Since 2006, I’ve had the privilege of practicing primary care, and one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been witnessing the undeniable power of nutrition in improving health. Early in my career, I realized that many conventional dietary guidelines lacked nuance and often relied on outdated information. For years, I’ve recommended nutrient-dense foods, like eggs, to my patients, while cautioning against the so-called “healthy” cereals filling grocery store shelves.

On December 19, 2024, the FDA validated what functional medicine practitioners have known for years: eggs are officially healthy, and sugary cereals no longer meet the criteria for a “healthy” food. This is the first major update to the FDA's "healthy" food guidelines since 1994. Moments like this leave me feeling deeply validated as a practitioner.

Functional Medicine Is Ahead of the Curve

Functional medicine has always been rooted in the latest scientific evidence, not in outdated dietary myths or marketing gimmicks. For decades, eggs were unfairly demonized because of concerns about cholesterol, while cereals were glorified as the epitome of a balanced breakfast. Functional medicine, however, takes a more nuanced, science-based approach.

Eggs are nutrient powerhouses, packed with:

• High-quality protein to support muscle repair and overall health.
• Choline, which is essential for brain health and cognitive function.
• Vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, B12, and selenium.

Meanwhile, most cereals are loaded with:

• Added sugars that spike blood sugar and insulin levels.
• Refined grains that provide little nutritional value.
• Preservatives and artificial ingredients that contribute to inflammation.

For years, I’ve confidently guided my patients toward whole, nutrient-dense foods like eggs while urging them to avoid the processed cereals marketed as “healthy.”

A Moment of Validation

This FDA announcement is more than just a policy update; it’s a validation of what functional medicine practitioners have been advocating all along. The mainstream medical community is finally catching up to what we’ve known through evidence-based research: food is medicine, and not all “healthy” labels are created equal.

It’s frustrating when patients receive contradictory advice from so-called experts. One day, eggs are bad for you. The next, they’re good. This is why functional medicine is so powerful—it follows the most updated science to guide personalized care.

If your nutritional guidance hasn’t evolved since 1994, it’s time to reconsider what you’re offering your patients.

Why Functional Medicine Matters

Functional medicine equips practitioners with the tools to see beyond outdated paradigms and look at the bigger picture. It’s not just about what’s trendy; it’s about lifestyle medicine grounded in the latest research.

As practitioners, we are responsible for educating patients and challenging outdated guidelines. This FDA announcement serves as a reminder to stay steadfast in our commitment to evidence-based care. It also reinforces the importance of our functional medicine community, where we exchange knowledge and collaborate to advance patient outcomes.

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Final Thoughts

The FDA’s decision to recognize eggs as healthy is a milestone, but it’s just the beginning. Moments like these remind us why we choose to practice functional medicine: to stay ahead of the curve, to advocate for evidence-based care, and to empower patients to live healthier, fuller lives.

To my fellow practitioners: keep trusting the science. To those new to functional medicine: welcome to a community that champions better health for all.

We’ve been right about eggs, and we’ll continue to be right about so much more.

- Yousef Elyaman, MD, IFMCP
Founder of FMP Essentials

References:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA updates "healthy" claim, providing refreshed tool for consumers. FDA website. Published December 19, 2024. Accessed January 3, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-updates-healthy-claim-providing-refreshed-tool-consumers 
2. Aubrey A. FDA revamps rules for "healthy" food labels, reflecting modern nutrition science. NPR website. Published December 19, 2024. Accessed January 3, 2025. https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/12/19/nx-s1-5234143/fda-healthy-food-labels-diet