

ZOE Science & Nutrition
ZOE
The world’s top scientists explain the latest health, nutrition, and gut health research and translate it into practical advice to improve your health & weight. Join ZOE Science & Nutrition, on a journey of scientific discovery. Hosted by Jonathan Wolf.
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 15min
Recap: Tips to help prevent Alzheimer’s | Drs. Ayesha & Dean Sherzai
Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai, expert neurologists specializing in brain health, delve into the rising rates of Alzheimer’s and the vital role lifestyle choices play in prevention. They introduce their NEURO framework focusing on nutrition, exercise, stress relief, restorative sleep, and cognitive engagement. Emphasizing plant-forward diets like MIND and Mediterranean, they highlight the crucial benefits of key nutrients such as B12, vitamin D, and omega-3s, showing how simple dietary changes can significantly reduce Alzheimer’s risk.

133 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 44min
ZOE’s best health tips of 2025 - Part 1
Join endurance athlete Rich Roll, who shares his inspiring journey through sobriety and plant-based eating, revealing how small dietary changes can spark big health improvements. Professor Tim Spector discusses the impacts of chronic inflammation and the surprising benefits of broccoli and fermented foods. Neurologists Ayesha and Dean Shirzai explain how Alzheimer's develops over decades and emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle to prevent cognitive decline. Together, they provide science-backed tips that could transform your health in the coming year.

38 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 17min
Recap: Is it time for you to try fasting? | Dr Valter Longo & Tim Spector
Dr. Valter Longo, a pioneer in fasting research, and Tim Spector, a genetic epidemiologist, delve into the transformative powers of fasting. They explain how even short fasts can trigger beneficial cellular processes like autophagy and manage metabolism. Longo highlights his fasting-mimicking diet, which replicates fasting benefits without total deprivation, especially for type 2 diabetes. Spector shares insights from a massive study on time-restricted eating, emphasizing the importance of sustainable fasting over extreme measures for lasting health advantages.

80 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 46min
Healthier holiday eating with smart food swaps | Dr Federica Amati
In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Federica Amati, Head Nutritionist at ZOE and a gut health expert, unpacks how holiday feasting impacts our bodies. She offers smart food swaps to enjoy festive treats without guilt. The conversation dives into the myths around Christmas eating, the effects of processed foods on gut health, and the importance of moderation. Federica also shares delectable, healthier recipe ideas that keep the joy of tradition while nurturing our wellbeing. It's a guide to indulging wisely this holiday season!

48 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 12min
Recap: The truth about artificial sweeteners | Eran Elinav & Tim Spector
Join immunologist Eran Elinav and epidemiologist Tim Spector as they dissect the surprising truths behind artificial sweeteners. They reveal how these sweeteners can alter gut health and disturb blood sugar control, with colorful tales of saccharin's effects in mice. Elinav shares intriguing data on individual responses in humans, while Spector offers practical strategies to break free from sweet cravings. Together, they unveil why we need to rethink our reliance on low-sugar options for better health.

184 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 58min
Sleep, stress and exercise: your longevity toolkit | Kayla Barnes-Lentz
Join Kayla Barnes-Lentz, a pioneering longevity expert, and Federica Amati, a seasoned nutritionist, as they delve into the science of aging gracefully. Kayla shares her remarkable recovery from chronic fatigue through lifestyle tweaks, emphasizing the importance of personalized health plans, especially for women. They explore practical strategies like optimizing sleep, enhancing oral health, and embracing a diverse, plant-rich diet. Discover how small daily habits can lead to a longer, healthier life while still enjoying the journey!

8 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 13min
Recap: Scrappy ways to eat healthier and save money | Carleigh Bodrug & Will Bulsiewicz
Food writer Carleigh Bodrug and gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz team up to tackle the global crisis of food waste. They reveal that 40% of food is wasted and share how household habits contribute to this problem. Carleigh emphasizes the benefits of using your senses over best-before dates and offers smart meal planning tips to save money while eating healthier. Will explains how freezing bread increases resistant starch, benefiting gut health. Together, they show that simple changes can lead to financial savings and a more sustainable kitchen.

153 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 56min
What to eat (and avoid) in a world full of plastic | Dr. Sabine Donnai
Dr. Sabine Donnai, a longevity clinician and microplastics expert, dives deep into the pervasive issue of plastic in our lives. She explains how microplastics infiltrate our bodies, crossing barriers like the blood-brain barrier. The discussion highlights the health risks associated with chemicals like BPA, including inflammation and hormonal disruptions. Dr. Donnai offers practical strategies for reducing plastic exposure, including dietary changes that support detoxification. Tune in to learn how to navigate a plastic-filled world and protect your health!

Nov 18, 2025 • 11min
Recap: Understanding endometriosis and PCOS | Dr Jen Ashton
Today we’re talking about gynaecological health.
Conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome are more common than might think. Yet they’re often misunderstood, frequently undiagnosed, and are all too easily dismissed.
That’s why it’s essential for us to build a clear understanding of these conditions: How lifestyle factors can influence them, and when it’s time to seek expert care.
America’s gynecologist, Dr Jen Ashton, joins me to break down these complex conditions. Helping you to feel more informed and empowered in your own body.
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📚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
Ferment 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
Better Breakfast Guide
Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here
Listen to the full episode here

122 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 4min
Fermented foods: what to eat to cut inflammation | Prof. Tim Spector
Professor Tim Spector is a leading scientist in gut health, co-founder of ZOE, and author of "Ferment." In this engaging discussion, he uncovers the health benefits of fermented foods like yogurt and cheese, debunking myths around their effects on the body. Tim shares insights from a Stanford study linking fermented foods to reduced inflammation and improved mood. He emphasizes practical ways to incorporate these foods into daily life and explains the science behind why fermented options are more nutritious and beneficial than we realize.


