ZOE Science & Nutrition

In this enlightening conversation, Chef Andrew Kojima, a MasterChef finalist and expert in Japanese cuisine, joins Professor Tim Spector, a leading nutrition scientist. They dive into matcha’s rich history and its rising popularity as a wellness trend. Discover the health benefits of matcha compared to coffee, including its calming effects and nutritional advantages. Chef Koj shares traditional preparation techniques and a delicious beginner-friendly matcha latte recipe. The episode concludes with a sweet twist as they taste matcha custard, showcasing its versatile flavor.

Dr. Andy Galpin, Executive Director at Parker University’s Human Performance Center, delves into the multifaceted benefits of strength training beyond aesthetics. He explains how it enhances cardiovascular health, boosts brain function, and is linked to longevity, with grip strength as a key indicator. Andy shares efficient, minimal-equipment workouts for home, discusses proper technique and nutrition, and emphasizes the importance of recovery and building sustainable habits—all while encouraging beginners to embrace strength training for overall well-being.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Rose Anne Kenny, a leading expert in aging studies from Ireland, reveals the surprising impact of social connections on our health. She explains how loneliness affects both mental and physical well-being, linking it to chronic health issues. Kenny shares insights from her groundbreaking research, highlighting that social engagement can be as beneficial as diet and exercise. With actionable strategies for fostering relationships, she emphasizes quality over quantity in connecting with others and the joy of community involvement in promoting healthy aging.

In this enlightening discussion, Professor Tim Spector, an expert in nutritional science, dives into the complexities of carbohydrates. He clarifies the crucial differences between good and bad carbs and emphasizes that the quality of carbs trumps quantity. Tim exposes how ultra-processed foods lead to unhealthy carb consumption, causing energy dips and health complications. He shares insights on the benefits of fiber-rich foods, dispels myths around multigrain labels, and offers practical tips for smarter eating, such as chilling and reheating starchy foods.

Join dermatologist Dr. Justine Kluk, who shares her expertise alongside Prof. Sarah Berry. They delve into essential skin health practices including the importance of sun protection, effective treatments like retinol, and the benefits of antioxidants. The conversation busts popular skincare myths, stressing that traditional methods often outperform trendy solutions. Plus, discover how emotional health influences your skin's condition. It's a revealing look into maintaining youthful skin!

Bryan Johnson, an entrepreneur pouring millions into reversing aging, shares his groundbreaking health interventions. Joining him is Tim Spector, a leading expert in nutrition and the microbiome. They explore the surprising impact of sleep on longevity, debate the science behind health metrics, and unveil the potential of personalized nutrition. Johnson's controversial self-experiments, including blood transfusions and fecal transplants, add intrigue, while Spector highlights the importance of evidence-based food choices for optimal well-being.

Ellen Langer, a Harvard professor renowned for her research on mindfulness, discusses the transformative power of thinking in relation to physical health. She explores how simply shifting our mindset can lead to significant health benefits without the usual sacrifices of time or money. Langer shares fascinating studies showing how mindfulness can positively impact well-being, particularly among the elderly and in unique environments. She emphasizes the importance of observing our perceptions to bridge the gap between expectations and reality, advocating for a more participatory approach in healthcare.

Gabby Reece, a legendary volleyball player and fitness expert, shares her journey of adapting workouts to promote longevity. Joined by Dr. Federica Amati, ZOE's Head Nutritionist, they dive into how our fitness and nutrition needs evolve with age. They discuss the importance of staying active during pregnancy, balancing fitness with family life, and innovative training methods like deep water workouts. Additionally, they emphasize the significance of midlife fitness for injury prevention and overall well-being, encouraging a transformative approach to health at every stage.

In this engaging discussion, Prof. Christopher Gardner, a renowned Stanford professor, dives into the health impacts of red meat versus plant-based alternatives. He critiques the growing trend of meat substitutes, exposing the scientific gaps in advertising claims. The conversation uncovers surprising health benefits of plant-based meats, like lower cholesterol levels. Gardner also offers practical tips on navigating food choices, emphasizing whole foods over processed options to make smarter dietary decisions.

In this insightful conversation, Professor Sarah Berry, a nutrition expert from King's College London and chief scientist at ZOE, dives deep into the world of oats. She discusses the surprising differences between instant, rolled, and steel-cut oats, emphasizing how processing affects their health benefits. Using continuous glucose monitors, they reveal how different oat types influence blood sugar levels. Sarah further addresses concerns about pesticides and examines the nutritional claims of oat milk, offering tips for choosing the healthiest oat options and delicious alternatives.