Evidence shows that all over the world, people are snacking more — with the United Kingdom and the United States leading the way in unhealthy snacking habits. But what exactly counts as a snack? And is all snacking unhealthy? Snacking can be a confusing and controversial topic. There are various opinions and myths about what's good for you. Many people struggle to make healthy choices, while others may be unaware of the impact of snacking habits on their gut health and overall well-being. In tod...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’ve all wrestled with diarrhea at some point. It comes in many forms. And being able to read these differences can help us understand what’s going on inside us and how we should treat it. In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Dr. Will ask: What are the health risks associated with diarrhea, and how can we treat it? Follow ZOE on Instagram. If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to joinzoe.com/podcast and get 10% off your personalized nutrition pr...
Jun 15, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast How much do you know about menstrual cycles? About half of us are more informed than the other half. The menstrual cycle has great significance, affecting various aspects of health. And more than 90% of people who get their periods experience premenstrual symptoms. However, misconceptions and limited understandings abound, leaving many people in the dark. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Hazel Wallace. She’s a medical doctor, nutritionist, and author of The Female Factor. She’s here to give u...
Jun 08, 2023•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a lot more common than you might think. In fact, it affects 1 in 10 people globally. Yet there are still a lot of questions about why it occurs and how best to treat it. Could new research connecting gut health to mental health help us unravel its mysteries? In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Dr. Will ask: What exactly is IBS, and how does it connect to our brains? Follow ZOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe/ Download ou...
Jun 01, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, including a decline in muscle mass and cognitive function. For many of us, exercise and diet play crucial roles in maintaining our health and well-being. But how can the protein we eat affect our abilities to exercise and stay healthy as we age? It can be difficult to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the effects of protein. How much do we need? Is it better to eat protein before or after exercise? And what roles do protein and exercise p...
May 25, 2023•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’ve probably all been reprimanded for eating too fast at the dinner table or suffered the dreaded “itis” from eating way too much food at a family gathering. Our society and the systems we’ve developed to feed it have ballooned to such a point that they easily override our natural bodily systems that tell us when we’ve had enough to eat. When nearly 50% of the United States population is projected to have obesity by 2030, can something as simple as changing the speed with which we eat really b...
May 18, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Menopause is a time of significant hormonal changes which can lead to a range of symptoms that can severely impact quality of life for many women. So, a drug that promises to reduce these symptoms is incredibly welcome, but it has been steeped in controversy. HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) has been widely debated, with conflicting information about its effectiveness, with some suggesting HRT is outright dangerous. In fact, a massive study twenty years ago linked it to an increased risk of bre...
May 11, 2023•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast “Omega 3s,” - we’ve all seen the name Omega 3s advertised on labels from nuts to seeds and even eggs! But are these fats healthy for us, or is this just another food myth? In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Sarah ask: Is fish oil and omega 3 intake essential or is this just another food myth? Follow ZOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe/ Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguide Studies referenced in the episode: H...
May 04, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ultra-processed foods have become ubiquitous in modern diets. Many of us eat them regularly without understanding their potential impacts on our health. From hidden additives to addictive properties, these highly processed foods can pose risks. Navigating the complex world of ultra-processing can be challenging, and many people struggle to understand what to avoid, how to break unhealthy habits, and make positive changes to their health. In today’s episode, Jonathan is joined by a special guest,...
Apr 27, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Sarah ask: If nuts are so full of fat, can they really be good for us? There is no shortage of variety when it comes to the mighty (yet humble) nut and the ways we consume them. Dried, chopped, made into butter or roasted (over an open fire, anyone?) these little guys provide the nutrients our brains and bodies need in surprisingly high quantities. From industrially farmed to indigenously hand-harvested, the story of these nuts is...
Apr 20, 2023•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Proteins, carbs, and fats … most people understand what the last two are. Carbs are sugars, and fat is, well, fat. It's protein that’s so important to our diets, but so often misunderstood — by the general public, that is. Since the 1950s and 1960s, scientists have been measuring how protein affects our performance, how it supports and maintains the body’s structure, and how best to incorporate it into our diets. From big steaks to protein shakes, tofu to seitan, protein is more available now th...
Apr 13, 2023•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast Trans fats have a bad reputation. But we now know a lot more about these fats than we did when the first horror stories about them emerged. So, based on the latest science, just how worried should we be? Listen to today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition to find out. Follow ZOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe/ Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguide Studies referenced in the episode: Hydrogenation of Unsaturated Fats and Trans Fats E...
Apr 06, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast A miracle weight loss drug that’s approved in the US and the UK and has few side effects? Ozempic is going viral on social media. Users are posting dramatic before and after pictures of their weight loss. An Ozempic trend is allegedly blossoming in Hollywood, and famous personalities like Elon Musk claim to have taken it. Many remain doubtful, dismissing the craze as just another internet scam preying on people’s insecurities. However, earlier this month - semaglutide - the drug’s active ingredi...
Mar 30, 2023•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Nightshade vegetables — even the name is ominous. Some people believe they exacerbate arthritis and can cause inflammation. So, should we avoid them? In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Will ask: What are nightshade vegetables, and how can they benefit our bodies? Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguide Studies referenced in the episode: Potato glycoalkaloids and adverse effects in humans: an ascending dose study Effect of ...
Mar 23, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you had to do just one thing to improve your health, what would it be? Our busy lives mean it can be difficult to keep up healthy habits, and with so much conflicting advice out there it’s tricky to separate fact from fiction. In today’s episode, Jonathan is joined by medical doctor, journalist, and presenter Michael Mosley, who is alongside ZOE regular Tim Spector, to discuss Michael’s four key habits to improve our health. Michael’s latest book ‘Just One Thing’ explores these habits and has...
Mar 16, 2023•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast Lactose is usually only discussed in the context of intolerance. This intolerance can make us feel bloated, gassy and uncomfortable. But from cow’s milk to yoghurt and even breast milk, lactose is everywhere! So, can it really be that bad for us? In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, we’re joined by Dr Will B. to find out. Follow ZOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe/ Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguide Studies referenced in...
Mar 09, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Gut health is a topic we talk about a lot at ZOE. The gut doesn’t just fight disease, it boosts our mood, processes energy and so much more. Today’s bonus episode journeys through everything we’ve learnt about gut health so far. And what a myth-busting journey it is! In this episode, Jonathan delves into the microbiome, highlighting the most useful tips from conversations with ZOE’s U.S. Medical Director and resident gut health expert, Will Bulsiewicz, and Tim Spector, one of top 100 most cited ...
Mar 07, 2023•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you were to ask Siri, Alexa, or ChatGPT for medical advice right now, that would be a terrible idea. But with recent developments in technology, this looks set to change. AI has become more intelligent, wearable devices - more accurate, and personalized medicine - increasingly mainstream. But is any of this safe? Should we really trust machines with our health? And will any of this actually happen? In today’s episode, Jonathan speaks to Eric Topol to explore how artificial intelligence may tr...
Mar 02, 2023•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Eggs are nutrient-dense and have a long shelf life. Compared with many other protein sources, they’re on the cheaper side. But they’re not as popular as they used to be. And a lot of this comes down to a debate about cholesterol. In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Sarah ask: What’s the truth about eggs? Follow ZOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe/ Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguide Episode transcripts are a...
Feb 23, 2023•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Why do some people remain fit and healthy in their later years while others become increasingly frail? Researchers from Kings College London have been following thousands of twins for 30 years in an effort to understand how each of us ages differently. And some of their findings will surprise you! In today’s episode, Jonathan speaks to Claire Steves to better understand what all this means, shedding light on how aging works and what we can do about it: Dr. Claire Steves is a senior lecturer at K...
Feb 16, 2023•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast The formal definition for constipation is ‘Having fewer than three bowel movements per week’. But, did you know that you can have a bowel movement every day and still be constipated? Recent data has shown that a quarter of people worldwide have at one point reported symptoms, suggesting that there is so much more to constipation than simply infrequent bowel movements. In today’s short-ish episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Will attempt to dispel some misconceptions about constipati...
Feb 09, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast The cost of living has soared. Energy prices have doubled, and food costs have gone up enormously. As a result, the weekly shopping bill can be shocking. For some, this is merely an inconvenience. But many others face the awful choice between heating their home and maintaining their usual diet. The consequence is that many of us are throwing cheaper ingredients into our shopping baskets to save money. So does this mean that eating healthy is an indulgence that be dropped in favour of cheap ultra...
Feb 02, 2023•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our gut helps fight disease. It processes energy for us and boosts our mood. So, having a healthy gut is extremely important – but there’s still a lot we don’t know. Gut biome tests are a new, exciting technology, but are they the be-all and end-all for dietary decision-making? And are there simpler ways — and tastier ways, perhaps — to tell what’s happening inside our bodies? In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Dr. Will ask: What are the signs of an unhealthy gut? ...
Jan 26, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Blood sugar is one of the rare nutrition topics where everyone agrees: We should avoid big peaks and dips and aim for a steady curve. Spikes cause inflammation, accelerate aging, and lead to type 2 diabetes. Crashes make us feel moody and tired, and crave foods we don’t need. We can control our blood sugar through what and how we eat. But something else affects our blood sugar — physical activity. Exercise has a profound effect on your blood sugar response. Together with your food choices, being...
Jan 19, 2023•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast More than half of us have high cholesterol — and new research suggests that having even slightly raised levels in our 30s could significantly increase our chances of developing heart disease. Medication is a common fix, but it comes with side effects. So, today we’re looking at how much changing our diets can help. In this short (ish) episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Sarah ask: Can we lower our cholesterol by changing our diets? Follow ZOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/...
Jan 12, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast This year, cases of an invasive bacterial infection are rising earlier than usual in the US, the UK and other countries across Europe. The group A Streptococcus bacteria - commonly known as Strep A - usually only causes mild illness. However, things have become severe in some cases, with several children dying in recent weeks. So, should we be worried? And what symptoms should we look out for to help us identify this illness in ourselves and our families? In today’s episode, Jonathan is joined b...
Jan 05, 2023•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to 2023! Whether you partied last night or went to bed early, we’re all in the same boat: a new year means thinking about new year’s resolutions. This tradition dates back 4000 years, so it’s certainly stood the test of time. But are new year’s resolutions a good idea? Or simply a get way to set yourself up to fail? Perhaps science has something to say about this. In this episode, Jonathan speaks with Tara Swart and Sarah Berry, who share techniques that will give you the best chance of ...
Jan 01, 2023•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast You might think what you eat and when are the only factors that play into the health of your diet. But recent research has shown that who you eat with can also play a role. And it could even make your food taste better! In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Sarah ask: Can eating with other people really improve your food? Studies referenced in today’s episode: Associations of family feeding and mealtime practices with children's overall diet quality, published in Appe...
Dec 29, 2022•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast What should I have for dinner? A question you no doubt ask yourself daily. But I bet you don't spend too long coming up with an answer. ZOE's scientific co-founder, Tim Spector, has been trying to answer this question for a decade. If you're a regular listener, you probably know him well. Five years ago, he published the best-selling book, The Diet Myth, and just last month, he released the follow-up, Food for Life, the New Science of Eating Well. In this episode, you'll hear a chapter from the ...
Dec 22, 2022•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast The last decade saw a rise in gluten-free diets. But the number of us with diagnosed gluten intolerance each year hasn’t changed. Eliminating gluten is the only treatment for those with celiac disease, but the rest of us could be doing more harm than good by embracing ultra-processed, gluten-free foods. In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Will ask: Should you be worried about gluten? Studies referenced in the episode: ‘Health Benefits and Adverse Effects of a Gluten...
Dec 15, 2022•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
