Sliced Bread

Listener Angela is a musician, and long-time wearer of Hearing Aids – but as her parents and friends have started reaching an age where they might need them, she’s wondering what advice to give them - and whether paying more for a hearing aid, and potentially going private – would really help?There’s no question – Hearing Aids are Sliced Bread – but can the top end products really deliver on claims they can improve sound, reduce background noise, stream directly from phones or tables, and change what they listen to automatically? And are hearing aids available on the NHS capable of the same? The NHS England wait times described in this episode were accurate at the time of recording, and may have changed. A transcript of this episode is available here: https://downloads.bbc.co.uk/radio4/misc/sliced_bread_hearing_aids_transcript.pdf As always, all of our investigations start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807. PRESENTER: GREG FOOTPRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH

Edinburgh gardener Alan got in touch with Sliced Bread, to ask if he really needs to be spending money on buying and applying plant food or fish, blood and bone meal to his roses and woody perennials? He was keen to know what is in these commercial plant foods that come as a solid, liquid or granule, how often he is supposed to use them, whether they make as much of a difference as they claim, and if he can save money by making his own “mulch” out of fallen leaves? Greg Foot investigates with the help of Gardener’s Question Time’s expert and botanist, Pippa Greenwood – as well as Head of Fertilisers from the Agricultural Industries Confederation Jo Gilbertson. They “dig in” to the claims on the packets, and try to determine if pricey plant foods are the best thing since Sliced Bread?We are looking for more of YOUR suggestions of products to investigate. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.PRESENTER: GREG FOOTPRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH

Do Boiling Water Taps save you money?They're often seen in offices but boiling water taps are increasingly popular for the home kitchen too. They hold hot water at a constant temperature in a tank under your sink and claim to save you money compared to boiling a regular kettle. But does the evidence back up the marketing hype?Listener Jenny got in touch with Sliced Bread because she's upgrading her kitchen and is thinking about investing in a boiling water tap. She's keen to know how the figures for daily use stack up - and if there IS a saving how long it would take before she gets her money back on the original outlay. And then there's maintenance too...Greg is joined in the studio by Jenny and energy expert Mark Thompson to crunch the numbers, along with Debbie Birkbeck from Stopcocks Women Plumbers. We are looking for more of YOUR suggestions of products to investigate. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807 PRESENTER: GREG FOOTPRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND PHIL SANSOM

Grounding Sheets - do they really work?It's perhaps the most-requested product in Sliced Bread history but is there any real science behind grounding (or 'earthing') sheets? The claims made for them are wide and varied - from reducing inflammation and pain, to helping with sleep. How do they do this? Proponents say grounding sheets connect you to the Earth's own electrical field and dissipate electrical charges in your body, built up though everyday activities like wearing rubber-soled trainers. Prices of grounding sheets vary from £30 to £150.Listener Alison is thinking of buying one and wants to know if it could ease pain and help her sleep better. She joins Greg in the studio along with two experts for a deep-dive into the science to find out whether grounding sheets are the best thing since sliced bread - or marketing BS.We are looking for more of YOUR suggestions of products to investigate. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807PRESENTER: GREG FOOTPRODUCERS: SIMON HOBAN AND PHIL SANSOM

Join Professor Nita Forouhi, an expert in population health and nutrition from the University of Cambridge, as she dives into the world of cooking oils. Discover the truth behind costly oils versus regular options and whether coconut and avocado oils are worth the splurge. Unravel the mysteries of harmful trans fats versus beneficial unsaturated fats, and learn how processing methods affect olive oil quality. With a mix of science and practical advice, you'll be empowered to make healthier cooking choices!

In this discussion, Professor Graham Close, a human physiology expert from Liverpool John Moores University, dives into the world of protein powders. He addresses listener Helen’s query on whether whey or plant-based proteins are beneficial for muscle recovery. The conversation clears up myths about protein timing and intake, highlighting the benefits of whole foods. Plus, the environmental implications of protein sources are explored, noting the pros and cons of supplements versus natural foods. It’s a blend of science and practical advice!

Dr. Helen Salisbury, a GP and British Medical Journal columnist, shares insights on the reliability of smart scales in measuring body metrics. Professor Bill Lionheart, an applied mathematics expert, discusses the bioimpedance methods behind these devices. They explore concerns about accuracy, emotional implications of health metrics, and the limitations of smart scales compared to advanced assessments like DEXA scans. The conversation highlights the challenges of interpreting body fat and protein metrics, emphasizing a balanced understanding of health beyond just numbers.

Join listener Robin Brown, who is eager to find budget-friendly insulation for his old Victorian house, and David Farmer, a research fellow from the University of Salford, as they dive into practical home hacks. They explore cost-effective solutions like plastic sheeting, radiator foil, and thick curtains. Discover how these methods can keep the cold out and save on energy bills. With insights from the innovative Energy House project, this conversation is packed with tips for cozying up your home without breaking the bank!

The team has gone through over 100 episodes of Sliced Bread, and carved out five popular products that may well be heading down a chimney to you this Christmas. Greg Foot will share with you the key points from experts we’ve spoken to on Air Fryers, Mascara, Perfume, Running Shoes, and DNA Ancestry Tests - as well as their conclusions in one handy festive slice! We’ve also updated some of the topics too. (The information in this episode was correct at the time of recording.)And as always, all of our investigations start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH

Dive into the world of hair loss with engaging discussions on products like minoxidil and finasteride. Listeners Ian and Kimberley share personal stories, highlighting the effects of male pattern baldness and menopause-related hair loss. An expert joins to disentangle marketing hype from scientific fact, while the efficacy of various treatments is critically examined. From the role of dietary supplements to festive gift recommendations, this conversation leaves no strand unturned in the quest for luscious locks.