vitamin D, Laura Manaker, a South Carolina-based dietitian and nutritionist, told Fox News Digital. 

MAKE AMERICA HEALTHY AGAIN: THE POWERHOUSE FOODS THAT WORK MEDICAL MAGIC

"Combining tasty, vitamin D-rich foods with outdoor time on sunny days can help ensure your body gets what it needs, even in winter," she said.

These four foods can boost your body's vitamin D intake. 

Any sort of fatty fish like mackerel, salmon and sardines will come with a side of vitamin D, Manaker said.

A 3½-ounce serving of sockeye salmon contains an average of 670 international units (IU) of vitamin D, more than the recommended daily value for a person under age 70, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website.

FROM SALMON TO SHARK, HERE ARE THE BEST AND WORST FISH FOR YOUR HEALTH, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS

The source of the fish, however, matters. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that farmed salmon has considerably less vitamin D content than wild-caught salmon. 

Eggs are another great source of vitamin D. A single egg yolk contains more than a third of a person's recommended daily amount of the nutrient, according to the USDA. 

DOES THE COLOR OF AN EGG'S YOLK MEAN ANYTHING?

Adding eggs to a salad or sandwich can provide an easy vitamin D boost. 

Mushrooms are unique, Manaker said, as they are the "only produce-aisle item capable of producing vitamin D." 

WHY HARDBOILED EGGS AND 4 OTHER FOODS SHOULD NOT BE REHEATED IN THE MICROWAVE

"When exposed to [ultraviolet] light, mushrooms can naturally synthesize vitamin D, similar to how our skin does when exposed to sunlight," she said. 

To better maximize the vitamin D levels of mushrooms, people can sun-dry them at home or look for mushrooms that are labeled "UV-exposed," Manaker said. 

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"One of my favorite ways to increase vitamin D levels is by enjoying a hearty mushroom soup or adding roasted mushrooms to salads and sandwiches during the colder months," she said. 

Starting the day with vitamin D is easier when consuming common breakfast foods that have been fortified with extra nutrients. 

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"Fortified foods such as dairy milk, fortified orange juice and certain cereals are also effective options," Manaker said. 

Milk can be fortified with up to 84 IU of vitamin D per 100 grams, according to the Food and Drug Administration's website. 

It's best to check the nutrition labels of cereal and orange juice to see how much extra vitamin D can be added to a morning meal, experts say. 

Brain and memory are boosted by eating one particular diet, study finds

24 January 2025 at 03:30

The Mediterranean diet has continuously shown benefits for overall health.

Researchers at the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans recently discovered that the diet is linked to improved memory through balanced bacteria in the gut.

In the study, which was published in the journal Gut Microbe Reports, rats were fed a Mediterranean-style diet over a 14-week period. This included foods rich in olive oil, fish and fiber.

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Compared to those who ate a Western diet high in saturated fat, the rats that consumed the Mediterranean diet showed increases in four types of beneficial gut bacteria and decreases in five other types.

The rats were then tasked with maneuvering a series of mazes that tested their memory.

Those that were on the Mediterranean diet exhibited improved performance in the maze challenges.

The researchers deduced that individuals who follow the Mediterranean diet develop different gut bacteria patterns compared to those following a "typical Western diet," and that those gut changes were associated with learning and memory.

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"Our results suggest that there may be a relationship between diet-modulated microbiota, peripheral immune function and cognitive function," the research concluded. 

"Additional studies are needed to determine the causality between diet-modulated gut microbiota, immune function and cognitive function, and to explore additional brain mechanisms."

The Mediterranean diet group also demonstrated improved cognitive flexibility and working memory – and maintained lower levels of "bad" cholesterol.

Cory Mygrant, a California-based registered dietitian nutritionist at WellTheory, was not involved in the study but shared her reactions.

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"As a dietitian, I’m thrilled to see more evidence highlighting the Mediterranean diet's incredible power, not just for heart health but also for brain health," she told Fox News Digital.

"This study reinforces how the foods we choose can profoundly impact our gut microbiome and, in turn, our cognitive performance."

Gut health is considered "foundational to overall well-being," Mygrant noted, as it influences "everything from immunity to mental health."

"The Mediterranean diet is a fantastic option for supporting this vital system," she continued. "Rich in vibrant, flavorful foods, it can easily be woven into daily life with simple adjustments."

In an interview with Fox News Digital, study co-author Demetrius Maraganore, MD, a neurology professor at Tulane University, emphasized the difference in cognitive function and gut microbial compositions between the Mediterranean and Western diets.

The Western diet's reduced gut bacterial diversity and over-growth of bacterial species is similar to what is observed in Alzheimer's patients, he told Fox News Digital.

The expert noted that adhering to the Mediterranean diet may improve scholastic and work performance.

"The Mediterranean diet has been associated with a 50% lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia, and promotes higher global intelligence, memory function and executive function across the lifespan," he stated.

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To begin adopting a more Mediterranean-style diet, Mygrant suggested the following simple steps:

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"It’s about celebrating real, whole foods while keeping things flexible and enjoyable," she said.

Mygrant acknowledged that accessing fresh produce and Mediterranean staples can be challenging for some, but noted that the diet does not have to be "all or nothing."

"You can start by making small, affordable swaps — like using canned fish, frozen vegetables and whole grains — and gradually increase the focus on more plant-based foods," he suggested.

"The goal is to make nourishing choices more accessible, no matter your circumstances, while prioritizing the connection between food and well-being."

In future research, the Tulane team aims to develop novel therapies to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease by harnessing nutrition and gut microbiome changes, according to Maraganore.

Make America Healthy Again: 6 foods and drink with powerful medical benefits

21 January 2025 at 04:00

As the "Make America Healthy Again" movement takes shape with President Donald Trump in the White House again, many Americans are already looking for ways to improve their well-being through the foods they eat.

Fox News Digital spoke with two nutritionists and a doctor to discuss how incorporating certain foods into a person's diet can promote a healthy lifestyle and offer some medicinal benefits as well.

Here are five foods and one beverage that experts recommend you eat and drink

Numerous studies have found that the nutrients in berries can prevent disease.

A new study led by Washington State University researchers found that elderberry juice could be a tool for weight management and improving metabolic health.

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Carrie Lupoli, a Connecticut-based nutritionist and behavior specialist, told Fox News Digital that the elderberry is one of her favorites.

"I think it's one that there's not enough options out there for us with the unbelievable benefits," said Lupoli. "There are elderberry supplements out there, but they're often filled with a lot of garbage. But the elderberry itself is an incredible immunity buster."

Dr. Blake Livingood, a chiropractor and doctor of natural medicine in North Carolina, told Fox News Digital that berries are great antioxidants that can help lower sugars, especially fructose, in the liver.

"Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries that most people can get their hands on — those antioxidants can help actually cleanse the filters like the liver," Livingood said, and help control blood sugar levels.

"That helps the liver, helps the heart — which ultimately makes an impact on blood pressure and cholesterol."

THIS 'UNDERAPPRECIATED' BERRY CAN HELP WITH WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, SAYS NEW STUDY: 'A VARIETY OF HEALTH BENEFITS'

Keri Glassman, a registered dietitian and nutritionist based in New York City and founder of Nutritious Life, said berries are also a powerful tool to fight inflammation.

"We know that we need to eat anti-inflammatory foods, so we have less inflammation in the body," Glassman told Fox News Digital. "Inflammation, we know, is linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, even just [the] wrinkling of our skin."

Vegetables are recommended as part of a balanced diet, but some are better for us than others.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts are "very underrated," Livingood said.

"They contain sulfur compounds and really help to support balancing hormones," Livingood said. 

Cruciferous vegetables "can make a really big impact" on those with cancer concerns, Livingood said, citing research showing that women who ate greater amounts had a lower risk of breast cancer and men who ate more had a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

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"If you can go with any leafy green vegetable, you are going to get more calcium than you will in milk," Lupoli added. "And that's not how we should be getting them. So much of our calcium bone density, bone health, especially for women, is really important."

Cruciferous vegetables also have sulforaphane, which helps with detoxification, Glassman said.

Fish like salmon and sardines are rich in necessary Omega-3 fatty acids, which can't be produced by the body.

"I want everyone to have salmon," Lupoli told Fox News Digital.

Salmon has "healthy fats" that help the heart, she said.

Glassman agreed, saying Omega-3 fatty acids are "super important" for supporting overall heart health.

Livingood said the standard American diet has lots of Omega-6s and not enough Omega-3s — so fish oils help to bridge that gap.

THESE FISH ARE THE BEST AND WORST FOR YOUR HEALTH, SAY EXPERTS

The smaller the fish the better, Livingood said, because it tends to have "less concentration of toxins compared to the larger fish." 

He also suggested eating fish caught in the wild because "it means they're fed cleaner diets, which means you're fed a cleaner diet."

Mushrooms "bring a lot of medicinal benefits," Livingood told Fox News Digital. "There's a wide range of different ones that can be used."

Reishi is one he recommends to his patients for reducing stress or for those who struggle with sleep. He said this type of mushroom is a supplement typically found in powder form and can support the immune system.

One benefit of eating mushrooms is that they have vitamin D, "which no other produce has," Glassman said.

"Now, obviously, mushrooms aren't really produce," she said. "They're not a fruit or vegetable, but we still sort of put them in that category."

Vitamin D, Glassman said, is critical for immune health, mood and weight.

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"They also have vitamin B2, which is an antioxidant that also fights free radicals," Glassman said.

Lupoli suggested looking beyond the regular shiitake or portobello mushrooms found in stores.

"I always say get a variety of them and stir-fry them," she said. "You can't go wrong."

Spices and herbs have health benefits that include lowering blood sugar and reducing inflammation.

Cinnamon is a spice that helps mitigate blood sugar spikes, Lupoli told Fox News Digital.

She said blood sugar is "the key foundation for every single metabolic disorder," from arthritis, diabetes and dementia to autoimmune issues and fertility.

Tumeric is beneficial in helping to battle the body's inflammation, while saffron is a spice that a study showed had a "very similar effect" as Prozac on anxiety, Livingood said. 

"By no means do we say to replace any type of medical advice," Livingood said. 

"But it's a very interesting spice with a strong study behind it showing that it can really help with mood. And it's one that most people don't know about."

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Peppermint is a natural herb that can be used to combat headaches, Lupoli said.

"Peppermint extract is better than any Advil or Tylenol for a headache," she said. "You just breathe it in, put a little on your temples and your headache will be gone in a minute."

Adaptogenic herbs are "adrenal supporters" that can help with stress, Livingood said.

"Tea is just really great for you in general," Glassman told Fox News Digital.

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Green tea protects and reduces cell damage, she said.

"It's rich in polyphenols, the compounds that have benefits like reducing inflammation," Glassman said.

Not only that, but green tea is a good alternative to coffee because it doesn't have the same levels of caffeine and is less acidic, Lupoli said.

It's also full of antioxidants and is "very thermogenic, meaning it can stimulate the body to burn more fat," Livingood added.

Egg prices may soon be on the rise, says expert – here's why and how much

18 January 2025 at 15:34

Egg prices are already steep – and might be getting worse. 

The average price of a dozen Grade A large eggs was $4.15 during the month of December, said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – an increase from $2.51 in December 2023. 

There are two things driving the price increases: the bird flu outbreak and state laws about cage-free eggs.

WHY HARDBOILED EGGS AND 4 OTHER FOODS SHOULD NOT BE REHEATED IN THE MICROWAVE

Patrick Penfield, a professor and supply chain expert at Syracuse University’s School of Management, told Nexstar Media that egg prices could rise by as much as 20% before the year is over.

This means that the average price of a dozen large eggs could be nearly $5 by the end of 2025, which would be the highest-ever recorded average price for a dozen eggs.

The previous high egg price was in January 2023, when the average price of a dozen large eggs was $4.82. By August 2023, however, the average price had dropped to $2.04. 

Penfield predicted that egg prices could exceed that record as soon as February. 

DOES THE COLOR OF AN EGG'S YOLK MEAN ANYTHING?

The current bird flu outbreak, which is technically known as "Highly pathogenic avian influenza" (HPAI), has resulted in a record number of deaths of egg-laying hens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a recent report.

In the last quarter of 2024, more than 20 million egg-laying hens died. 

IS A CRACKED EGG EVER SAFE TO EAT? WHAT YOU MUST KNOW

"Unlike in past years, in 2024, all major production systems experienced significant losses, including conventional caged, cage-free, and certified organic types," said the USDA. 

Once bird flu is detected, a farm must cull all the birds in the flock. This has had a devastating impact on the egg industry, as it takes approximately five months for a chicken to mature.

"Once a hen is five months old it can lay about one egg per day," said Penfield. 

Presently, there are no vaccines or medical treatments against bird flu, he said. 

The only defense is "biosecurity practices" – keeping chickens safe from wild birds and away from humans, keeping enclosures covered, and "reducing large puddles and standing water." 

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Penfield hopes that chickens will develop "some sort of natural immunity" against the outbreak, but warned Nexstar that this could take years. 

"We have not seen that yet and it will take many years for that to happen," Penfield told Nexstar. "Also, if they do, we do not know if this immunity would protect hens if the bird flu virus mutated." 

Apart from bird flu, several states have laws requiring that all eggs sold to be "cage-free," meaning the birds are not raised in cages. These are typically more expensive than conventional eggs even absent an outbreak of bird flu. 

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While egg expert Lisa Steele told Fox News Digital that pasture-raised chickens produce the "gold standard" of eggs, these birds are at an increased risk of illness.

"Poultry get HPAI from infected waterfowl (ducks and geese) and gulls, which may frequent wetlands on farms. Thus, poultry raised outdoors or with outdoor access are at greater risk of HPAI," said the University of Minnesota's website on avian influenza. 

"Infected poultry can spread disease to new flocks through contact with birds, people, manure and equipment. HPAI viruses can exist in bird waste for several months, especially under high-moisture and low-temperature conditions," said the University of Minnesota.

Does the color of an egg's yolk mean anything?

11 January 2025 at 04:00

Not all chicken yolks look the same. Some are pale yellow — while some are so orange they're nearly red. 

But what does it mean? Are egg yolks like lettuce, where a darker color indicates more nutrients?

Fox News Digital spoke to an egg expert to crack the case. 

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The color of a chicken yolk, cookbook author and backyard chicken expert Lisa Steele told Fox News Digital, "is completely dependent on the hen's diet." 

Steele, who lives in Maine, is the creator of Fresh Eggs Daily, a website about raising chickens. She is also the author of "The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook." 

"Foods that are high in xanthophyll and carotene, which are basically pigments called carotenoids, will make nice dark orange egg yolks," she said. 

Carotene is found in orange-colored foods, she said, such as carrots, mangoes, cantaloupe and pumpkins. 

Xanthophyll can be found in leafy green vegetables, like spinach and kale. 

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But while a darker egg yolk does not mean a chicken is eating a nutritious, organic or fresh diet, "it likely will correlate, since the foods with the pigment are also packed with other nutrients," she said. 

Even so, feed companies and commercial egg farms have discovered workarounds to create a darker egg yolk without these nutrient-dense foods, Steele said. 

These companies "have gotten smart and realized that consumers want to see that bright orange yolk, so they'll add things like marigold, paprika, sea kelp, corn [and] alfalfa to 'artificially' boost the yolk color," she said. 

To ensure the most nutritious eggs possible, Steele suggests customers look for certain labels on cartons at the grocery store. 

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Chickens that are "pasture-raised" or "free range" will typically lay eggs with a darker, more orange-colored yolk, Steele said, "because their diet consists mainly of grasses, weeds and other plants."

It is important to note that "cage-free" and "pasture-raised" are not the same thing, she said.

Pasture-raised eggs are the "gold standard," Steele told Fox News Digital, noting that some "cage-free" chickens may still be living out their lives in a warehouse. 

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The eggs from pasture-raised chickens have less cholesterol and more nutrients, Steele said, because of their healthier, more varied diets. 

Yolks are not the only thing that come in different colors. 

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The shells vary as well. 

Unlike yolks, the color of a shell has nothing to do with the nutritional value of the egg, said Steele.

The color is "purely based on the breed of chicken," Steele said. 

"Some hens have brown dye, while others have blue and some have none." 

And that's no yolk. 

10 best diets of 2025 as chosen by nutrition experts

10 January 2025 at 16:32

The New Year typically ushers in resolutions to adopt healthier lifestyles, which often means making better food choices.

This week, U.S. News & World Report revealed its annual list of the Best Diets Overall, chosen by a panel of medical and nutrition experts.

The experts all specialized in diabetes, heart health and weight loss.

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The diets were chosen for "nutritional completeness, health risks and benefits, long-term sustainability and evidence-based effectiveness," according to the report, as well as their capabilities to achieve specific goals.

"On the list of best diets, there are important commonalities," Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Charlotte, North Carolina, told Fox News. (Freirich was not involved in the study.)

"Each diet is evidence-based, includes a variety of foods from all the food groups, and focuses on increasing unprocessed foods with high nutrient density."

Below is the list of the diets topping the list for 2025.

The Mediterranean diet has long been linked to a long list of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity and more.

Studies have found associations between the Mediterranean diet and increased longevity.

The diet is a plant-based nutrition plan that mimics the regional cuisines of the countries along the Mediterranean Sea, such as Italy and Greece. 

Primary foods in the diet include whole vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, and herbs and spices, according to Mayo Clinic’s website. Olive oil is the primary source of added fat.

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Other foods — including fish, poultry and dairy — can be incorporated in moderation. 

The diet limits red meat, sweets, butter and sugary drinks.

The Mediterranean diet’s health benefits stem from limiting saturated fats, refined carbohydrates (including sugars) and sodium, as well as promoting healthy unsaturated fats, fiber and antioxidants, according to Cleveland Clinic’s website.

The DASH diet — the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet — was designed by the U.S.-based National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, to help lower blood pressure and promote overall health.

"This well-balanced diet puts an emphasis on increasing fruit and vegetable intake along with whole foods, something most of us fall short on," said Erin Palinski-Wade, a New Jersey-based registered dietitian and author of "2-Day Diabetes Diet."

"It is a well-balanced, evidence-based eating plan that can offer a variety of health benefits."

For those who want to add more plant-based foods to their diet without fully committing to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, the Flexitarian diet allows for occasional meat consumption, making it more accessible and sustainable for many individuals, Palinski-Wade said. 

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"This diet has been ranked as one of the easiest diets to follow, thanks to its flexibility and the absence of strict rules or restrictions," she told Fox News Digital. 

"Research also suggests that the Flexitarian diet may be more effective than traditional vegetarian or vegan diets at maintaining heart health."

The MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet is a hybrid of the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet. 

This diet is gaining in popularity, as it may help to benefit brain health and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, noted Palinski-Wade.

"As a flexible meal plan focused on maximizing overall intake of nutrient-dense foods, it may not only improve cognitive health, but could also reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers," she said.

Designed by Mayo Clinic, this 12-week diet program follows a food pyramid with an emphasis on fruits, vegetables and whole grains, most of which have low calorie density, according to U.S. News.

Members can sign up for a monthly or yearly plan to access meal plans, trackers and other tools to help with healthy eating habits.

Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes, also known as the TLC Diet, is a program designed to control hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol).

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"The TLC diet is beneficial for heart health due to its focus on reducing saturated fats and cholesterol while emphasizing fiber-rich plant foods and whole grains, effectively managing cholesterol levels and supporting overall cardiovascular well-being," Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com, previously told Fox News Digital.

This eating plan is tailored for women in midlife who are approaching or experiencing menopause. It is designed to alleviate the side effects of hormonal fluctuations and to prevent weight gain, according to US News.

The diet emphasizes whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lean proteins and soy products.

It limits simple carbohydrates, fatty foods, sugars, alcohol and caffeine.

The diet has "proven health benefits," the report states.

Designed by Dr. Andrew Weil, an integrative medicine doctor, this diet plan is designed to reduce and prevent inflammation.

The diet emphasizes unprocessed foods, including lean proteins, healthy fats and fruits and vegetables. 

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"It is a way of selecting and preparing anti-inflammatory foods based on scientific knowledge of how they can help your body maintain optimum health," said Dr. Weil’s website. 

"Along with influencing inflammation, this natural anti-inflammatory diet will provide steady energy and ample vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids dietary fiber and protective phytonutrients."

This diet allows for the consumption of all foods, but calls for larger quantities of low-calorie, healthy meals to curb hunger. 

"This diet focuses on satiety and offers flexibility, making it easy to stick with," said Palinski-Wade. 

"The focus on adding high-volume foods, which are often rich in fiber, may promote a variety of health benefits, from weight loss to lower cholesterol levels and improved heart health."

The dietitian noted that the Volumetrics diet is also easy to follow, as it does not involve strict rules or restrictions and can be tailored to individual needs and preferences.

The Cleveland Clinic has launched its own diet app "designed to optimize wellness, weight loss and heart health," according to the report.

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The wellness tracker allows people to enter their food intake and activity.

Based on their answers to a questionnaire, each user is guided to enter either the HeartSmart (heart-friendly) or BodyGuard (overall well-being) program.

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"The goal is to help educate consumers on healthy eating and eating for health instead of just looking at weight loss for overall health," said Julia Zumpano, registered dietitian nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition and one of the developers of the app, in the report.

When recommending diets for people, Freirich advises avoiding overly restrictive diets or diets that heavily depend on packaged foods. 

"All diets should be something you can maintain long-term for long-lasting success," she said.

"Most importantly, the best diet is the one that works best for your life, medical history and health goals. Discussing dietary changes with your doctor and a registered dietitian is a surefire way to find the best diet for you."

Meat 'cheat meals' among vegetarians, vegans 'more common than you might think'

10 January 2025 at 04:00

About one in three vegetarians or vegans admit to having meat "cheat meals" — while one in five vegetarians or vegans admit to craving meat at least once a month, a new survey reveals.

"With January's 'Veganuary' trend in full swing and New Year's resolutions to try a meat-free diet, The Linz Shop took a closer look at how common it is for Americans to stick with a plant-based lifestyle," Collin Czarnecki, researcher with The Linz Shop, which conducted the just-published survey, told Fox News Digital.

The Linz Shop is a family-owned business that sells premium meats, according to its website. The company is based in Indiana. 

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As shared in the "2024-25 Vegan & Vegetarian Meat Cravings" report, researchers found that staying committed to a plant-based diet "can be more challenging than it seems," Czarnecki said.

"Meat 'cheat meals' are more common than you might think," he also said.  

A total of 38% of the vegetarians and vegans surveyed – or more than one in three – admitted to having a cheat meal of meat, with a third saying they had eaten meat within the last six months. 

One in five stated they crave meat "every few months." 

Chicken, at 64%, was the most commonly craved meat by the vegetarian and vegan respondents.

Steak came in second at 40%, while general "beef" came in third at 36%, the survey found.

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In terms of specific dishes, fried chicken was the one offering that tempted vegetarians the most, with just under half of respondents saying they would break their diet to indulge in that dish. 

Burgers, at 41%, and barbecue, at 40%, were the second- and third-most tempting meat dishes.

"Whether it is cravings triggered by nostalgia for a favorite meal, or simply the aroma of meat, staying meat-free isn't always easy," Czarnecki told Fox News Digital.

The smell of cooking meat was the most commonly cited reason that vegetarians and vegans craved meat, the survey said.

More than half – or 54% – of the respondents listed that as why they were tempted to break their diets. 

Coming in second place was "nostalgia," with 47% of respondents acknowledging that. 

Peer pressure also played a role, with 33% of respondents saying that being around others who are eating meat makes them crave it. 

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The ages of those surveyed range from 18 to 84 — 

Despite the relatively common practice of temporarily cheating on veganism or vegetarianism, many people who do so do not tell others, Czarnecki said.

"Interestingly, one in three admit they keep their meat indulgences under wraps, choosing not to reveal to family or friends that they've eaten meat," Czarnecki said.

The nature of trends such as "Veganuary" means they're unlikely to truly hold, Lauren Manaker, a Charleston, South Carolina-based registered dietitian, told Fox News Digital.

These "all-or-nothing approaches," she said, "rarely lead to lasting habit changes from what I observe." 

She added, "While these efforts can inspire temporary awareness or positive changes, long-term success tends to come from gradual shifts and sustainable habits rather than extreme, short-term challenges. Small, achievable steps can often have a greater impact and are easier to stick with over time."

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In any diet, not just vegetarianism, so-called "cheat meals" need to be handled with a certain mindset, Manaker said. 

Rather than viewing a "cheat meal" as a negative, "it's more beneficial to take a balanced approach that allows for the inclusion of favorite foods in moderation while focusing on an overall pattern of eating nutrient-dense foods that are low in saturated fat and added sugars," she said.

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This "more holistic view" toward "cheat foods" can actually help people stick with their dietary goals, she said. 

"For example, a small cookie can be a part of a balanced meal without being considered 'cheating,'" she said.  

Manaker continued, "Having a cookie along with a bowl of fresh fruit and a serving of yogurt can create a satisfying and well-rounded snack that provides both enjoyment and nutrition. Ten cookies in one sitting? Well, that's a different story," she added. 

Regardless of a person's diet, "animal-based foods can also play a valuable role in a balanced diet when consumed thoughtfully," she said. 

"Striving for moderation and balance in meal choices allows for greater flexibility while still promoting long-term health and well-being," Manaker said.

'I'm a neurosurgeon – this is what I eat for a brain-healthy breakfast'

7 January 2025 at 11:46

Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day for a few reasons – and feeding your brain is one of them.

In a video posted to X on Sunday, Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier asked her neurosurgeon husband, Dr. Paul Saphier, M.D., what he was having for breakfast.

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Saphier, founder of Coaxial Neurosurgical Specialists in New Jersey, responded that he was having a "heart- and brain-healthy breakfast."

This included a variety of ingredients that could make up a yogurt parfait.

The meal started out with some 0% fat Greek yogurt, which provides "great lean proteins," as well as probiotic health benefits, the doctor said.

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Saphier added some high-antioxidant blueberries – great for both cardiovascular health and brain health – as well as some honey.

"Immunologically, [honey] is good for you," he said. "A lot of antioxidants there as well. Helps decrease a lot of other issues related to the brain."

The neurosurgeon also included granola in his breakfast, which mixed in chia seeds, flax seeds and nuts for "lean, healthy oils" like omega-3 fatty acids.

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"A lot of Mediterranean diet-type nuts in there," he said, tapping the granola bag.

Saphier topped off the meal with an immune-boosting supplement to help ward off sickness in the cold and flu months.

The doctor ended the video by encouraging others to "try to eat healthy, stay healthy and ring in 2025 with a great start."

Liver cancer patient given 6 months to live loses 76 pounds eating specific foods

4 January 2025 at 09:00

A Durham, North Carolina, man has turned his life around after receiving grave medical news. 

Derek Barnett, 55, was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease 10 years ago, according to a report from SWNS.

At his heaviest, Barnett weighed 240 pounds and was a size 38.

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Barnett, a construction worker who is currently unemployed due to health issues, brushed off his diagnosis, telling SWNS that he "didn’t think anything of it."

"Everybody’s got a type of thing," he said.

But the man's condition worsened, progressing into cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma, also known as liver cancer.

In January 2024, Barnett was given a letter from his doctor that broke some bad news – he potentially had only six months to live if the cancer continued to grow.

"When they gave me that letter last year, it got real," he reflected.

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"That note said, 'If the cancer gets aggressive, you have six months to live.' I saved it, looked at it every day, and it beat me up."

Barnett’s doctors informed him that the best way to regain his health would be to lose weight – and he knew it was time to get motivated and act.

"I was like, ‘OK, we can do this,’" he told SWNS. "I’m a fruit-aholic. I went on a major fruit diet basically."

Barnett began limiting his diet to "very tiny meals" throughout the day, involving lots of his favorite fruits.

"I can eat a whole watermelon in a day, but I also eat apples, oranges and grapes — whatever’s in season," he said.

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"I do protein shakes, too. I’m not a vegetarian, but I don’t eat meat much, because it’s too filling for me."

Barnett recently hit a record-low weight of 164 pounds. He reported that he dropped the pounds by following this diet, and that his "scores are looking fantastic."

"I haven’t weighed this since I was probably 15 years old," he said.

Barnett said he still has work to do in toning his muscles to "catch up to the skin loss," but he continues to push forward.

"My clothes are a little too big and baggy, and it’s hard to afford clothing when you lose weight so quickly, but I feel fantastic," he said.

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Barnett has also kept the weight off by staying active, despite his physical limitations.

"I have osteoarthritis in my right knee and need a knee replacement," he revealed. "I can’t go jogging or do stairs, but I do what I can."

He reported that his workouts usually involve sitting in chairs and "using little dumbbells."

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"I’m nonstop, but I do it without hurting myself," he added. "Losing weight is just [about] staying active, finding anything you can possibly do to get off a couch."

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Barnett told SWNS that he will find out the status of his prognosis in February, and that he hopes to inspire others with his successful weight-loss journey.

 "If I can do this, anyone can," he said. "I’ve done everything the doctors told me to do. It’s about eating right, staying active and never giving up."

"I was 55 going on 90," he went on. "Now I’m 55, going back on 20 again."

Barnett hopes to return to work and live a "full, active life," according to SWNS.

"I want to ring that bell next time I see my doctors and tell them I’ve done it," he said. "This is just the beginning."

Elon Musk admits to taking controversial weight loss drug previously opposed by RFK Jr.

30 December 2024 at 14:33

Billionaire entrepreneur and top adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk, touted that he has reaped the benefits of a controversial class of weight-loss drugs, after fellow top Trump adviser, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said the trendy new class of drugs is bad for Americans' health. 

"Ozempic Santa" Musk posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Christmas Day, alongside an image of himself in front of a well-decorated Christmas tree dressed as Santa Claus — but without his signature big belly. "Like Cocaine Bear, but Santa and Ozempic!"

In a follow-up post, Musk clarified that he is taking the brand-name version called Mounjaro, but said the clunky name didn't "have the same ring to it."

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Musk has been tapped by Trump — along with former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy — to head the soon-to-be Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aimed at cutting down on wasteful government spending and red tape. Meanwhile, Kennedy is Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services and, if confirmed, Trump has given Kennedy permission to "go wild on health" as long as he doesn't interfere with Trump's domestic energy goals.

Musk's social media post over the holidays turned heads, considering Kennedy has expressed opposition to semaglutide. Originally developed as a diabetes medication, semaglutide has been used more widely in recent years for its appetite-suppressing effects.

"There's a huge push to sell this to the American people," Kennedy said of the semaglutide medication Ozempic when asked about his thoughts on the medication in October by Fox News' Greg Gutfeld. "They make this drug in Denmark, and in Denmark they do not recommend it for diabetes, or for obesity. They recommend dietary and behavioral changes." 

"They're counting on selling it to Americans because we are so stupid and so addicted to drugs," Kennedy added. He also concluded that the U.S. could solve the obesity crisis in America "overnight" if they just had access to, and ate, better quality food.

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Kennedy has run on a platform to "Make America Healthy Again," but Ozempic, he says, will not help in those efforts. Musk, however, has said that "nothing would do more to improve public health" than making Ozempic more widely available.

During President Joe Biden's final days in office, his administration proposed expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage for semaglutides to make them more widely available for those who want to reap the weight-losing benefits of the drug.   

Besides Musk, Kennedy could also potentially clash with Trump's pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz, who has also expressed support for drugs like Ozempic. 

"I think the amount of good done by these medications by helping people lose weight and improve their cardiovascular system — and it might have long-term benefits in a lot of other areas as well, where obesity causes inflammation — is massive," Oz said last year in a video posted to his Instagram account.

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Kennedy, who very well could become Oz's boss if they are both approved by the Senate, appeared to scale back his criticism of the new weight-loss drug amid his efforts to court support for his nomination from members of Congress.

"The first line of response should be lifestyle. It should be eating well, making sure that you don't get obese," Kennedy said during a quick interview with CNBC on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, before adding that anti-obesity drugs like Ozempic "have a place" in the American medical community.  

Representatives for Musk, Kennedy and the Trump transition team did not provide a comment to Fox News Digital for this story.

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