ZOE Science & Nutrition

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, joins the discussion to explore how we can effectively build healthier food habits. He introduces his four laws for developing positive habits while minimizing procrastination, emphasizing the power of social influence on our choices. Clear highlights the importance of designing our environments to make healthy foods more accessible and visible, offering practical strategies to combat temptations. Small changes can lead to significant improvements in our lifestyle, making healthy eating a more achievable goal.

Dr. Kameelah Phillips, a compassionate gynecologist specializing in menopause, joins Prof. Sarah Berry, an innovative nutrition researcher, to tackle the taboo topics of sleep and intimacy during menopause. They debunk common myths about hormonal changes and share insights on how menopause affects libido and sleep quality. They highlight the importance of a balanced diet in managing symptoms and discuss practical self-care strategies. Empowering listeners, they emphasize the significance of open conversations about aging and wellness.

Professor Tim Spector, an epidemiology expert and co-founder at ZOE, teams up with Dr. Federica Amati, a leading nutritionist and author, to unravel the truth about vitamin D. They discuss the common misconceptions surrounding supplementation and its actual necessity. Hear insights into how sunlight is the best source of vitamin D and the potential risks of overdosing on supplements. The duo also emphasizes a holistic approach to nutrition, highlighting the importance of whole foods and personalized health choices.

Tim Spector, a nutritional science expert and author of "Food For Life," joins Merlin Sheldrake, a fungi specialist, to dive into the fascinating world of mushrooms. They reveal the surprising health benefits and unique nutrients mushrooms offer, along with tips on enhancing their flavor through cooking. Safety in foraging is stressed, including proper identification and cultivation practices. Listeners are encouraged to explore diverse mushroom varieties for a rich culinary experience, making mushrooms a delightful addition to their diets.

Dr. Federica Amati, ZOE's Head Nutritionist and lecturer at Imperial College London, challenges popular beliefs about protein supplements. She discusses the often-misunderstood role of protein in diets, highlighting that most people likely consume enough through regular foods. Amati also critiques the ultra-processed nature of many protein bars and shakes, emphasizing the importance of whole food sources. She addresses common myths around protein needs post-workout and advocates for more balanced nutrition over marketing hype.

Join Professor Tim Spector, a renowned researcher on ultra-processed foods and author of 'Food For Life,' as he teams up with Dr. Chris van Tulleken to unpack the hidden dangers of our everyday diets. They explore why ultra-processed foods are so addictive and the critical differences between them and regular processed items. The duo sheds light on misleading food labels and the deceptive nature of low-fat products, revealing how our choices are often guided by profit-driven marketing rather than genuine health benefits.

Dr. Karan Rajan is an NHS surgeon and health communicator known for debunking medical myths. He dives into the intriguing concept of the gut as the body's 'second brain' and explores its significant role in mental health and cravings. Karan discusses common lifestyle factors that harm gut health, the rise in inflammatory bowel diseases, and the critical impact of antibiotics on gut microbiomes. He emphasizes the need for diverse plant-based diets and unveils why understanding IBS is a complex challenge for both patients and doctors.

Joining the discussion is Dr. Sarah Berry, a professor specializing in sugar science and its alternatives. She tackles whether natural substitutes like honey are indeed healthier than traditional sugar. The conversation highlights the similarities in metabolism between honey and sugar, along with the potential drawbacks of sweeteners like stevia and erythritol. Dr. Berry also addresses misconceptions about agave syrup and stresses the significance of understanding sugar's impact on blood sugar and cravings to make informed dietary choices.

Spencer Hyman, founder of Coco Runners, and Professor Sarah Berry from King's College London, dive into the delicious world of chocolate. They explore the journey from bean to bar, revealing the art of crafting quality chocolate. Spencer shares tips on discerning good chocolate from the bad, while Sarah discusses cocoa's health benefits, including flavanols and theobromine. The duo also addresses the dark side of mass-produced chocolate and the importance of moderation, making you rethink your next chocolate craving!

In this engaging discussion, Professor Tim Spector, a renowned gut microbiome expert and author of "Food For Life," teams up with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz to explore gut health recovery post-antibiotics. They delve into how antibiotics disrupt the balance of good bacteria and the potential of probiotics and fermented foods in restoring gut diversity. Spector emphasizes the role of fiber-rich diets and lifestyle choices in healing. Learn about the surprising links between antibiotic use, diet, and microbiome health in this insightful conversation.