ZOE Science & Nutrition

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Marcelo Rivolta, a sensory stem cell biology expert from the University of Sheffield, delves into the alarming rise of hearing loss and its shocking link to a 500% increase in dementia risk. He explains how modern headphones and loud concerts can lead to irreversible damage and emphasizes the social isolation caused by communication loss. Dr. Rivolta also shares groundbreaking research on using stem cells to potentially cure hearing loss, offering hope for future treatments in human trials.

Dr. Andrew Jenkinson, a renowned bariatric surgeon and author, unpacks weight regulation and metabolism's intricacies. He challenges the calorie-counting myth, emphasizing the importance of the body's 'weight set point' controlled by hormones like leptin. Discover how modern diets lead to leptin resistance and the dangers of yo-yo dieting. He provides practical food choices to reset your weight set point, including avoiding sugar and embracing mindful eating. Dive into how sleep and stress influence metabolism for a holistic approach to weight loss.

Join Tim Spector, an esteemed epidemiologist focused on nutrition, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, a celebrated chef and food writer, as they advocate for a groundbreaking dietary shift. They propose a tantalizing goal: consuming 30 different plants each week for optimal gut health. Discover why plant variety trumps the old 'five a day' mantra, how making plants the star can transform meals, and practical tips for diversifying your diet. From the benefits of home-cooked spices to travel-friendly plant snacks, they share flavorful ways to enrich your plate!

In this engaging discussion, Prof. Malcolm Findlay, a board-certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist, shares his expertise on heart metrics and wearables. He explains why heart rate variability (HRV) is a key indicator of health and how more variability often signals better heart function. Findlay also highlights the reliability of smartwatch ECGs for diagnosing issues like atrial fibrillation. He demystifies factors affecting HRV, such as stress and sleep, and encourages listeners to utilize wearables for personal health management.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Sarah Berry, a nutrition researcher specializing in cholesterol and heart health, sheds light on common misconceptions around low-fat foods. She explains the critical differences between LDL and HDL cholesterol and how dietary choices affect them. Berry emphasizes that cutting fat doesn't guarantee lower LDL levels and warns that low-fat options may often be misleading. She also highlights the importance of soluble fiber and whole grains in improving cholesterol, offering actionable insights for heart-healthy eating.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Sophie Bostock, a health psychologist and sleep scientist, shares her expertise on transforming sleep habits. She debunks myths about blue light and alcohol's effects on sleep and delves into how sleep deprivation impacts willpower and cognition. Sophie introduces Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) as a more effective alternative to sleeping pills. She also emphasizes the benefits of daily habits and simple techniques to enhance sleep quality, from morning light exposure to managing screen time.

Join chocolate expert Spencer Hyman and nutrition scientist Prof. Sarah Berry as they delve into the surprising health benefits of chocolate. Hyman breaks down the differences between dark, milk, and white chocolate, emphasizing the benefits of craft chocolate methods. Berry shares fascinating insights about flavanols and the impact of chocolate on gut health, vascular function, and disease risk. They also provide practical tips for choosing the right chocolate, making guilt-free indulgence a reality!

Join Professor Tim Spector, a leading epidemiologist and gut microbiome expert, along with Professor Nicola Segata, a computational microbiologist known for her groundbreaking work in metagenomics. They discuss how specific gut bacteria can protect heart health and the alarming impact of detrimental microbes. Learn about three powerful 'good bugs' that promote wellness, actionable dietary tips to nourish them, and how a diverse plant-rich diet can starve off harmful species. Their insights could revolutionize our understanding of gut health!

Dr. Karan Rajan, a medical doctor and science communicator, dives into the essential connection between gut health and overall well-being. He shares practical dietary tips, emphasizing fiber and colorful foods to support a healthy microbiome. Rajan debunks the myth that probiotics are the ultimate solution and advocates for fermented foods as a better alternative. He also discusses the discrepancies between scientific research and market products, helping listeners navigate the gut health hype effectively.

Professor Daniel Davis, an expert in immunology from Imperial College London, shares insights on how the immune system truly functions. He busts myths about immune-boosting supplements and discusses the connection between immunity and mental health. Davis reveals how the immune system can detect cancer and emphasizes the importance of gut health. Listeners learn practical, science-backed ways to stay healthy this winter without falling for trendy fads. His extensive research sheds light on the complexity of immune responses and the significance of a holistic approach to health.