Episodi

  • 1 in 3 people have anxiety. It’s the most common mental health disorder in the world. And many of us know what anxiety feels like: palms sweating before a job interview, losing your appetite before a looming deadline, a pit in your stomach when you get bad news. It’s not just in your head, it’s in your gut.
    Today, we’ll learn how food could help us cope. Our guest explains the rising global trend toward increased anxiety: its rise through the pandemic, and explosion among young people. 
    Dr. Uma Naidoo is on the forefront of nutritional psychiatry. She directs the first hospital-based Nutritional Psychiatry Service in the US, at Massachusetts General Hospital and teaches at Harvard Medical School.
    Uma will help you understand the symptoms and biology of anxiety, painting a picture of the risks it poses for long-term health. And her diet tips will help you fuel your gut for a healthy mind.

    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system
    Follow ZOE on Instagram.

    Timecodes:
    00:00 Change your diet to beat anxiety
    01:23 Quickfire questions
    02:52 What is anxiety?
    05:58 Are humans more anxious now than in the past?
    08:50 This is where anxiety occurs in the brain
    11:29 The gut-brain connection
    12:45 Serotonin: the happiness hormone
    20:05 How gut bacteria impact the brain
    21:20 What happens 2 hours after stress?
    23:10 Foods that disrupt dopamine pathways
    24:50 Is food addiction real?
    30:35 How chronic stress affects hunger
    34:00 The importance of feeding good gut microbes
    41:00 Eat more of these vegetables
    45:02 How to overcome diet anxiety
    49:20 How to use Uma’s ‘Calm’ approach
    53:13 The anti-anxiety plate

    Find Uma's Cauliflower Tikka Massala recipe here
    Get Uma's latest book 'Calm Your Mind With Food'

    📚Books by our ZOE Scientists
    The Food For Life Cookbook
    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati
    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector

    Free resources from ZOE
    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition
    Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks 

    Mentioned in today's episode
    Eat to Beat Stress (2020), published in American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
    Effect of fecal microbiota transplant on symptoms of psychiatric disorders: a systematic review (2020), published in BMC Psychiatry
    A review of dietary and microbial connections to depression, anxiety, and stress (2018), published in Nutritional Neuroscience 

    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.
    Episode transcripts are available here.

  • Today we’re discussing how the food we eat can lower cholesterol.
    It’s an important question, as high cholesterol can increase our chances of developing heart disease. Around half of adults have high cholesterol, and it gets more common as you age.
    So, how can we break this trend?
    Today’s guest, Professor Sarah Berry has led more than 30 human studies on cardio-metabolic health. It’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about heart health and cholesterol.

    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member a zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST

    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

    📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists:
    The Food For Life Cookbook by Prof. Tim Spector
    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector
    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati

    Free resources from ZOE:
    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition 
    Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks

    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here
    Listen to the full episode on Apple or Spotify

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  • A good gynecologist is like a detective. She gathers evidence to diagnose infections. She uncovers the truth behind stages like puberty, pregnancy and perimenopause. Yet many women still feel that their physiology is a mystery. 
    What if a clue to that mystery hides in our diet? Similar to the gut, certain foods make the vaginal microbiome thrive. New research suggests that the right diet could alleviate symptoms of the most common gynecological diseases.
    Dr Jennifer Ashton is former Chief Medical Correspondent at ABC News and is a double-board certified OBGYN. She joins us today to discuss ‘nutritional gynecology’, a term she coined after realizing multiple women’s health issues have a direct relationship to nutrition.
    Alongside Jen is King’s College London professor and ZOE’s Chief Scientist Sarah Berry. Sarah shines light on the growing evidence of the role of nutrition in offsetting uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous, symptoms of menopause.

    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system
    Follow ZOE on Instagram.

    Timecodes:
    00:00 What you eat matters
    02:00 Quickfire questions
    04:05 What gets treated in gynecology?
    07:19 What is the vaginal microbiome?
    11:30 This affects the vaginal microbiome
    13:46 The new field of nutritional gynecology
    15:57 Does estrogen affect appetite?
    17:19 The gut bacteria that breaks down estrogen
    21:22 How food impacts puberty
    23:21 Do glucose spikes affect pregnancy?
    28:35 Symptoms of PCOS
    33:00 Dr Jen explains endometriosis
    37:20 Does diet affect these conditions?
    42:00 How to test diet changes on yourself

    📚Books by our ZOE Scientists
    The Food For Life Cookbook
    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati
    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector

    Free resources from ZOE:
    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition 
    Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks

    Studies relevant to this episode
    Diet and Nutrition in Gynecological Disorders: A Focus on Clinical Studies (2021, published in Nutrients
    Effects of caloric intake timing on insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome (2013), published in Clinical Science
    Weight Regulation in Menopause (2022), published in Menopause
    Menopause, the gut microbiome, and weight gain: correlation or causation? (2020), published in Menopause

    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.
    Episode transcripts are available here.

  • Did you know you can now buy ice cream with added protein? Even breakfast cereals are jumping on the trend, boasting an extra protein punch.
    In nearly every supermarket aisle, you'll spot the catchy slogan "high in protein" plastered across packaging.
    But why is that? Are we not getting enough protein already, or are these high-protein products giving us too much?
    Our guest is Christopher Gardner, a professor at Stanford University and a member of ZOE’s scientific advisory board, who has published widely on the relationship between protein and our health. 

    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member a zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

    📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists:
    The Food For Life Cookbook by Prof. Tim Spector
    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector
    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati

    Free resources from ZOE:
    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition 
    Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks

    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here
    Listen to the full episode on Apple or Spotify

  • Over the last two years, there’s been a rise in “immune-boosting” foods, supplements and trends. Today's guest, immunologist Dr. Jenna Macciochi, believes the immune system doesn’t need boosting. Instead, it should be balanced.
    In this episode, Jenna - a Senior Lecturer in Immunology at the University of Sussex - reveals how your immune system is your body’s housekeeper. Jenna highlights the case for the ‘good bugs’ in our gut microbiome, the role of micronutrients and how our immune system isn’t born, but made.
    We'll also tackle the age-old question: do we really need Vitamin C supplements?

    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

    Follow ZOE on Instagram

    Timecodes:
    01:21 Quickfire questions
    04:51 What is the immune system?
    06:49 How your immune system works
    09:35 What are natural killer cells?
    14:18 Is your immune system inherited?
    16:42 The impact of sleep and stress 
    19:53 Cancer and immunotherapy
    28:23 This can trigger inflammation
    30:25 Are vitamin C supplements worth it?
    31:30 Foods to empower your immune system
    40:10 How inflammation affects your brain
    44:10 New science of the impact of stress
    48:52 Immunity and your body clock

    📚 Get Jenna's book Your Blueprint for Strong Immunity

    📚 Books by our ZOE Scientists:
    The Food For Life Cookbook
    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati
    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector

    Mentioned in today’s episode:
    “Immune Boosting” in the time of COVID: selling immunity on Instagram (2020), published in Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology
    Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold (2013), published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
    Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful (2014), published in Journal of Immunology Research

    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.
    Episode transcripts are available here.

  • Today we’re discussing why muscle strength is so important to our health.
    Our guest tells us how it's possible to harness the power of your muscles to enhance your quality of life. Professor Karyn Esser is from the Department of Physiology and Aging at the University of Florida. 
    We kick off with a surprising quirk of human anatomy. Did you know that there’s one time of day when we’re all at our strongest?

    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member a zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST

    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

    📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists:
    The Food For Life Cookbook by Prof. Tim Spector
    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector
    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati

    Free resources from ZOE:
    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition 
    Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks

    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here
    Listen to the full episode on Apple or Spotify

  • As adults, food shopping can be a minefield. But when it comes to feeding your kids, the stakes are even higher. Our food environment is rife with misinformation. Brightly coloured labels on packaged, often ultra-processed foods promise high protein, high fibre and low calories. The additives, emulsifiers and mountains of added sugar are hidden in the small print. 
    So how can parents navigate this confusing landscape? Today, we hear from two of the UK’s most-trusted nutritionists (and both parents of small children) on how to keep your kids eating well. 
    Rhiannon Lambert has authored four books, including recent Sunday Times bestseller The Science of Plant-Based Nutrition. Half a million people follow her for nutrition advice on Instagram. ZOE’s Head Nutritionist, Imperial College London lecturer and bestselling author of Every Body Should Know This, Dr. Federica Amati, joins Rhiannon for today’s conversation.

    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system
    Follow ZOE on Instagram.

    Timecodes:
    00:00 Food shopping is a struggle
    01:53 Quickfire questions
    04:10 What’s the problem with children’s food?
    10:05 Why more kids are at the dentist than ever before
    12:32 Can you trust food labels?
    19:35 How to improve your child’s lunchbox
    23:55 Stress-free ways to keep your kids healthy
    25:48 Healthy kids food on a budget
    29:05 Make your home a healthy food environment
    36:23 Healthy breakfast ideas for kids
    39:52 Should you give your kids cereal?

    Rhiannon's latest books:
    The Science of Plant-based Nutrition
    The Science of Nutrition

    Books from our ZOE Scientists:
    The Food For Life Cookbook
    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati
    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector

    Mentioned in today’s episode:
    Bite Back 2030 Report 'Are food giants rigging the system against child health?'
    ZOE’s famous pancake recipe
    Our episode on emulsifiers with Dr Federica Amati | Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.
    Episode transcripts are available here.

  • Today we're discussing how to build a healthy habit. Making changes to our lifestyle can be hard. Our behaviours are often hardwired, ingrained into a regular routine that is reluctant to budge. So, what can we do to make a new habit stick?
    Author of Atomic Habits James Clear is here to tackle this question. He has four simple steps that will significantly increase your chance of success.
    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member a zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST

    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

    📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists:
    The Food For Life Cookbook by Prof. Tim Spector
    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector
    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati

    Free ZOE resources to try:
    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition 
    Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks

    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here
    Listen to the full episode on Apple or Spotify

  • Menopause can disrupt sleep, emotions, and intimacy. Yet much of this remains taboo. Whilst every woman will go through menopause, these highly personal questions are hard to confront. Questions like: Does lack of sleep lead to problematic weight gain? And why does intimacy feel so hard to rekindle?
    In this episode, Dr. Kameelah Phillips joins us to bring clarity and compassion to these sensitive questions. She debunks the biggest myths around sleep, intimacy and emotional wellbeing in menopause. Her energy and positivity will empower you to thrive in this stage of life. Kameelah is joined by ZOE’S Chief Scientist Professor Sarah Berry who shares details of ZOE’s groundbreaking new menopause research.
    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system
    Follow ZOE on Instagram.

    Timecodes:
    00:00 The silent consequences of menopause
    01:40 Quickfire questions
    04:06 When does menopause start?
    05:08 What causes hormonal chaos?
    10:20 Biggest menopause myths
    12:30 ZOE’s new menopause research
    19:52 Does menopause lower libido?
    24:16 Sex myths in menopause
    25:14 Does testosterone increase libido?
    29:15 How menopause affects sleep
    38:59 Does exercise impact sleep and sex?
    42:08 Weight loss during menopause
    43:19 Does HRT affect sleep and intimacy?

    Books by our ZOE Scientists:

    The Food For Life Cookbook

    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati

    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector


    Mentioned in today's episode:


    Menopause Is a Key Factor Influencing Postprandial Metabolism, Metabolic Health and Lifestyle: The ZOE PREDICT Study (2022), published in Current Developments in Nutrition



    Diet may counteract menopause metabolism change, ZOE study shows (2024), published by ZOE



    Menopause weight gain and why you should stop dieting (2024), published by ZOE 


    Spotlight on the Gut Microbiome in Menopause: Current Insights (2022), published in International Journal of Women’s Health



    Sleep disturbances may contribute to weight gain in menopause (2021), published by Endocrine Society



    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.
    Episode transcripts are available here.

  • Vitamin D is the world’s favorite supplement. Governments around the world recommend people take the supplement for at least six months out of the year. But do we really need these pills? Do they even work? And could they actually be harming us?
    In this episode, two ZOE scientists - Professor Tim Spector and Dr Federica Amati reveal the truth about vitamin D.
    Tim is scientific co-founder of ZOE and professor of epidemiology at King’s College London. Federica is head nutritionist at ZOE and author of the Sunday Times bestseller ‘Every Body Should Know This’.
    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member a zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system
    Follow ZOE on Instagram.

    Timecodes:
    00:00 The sunshine vitamin
    01:50 Quickfire questions
    04:05 What is vitamin D?
    07:12 Is sunlight the best source of vitamin D?
    09:40 Does vitamin D keep my bones strong?
    15:34 Are vitamin D levels a marker of good health?
    20:00 What counts as normal levels of vitamin D? 
    24:42 Supplement controversy
    29:10 Do calcium supplements help bones?
    31:29 Can I take too much vitamin D?
    37:50 Could vitamin D prevent these health conditions?
    42:54 Tim’s sunscreen controversy
    46:46 Vitamin D and immunity

    Books by our ZOE Scientists:

    The Food For Life Cookbook

    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati

    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector


    Mentioned in today’s episode:

    The VITAL Trial - Principal results of the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) and updated meta-analyses of relevant vitamin D trials (2020), published in The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology



    Cut-points for associations between vitamin D status and multiple musculoskeletal outcomes in middle-aged women (2016), published in Osteoporosis International



    Assessment of the genetic and clinical determinants of fracture risk: genome wide association and mendelian randomisation study (2018), published in British Medical Journal



    Other ZOE Science & Nutrition episodes to try:

    What to eat to avoid osteoporosis with Prof. Tim Spector & Prof. Cyrus Cooper | Listen on Apple or Spotify


    Mushrooms as medicine: Uncovering the health secrets of fungi | Listen on Apple or Spotify



    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.
    Episode transcripts are available here.

  • Today we’re discussing mushrooms. Neither animal nor plant, mushrooms are entirely unique. Their novel chemistry provides us with powerful - and often surprising - health benefits.
    So, how can we take advantage of this mushroom magic?
    Tim Spector and fungi expert Merlin Sheldrake explain how and why you should invite more mushrooms into your diet.

    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com for 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

    Free resources from ZOE:


    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition 

    Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks

    MenoScale Calculator - learn about your symptoms


    📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists:


    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector


    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati


    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here
    Listen to the full episode here

  • Protein-rich diets have been popular for some time. Everything from chocolate bars to ice cream promises to be ‘high protein’. Influencers and media outlets seem to rave about the weight loss and muscle building potential of eating a lot of protein.
    But when it’s added as an extra ingredient - sometimes with emulsifiers and sugar - is it really helping our muscles grow?
    Today, ZOE's Head Nutritionist Dr. Federica Amati reveals the truth about protein bars and shakes, cutting through the marketing noise to find out how useful these products really are.
    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system
    Follow ZOE on Instagram.

    Timecodes
    00:00 Are protein shakes worth it?
    01:30 What is protein?
    02:59 The liver's surprising role
    03:32 Why do we need protein?
    05:01 You probably don’t need more protein
    07:30 Can I get enough protein from plants?
    09:15 The protein supplement explosion
    11:20 Are protein bars ultra processed?
    15:30 Does extra protein promote weight loss?
    17:33 Should I drink protein shakes?

    Books by our ZOE Scientists

    The Food For Life Cookbook

    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati

    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector


    Mentioned in today's episode


    Dietary protein: an essential nutrient for bone health (2005), published in Journal of the American College of Nutrition 


    Amino acids and immune function (2007), published in British Journal of Nutrition


    A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults (2017), published in British Journal of Sports Medicine


    Is It Time to Reconsider the U.S. Recommendations for Dietary Protein and Amino Acid Intake? (2023), published in Nutrients


    The hidden dangers of protein powders (2022), published by Harvard Medical School, Staying Healthy blog


    Gut microbiota role in dietary protein metabolism and health-related outcomes: The two sides of the coin (2016), published by Trends in Food Science and Technology


    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.
    Episode transcripts are available here.

  • Today we’re discussing ultra processed food.
    Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are everywhere. Many of us eat them over and over again without really understanding the detrimental impact they’re having on our health. 
    But why are these foods so addictive?
    Here to help us identify the ultra-processed parts of our diet are Professor Tim Spector and Dr. Chris van Tulleken.

    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com for 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

    Free resources from ZOE:


    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition 

    Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks

    MenoScale Calculator - learn about your symptoms


    📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists:


    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector


    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati


    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here
    Listen to the full episode here

  • Your body has two brains. And your second brain is your gut. Many think the “gut” is only the stomach - but it’s a network of organs, working together to regulate many different areas of health. When almost half of us suffer with gastrointestinal issues, learning how these organs interact is vital to improving symptoms.
    On this episode, we’re joined by Dr Karan Rajan. When Karan’s not teaching his 10 million social media followers about common medical myths, he’s an NHS surgeon, operating on people’s bowels. Karan will reveal how our GI issues impact way more than just our poo.
    Today, we explore how the gut and brain are connected, the lifestyle factors causing gut health issues and why it’s so hard for doctors to understand IBS.
    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system
    Follow ZOE on Instagram.

    Timecodes:
    00:00 Your second brain is in your gut
    01:39 Quickfire questions
    03:50 Why your gut is more than your stomach
    05:41 Why is digestion so important?
    08:23 How your nervous system impacts gut health
    12:17 Common ways we irritate our gut microbiome
    17:11 Antibiotics and gut health
    23:30 Why gut health starts at birth
    27:25 The mystery of IBS
    30:19 IBS vs IBD
    35:07 Why is bowel cancer on the rise?
    37:19 How to keep your gut happy
    41:32 Do probiotic supplements work?
    45:48 Why fermented foods are so powerful
    48:01 Can good gut health improve mental health?
    49:30 How often should you go to the toilet?
    54:50 Should we hold in farts?

    Get Karan's book 'This Book Could Save Your Life' here

    Mentioned in this episode:


    Worldwide Prevalence and Burden of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Results of Rome Foundation Global Study (2021), published in Gasteroenterology 


    IBS Facts and Statistics, published by International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders



    Epidemiological analysis reveals a surge in inflammatory bowel disease among children and adolescents: A global, regional, and national perspective from 1990 to 2019 – insights from the China study (2023, published by Journal of Global Health



    Other ZOE Science & Nutrition episodes you might like:

    Why are young people getting colon cancer?

    Why one in ten children have a food allergy


    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.
    Episode transcripts are available here.

  • Today, we’re discussing sugar. It's well known that too much sugar is bad news. But for those of us with a sweet tooth, could swapping in natural sugar alternatives like honey be a healthier way to satisfy our cravings?
    Or are we jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire?
    Professor Sarah Berry is here to explain the science of sugar.

    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com for 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

    📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists:


    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector


    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati


    Free resources from ZOE:


    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition 

    Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks

    MenoScale Calculator - learn about your symptoms


    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here
    Listen to the full episode here

  • Humans have been in love with chocolate for thousands of years. But not all chocolate is created equal, both in terms of health and taste. In this episode, chocolate expert Spencer Hyman and Professor Sarah Berry will take us on a trip into cacao. They’ll teach us what distinguishes good chocolate from bad chocolate and how we can beat our impulse to binge. 
    Spencer breaks down how to produce craft chocolate. In six steps he will show us how we get from bean to bar. Sarah shares research into the health benefits of chocolate with a focus on fibre, flavanols and theobromine. They will also look at the controversy around the association between chocolate and heart health. 
    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com for 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system
    Follow ZOE on Instagram.

    Timecodes:
    00:00 Can chocolate be healthy?
    01:32 Quickfire questions
    03:37 From cacao bean to chocolate bar
    05:30 What is cocoa butter?
    08:03 Healthy chemicals in chocolate
    09:19 Is chocolate healthier than other treats?
    14:16 Why chocolate melts in your mouth
    16:20 Chocolate and cholesterol
    23:30 Why savouring flavour improves health
    23:25 Can we trust the chocolate industry?
    33:00 Is mainstream chocolate healthy?
    40:30 The unhealthiest ingredient in chocolate
    43:45 Craft chocolate tasting session
    44:45 How to make your chocolate last longer

    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.
    Episode transcripts are available here.

  • Today, we’re discussing Antibiotics. These incredible medicines target bacterial infections and save countless lives, but they don’t discriminate - killing off our good bacteria and impacting our gut health too. 
    Some experts suggest probiotics as a solution. But do they really help? And can fermented foods be the answer to reversing the damage to your gut microbiome? 
    Professor Tim Spector and Dr Will Bulsiewicz are here to help you understand what to do to boost your gut health after taking antibiotics.

    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com for 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

    📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists:


    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector


    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati


    Free resources from ZOE:


    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition 

    Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks

    MenoScale Calculator - learn about your symptoms


    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here
    Listen to the full episode here

  • The internet is panicking that seed oils cause inflammation and disease. Yet, they're everywhere. Canola, sunflower, safflower oil - these are all seed oils.
    So why is there so much fear? And are any of the accusations true?
    In this episode, we unpack the science of seed oils. With Professor Sarah Berry's expertise, we simplify what seed oils are, what the latest science says and why countless videos online say they’re toxic. 
    Sarah Berry is a professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King's College London and Chief Scientist at ZOE. She reveals the surprising truth about seed oils and tips to navigate a world full of them.
    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com for 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system
    Follow ZOE on Instagram.

    Timecodes
    00:00 Seed oils are in everything
    02:07 Quickfire questions
    03:29 What is seed oil?
    05:31 Are seed oils full of chemicals?
    10:41 Why are seed oils everywhere?
    12:46 3 types of fat you should understand
    19:32 Are seed oils toxic?
    24:03 Is omega 6 dangerous?
    26:57 These fats reduce disease risk
    29:24 Key seed oil science 
    37:15 Are seed oils unnatural?
    44:57 Seed oil vs palm oil
    49:50 Is it safe to cook with seed oil?

    Books by our ZOE Scientists

    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati


    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector 

    Fibre Fuelled by Dr Will Bulsiewicz


    Free resources from ZOE:


    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition 

    Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks

    MenoScale Calculator - learn about your symptoms


    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.
    Episode transcripts are available here.

  • Today, we’re discussing the health benefits and potential harms of the world’s most popular drink - Coffee.
    We drink 2 billion cups of the stuff every day. But how much coffee is bad for your health?
    Coffee expert James Hoffmann and leading scientist Prof. Tim Spector are here to help us understand.

    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com for 10% off with code PODCAST
    🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+
    *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

    📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists:


    Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector


    Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati


    Free resources from ZOE:


    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition 

    Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks

    MenoScale Calculator - learn about your symptoms


    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here
    Listen to the full episode here

  • Half of the world’s population will go through menopause. Yet research shows that a large proportion of women do not feel informed and equipped for menopause. In this episode, we reveal the results of a brand new study that highlight the impact of diet on menopause symptoms.
    Davina McCall is a British household name and much-loved TV presenter on a mission to change this. Her 2022 book Menopausing provided a roadmap for women to be fearless in tackling this stage of life. She has her own very personal menopause story and today, she shares it with us.
    Together with ZOE’s Chief Scientist, Prof. Sarah Berry, we’re having an honest and open conversation about perimenopause and menopause.

    🤲 MenoScale Calculator - Track your menopause symptoms with our free tool 👉 zoe.com/menoscale
    🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com for 10% off with code PODCAST
    Follow ZOE on Instagram here.

    Timecodes
    00:00 Every woman goes through this
    02:20 Quickfire questions
    04:25 Davina’s menopause experience 
    14:16 What happens during menopause
    15:20 The impact of estrogen decline
    17:40 How long does perimenopause last?
    18:30 Is there a blood test for menopause?
    24:20 What menopause symptoms are most common?
    32:35 Does everyone get symptoms?
    35:54 Does menopause increase disease risk?
    39:15 Should you consider HRT?
    45:30 Davina’s life changing experience
    47:40 ZOE’s new study on diet and menopause
    52:33 Can ZOE membership improve menopause symptoms?
    54:26 Can supplements improve menopause symptoms? 
    56:21 Gut microbiome health in perimenopause
    58:26 Davina’s tips for exercise in menopause

    Free resources from ZOE:


    Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition 

    Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks

    MenoScale Calculator - learn about your symptoms


    Mentioned in this episode:


    Menopause is associated with postprandial metabolism, metabolic health and lifestyle: The ZOE PREDICT study (2022), published in eBioMedicine



    Sex and Menopausal Status Modulate the Impact of Meal Timing on Postprandial Glucose: Data From the ZOE PREDICT 1 Study (2024), published in Current Developments in Nutrition



    Management of menopause: a view towards prevention (2022), published in The Lancet: Diabetes and Endocrinology 



    Menopause: a cardiometabolic transition (2022), published in The Lancet: Diabetes and Endocrinology 



    Treating menopause — MHT and beyond (2022), published in Nature



    The Menopause Transition: Signs, Symptoms, and Management Options (2020), published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism



    Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.
    Episode transcripts are available here.