ZOE Science & Nutrition

ZOE
  • 4.6 (1.7K)
  • Nutrition
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 3d ago

    How to reduce your heart disease, dementia and cancer risk with 12 everyday high-fibre foods | Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall & Prof Sarah Berry

    Could 12 everyday high-fibre foods really help lower your risk of heart disease, dementia and some cancers?  The world is obsessed with protein, but fewer than 1 in 10 people eat enough fibre. But this year, fiber is making an unexpected comeback. In this episode, legendary chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and ZOE’s Chief Scientist Professor Sarah Berry ask whether fibre is another food trend or a powerful part of our diet that we have overlooked. Taking inspiration from Hugh’s new book High Fibre Heroes, they explore how fibre feeds your gut microbes, helps you feel full and slows the release of sugar into your blood. And, by the end of the episode, you’ll know how to eat more fibre without costly ingredients or difficult recipes, and how to turn familiar foods into simple meals packed with flavour. Are you buying more protein while overlooking the foods your body may need most? The answer could already be in your cupboard, freezer or fridge. 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily30 🌿Let your gut microbes snack on the ZOE Gut Health Bar Build healthy habits. Download the ZOE app today and start your trial for just £2.30 for your first week. 👉 Join ZOE Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes 00:00 Intro 00:57 Why the protein craze may be distracting us 04:51 How fibre may lower your disease risk 10:11 How much fibre do you actually need? 12:03 Why low-fibre food can leave you hungry 14:19 What 30g of fibre actually looks like 16:20 Why fibre diversity matters 18:51 Is fibre maxxing actually healthy? 21:08 The fibre mistake that can cause constipation 21:33 Has the world gone too far on protein? 23:25 Are most of us already eating enough protein? 25:42 How meat can push vegetables off your plate 28:20 Why healthy eating has to taste better 31:01 The 12 everyday foods that boost fibre 33:18 Why frozen peas are a healthy shortcut 35:00 Can frozen peas be healthier than fresh? 36:24 How to make frozen peas taste better 38:28 The mistake that ruins carrots 39:58 Why roasting makes vegetables taste better 42:24 What makes carrots so healthy? 44:31 Can cooked carrots be healthier than raw? 48:06 Kale vs cabbage — which is healthier? 52:18 How to make cabbage actually taste good 53:48 The easiest way to use more beans 54:24 How to start eating more fibre today 📚Books by our ZOE Scientists The Food For Life Cookbook Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati The Appetite Reset by Dr Federica Amati Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector Ferment by Prof. Tim Spector Good Mood Food (preorder) by Prof. Tim Spector Free resources from ZOE The Smart Snacking Guide: How to feed your gut, fuel your day, and snack without guilt The Hormone Harmony Guide: Tuning Your Body’s Internal Orchestra   Eating for Better Brain Health: Your brain-gut blueprint How to eat in 2026 - Discover ZOE’s 8 nutrition principles for long-term health Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks  Better Breakfast Guide Mentioned in today's episode High Fibre Heroes: How to turn 12 everyday vegetables into 100 joyful, health-boosting recipes by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall ZOE’s PREDICT studies: What we’ve learned Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.

  2. 5d ago

    Most replayed moment: The surprising science of weight loss | Alan Aragon & Professor Sarah Berry

    Today we’re talking about fat loss. For decades, we’ve been chasing the perfect weight loss diet. From Atkins to carnivore, countless trends have promised remarkable results, yet fail the test of time. So how do we cut through the noise and find a formula that actually works? In this episode, I’m joined by nutrition researcher Alan Aragon and Professor Sarah Berry to unpack the science behind sustainable fat loss, and explain why, in some cases, the first step toward losing weight might actually involve gaining a little first. 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily30 Get our brand-new app and Gut Health Test designed by world-leading gut health and nutrition scientists to build healthy eating habits 👉 Join ZOE Follow ZOE on Instagram. 📚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 Good Mood Food (preorder) by Prof. Tim Spector Free resources from ZOE The Hormone Harmony Guide: Tuning Your Body’s Internal Orchestra Eating for Better Brain Health: Your brain-gut blueprint How to eat in 2026 - Discover ZOE’s 8 nutrition principles for long-term health 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. Episode transcripts are available here.

  3. Jul 23

    How to eat sugar without gaining weight (crush your cravings and end energy crashes) | Prof Tim Spector & Prof Sarah Berry

    How can you enjoy sugar without gaining weight, fuelling cravings or crashing later in the day? The answer, surprisingly, is not to cut it out. In today’s episode, Professor Tim Spector and Professor Sarah Berry discuss which forms of sugar affect your blood sugar levels most, and what small changes you can make today to reduce the impact. They also explore how sharp blood sugar spikes and dips may affect hunger, energy, inflammation and long-term health. By the end of the episode, you’ll know how to spot hidden sugars, how to avoid the afternoon slump and energy crashes, and, most importantly, how to enjoy cake with less impact on your blood sugar. Sugar is not the enemy. But could a few small changes help you enjoy sweet foods without the cycle of cravings, hunger and energy crashes? 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily30 🌿Let your gut microbes snack on the ZOE Gut Health Bar Build healthy habits. Download the ZOE app today and start your trial for just £2.30 for your first week. 👉 Join ZOE Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes 00:00 Intro 03:28 If fruit is full of sugar, why is it good for us? 08:30 What really happens after you drink a sugary drink? 12:46 Why sugar leaves you hungry a few hours later 16:15 The blood sugar dip that makes you eat 320 extra calories 19:19 The surprising link between sugar and inflammation 22:00 Can blood sugar affect your brain health? 25:25 What the science really says about sugar and cancer 29:25 We've been blaming sugar for the wrong things 31:45 The 2 types of sugar most people confuse 32:35 The hidden sugars lurking in everyday foods 35:32 Why energy drinks may be worse than you think 38:51 Why orange juice may not be as healthy as you think 40:10 Why fruit and fruit juice are not the same thing 43:53 Why some smoothies behave like sugary drinks 45:03 Should you quit sugar completely? 46:46 Are sweeteners helping or keeping you hooked? 49:55 Is honey actually healthier than sugar? 51:40 3 everyday foods with surprisingly high sugar 52:27 How to enjoy cake without the blood sugar crash 55:01 The 10-minute habit that lowers your glucose response 57:15 Why energy drinks may be making your slump worse 58:32 The biggest sugar traps to watch out for 📚Books by our ZOE Scientists The Food For Life Cookbook Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati The Appetite Reset by Dr Federica Amati Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector Ferment by Prof. Tim Spector Good Mood Food (preorder) by Prof. Tim Spector Free resources from ZOE The Smart Snacking Guide: How to feed your gut, fuel your day, and snack without guilt The Hormone Harmony Guide: Tuning Your Body’s Internal Orchestra   Eating for Better Brain Health: Your brain-gut blueprint How to eat in 2026 - Discover ZOE’s 8 nutrition principles for long-term health Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks  Better Breakfast Guide Mentioned in today's episode Dietary Sugar Intake Associated with a Higher Risk of Dementia, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (2024) Sugar-Sweetened and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and Risk of Mortality, AHA (2019) A Twin Study of Acne in Women, Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2002) Bananas and weight loss: What does the science say? Food Order and Impact on Glucose and Insulin Levels, Diabetes Care (2015) Here are 4 ways to help manage your blood sugar Whole Fruits Versus 100% Fruit Juice, BNF (2025) Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.

  4. Jul 21

    Most replayed moment: Why muscle gain matters more than weight loss | Vonda Wright

    Today we’re talking about muscle mass. For many people, losing weight is the ultimate health goal. However, focusing solely on lowering the number on the scale often means overlooking something crucial: muscle mass. We know that increasing muscle makes us stronger, but it also plays a surprising role in metabolism and helps keep unwanted fat at bay. Dr. Vonda Wright joins me to explain why improving your body composition may be the smarter goal for lifelong health. 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily30 Get our brand-new app and Gut Health Test designed by world-leading gut health and nutrition scientists to build healthy eating habits 👉 Join ZOE Follow ZOE on Instagram. 📚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 Good Mood Food (preorder) by Prof. Tim Spector Free resources from ZOE The Hormone Harmony Guide: Tuning Your Body’s Internal Orchestra Eating for Better Brain Health: Your brain-gut blueprint How to eat in 2026 - Discover ZOE’s 8 nutrition principles for long-term health 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. Episode transcripts are available here.

  5. Jul 16

    The 6 rules you need for a long, healthy life and how to cut your risk of dementia, heart disease and cancer | Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel

    What really helps you live a long, healthy life? Can healthy ageing be as simple as a few everyday habits? In this episode, Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, world-leading oncologist, bioethicist and World Health Organization adviser, shares six rules from his book Eat Your Ice Cream that may help lower your risk of dementia, heart disease, cancer and early death.  Ezekiel explores the science of healthy ageing, longevity and disease prevention, and explains why many wellness trends distract us from what matters most. By the end of the episode, you’ll have six practical habits that have the biggest impact on living well for longer. From building stronger relationships and staying mentally active to improving your diet, exercise and sleep, Ezekiel offers a simple framework designed to support health over decades, not weeks. If you want to live a longer, healthier life, are you focusing on the habits that matter most?  🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily30 🌿Let your gut microbes snack on the ZOE Gut Health Bar Build healthy habits. Download the ZOE app today and start your trial for just £2.30 for your first week. 👉 Join ZOE Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes 00:00 Why more exercise may not help you live longer03:49 The book that made a leading doctor furious08:11 Why wellness culture thrives when life feels out of control10:52 What the wellness industry gets wrong about longevity13:05 Are peptides and supplements dangerous?16:28 How much alcohol is safe to drink?18:52 How ultra-processed food affects your brain and body23:49 Is vaping safer than smoking?25:35 Which vitamins and supplements are actually worth taking?28:09 Rule one: The risks that are never worth taking30:12 Is climbing Everest more dangerous than you think?31:27 The number one rule for a longer, healthier life33:35 How loneliness increases your risk of early death35:51 What loneliness does to your immune system and heart37:03 How many close friends do you need for better health?39:20 Is working from home harming your mental health?40:08 How to rebuild your social life when you feel isolated40:52 Four vaccines linked to a lower risk of dementia44:21 Is retirement bad for your brain?45:32 Four simple food rules for better gut health47:56 The three types of exercise you need as you age50:17 How many hours of sleep do you really need?52:24 Is sleep less important than social connection?54:02 Why sleeping pills may not improve your sleep56:13 The one habit that combines all six longevity rules 📚Books by our ZOE Scientists The Food For Life Cookbook Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati The Appetite Reset by Dr Federica Amati Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector Ferment by Prof. Tim Spector Good Mood Food (preorder) by Prof. Tim Spector Free resources from ZOE The Smart Snacking Guide: How to feed your gut, fuel your day, and snack without guilt The Hormone Harmony Guide: Tuning Your Body’s Internal Orchestra   Eating for Better Brain Health: Your brain-gut blueprint How to eat in 2026 - Discover ZOE’s 8 nutrition principles for long-term health Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks  Better Breakfast Guide Mentioned in today's episode Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life by Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel Multivitamins and cognitive health, Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2026) The (un-)Social Brain, Physiological Research (2025) Association between social activity frequency and overall survival, BMJ (2023) The Health and Retirement Study Harvard Study of Adult Development Mistakenly seeking solitude, Journal of Experimental Psychology (2014) Home alone: Remote work, isolation, and mental health, Science (2026) Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.

  6. Jul 14

    Most replayed moment: Omega-3: heart health hero or overhyped? | Dr. Bill Harris and Professor Sarah Berry

    Today, we’re talking about Omega-3. Omega-3 fats have been celebrated, scrutinised, and debated for decades. While some research points to remarkable heart health benefits, other studies suggest they can actually raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. So where does the science stand today? Should we supplement, rely on food, or rethink our approach to omega-3 completely? Dr. Bill Harris and Professor Sarah Berry join me to cut through the confusion, explain omega-3’s role in the body, and share an evidence based approach to this fascinating fatty acid. 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily30 Get our brand-new app and Gut Health Test designed by world-leading gut health and nutrition scientists to build healthy eating habits 👉 Join ZOE Follow ZOE on Instagram. 📚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 Good Mood Food (preorder) by Prof. Tim Spector Free resources from ZOE The Hormone Harmony Guide: Tuning Your Body’s Internal Orchestra Eating for Better Brain Health: Your brain-gut blueprint How to eat in 2026 - Discover ZOE’s 8 nutrition principles for long-term health 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. Episode transcripts are available here.

  7. Jul 9

    Is eating like our ancestors the key to better health? What the Paleo diet gets right, and the 5 ancient diet claims that are dangerously wrong for your heart and gut health | Dr James Cole & Dr Federica Amati

    We all want to eat healthier. The Paleo diet promises exactly that: eat like our ancestors, avoid modern foods, and improve your health. But does it really support your gut, heart and long-term health, or is the story more complicated? In this episode, Dr James Cole, a world-leading expert on prehistoric diets, joins Dr Federica Amati to explore what Paleo gets right and why some of the claims may be dangerously wrong. James explains what ancient evidence tells us about human diets, why the modern-day Paleo diet may go too far in its restrictions, and what that might mean for your heart disease risk and gut health. By the end of the episode, you’ll have ideas on what principles to keep from the Paleo diet, and what rules to avoid. Could trying to eat as our ancestors did force you to cut foods your body actually needs? Before you give up grains, beans or dairy, it may be worth asking what ancient humans really ate. 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily30 🌿Let your gut microbes snack on the ZOE Gut Health Bar Get our brand-new app and Gut Health Test designed by world-leading gut health and nutrition scientists to build healthy eating habits 👉 Join ZOE Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes 00:00 Intro 04:39 What does Paleolithic actually mean? 09:14 How scientists know what ancient humans ate 10:01 What ancient teeth reveal about diet 11:25 Why there was no single Paleo diet 13:16 The myth that ancient humans just ate meat 15:38 Why humans evolved to eat many foods 17:14 Why the human gut got smaller 22:13 How fire changed the human diet 24:02 Were ancient humans cooking plants? 25:51 What modern eating has lost 27:45 Did Paleolithic humans practise cannibalism? 30:37 Should we copy everything our ancestors ate? 32:56 What is the modern Paleo diet? 34:32 What the Paleo diet gets right 37:00 Did our ancestors eat meat every day? 38:18 Why Paleo cuts grains, dairy and beans 39:30 Are lectins in beans really dangerous? 41:27 Why modern Paleo may be based on shaky science 42:20 Is the Paleo diet healthy long term? 44:45 What a healthier Paleo diet would look like 46:17 The processed meat and cancer risk trap 48:37 Is grass-fed beef really better? 50:10 Should you fast like your ancestors? 52:10 How to cut ultra-processed foods without Paleo 56:20 What to eat instead of strict Paleo 📚Books by our ZOE Scientists The Food For Life Cookbook Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati The Appetite Reset by Dr Federica Amati Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector Ferment by Prof. Tim Spector Good Mood Food (preorder) by Prof. Tim Spector Free resources from ZOE The Smart Snacking Guide: How to feed your gut, fuel your day, and snack without guilt The Hormone Harmony Guide: Tuning Your Body’s Internal Orchestra   Eating for Better Brain Health: Your brain-gut blueprint How to eat in 2026 - Discover ZOE’s 8 nutrition principles for long-term health Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks  Better Breakfast Guide Mentioned in today's episode The Paleolithic diet and chronic disease risk, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (2026) Long-term Paleolithic diet is associated with increased serum TMAO concentrations, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition Evidence for mitigation of dental caries by Neanderthals, PLOS One (2026) Evidence for the diets of Neanderthals and early modern humans, PNAS (2009) Long-term effects of a Palaeolithic-type diet, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2014) The Big IF Study: What did we find? The Expensive-Tissue Hypothesis, International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2018) Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.

  8. Jul 7

    Most replayed moment: Why breast cancer screening should be personalised | Dr. Thais Aliabadi

    Today we’re talking about breast cancer. Here at ZOE, we know that health is deeply personal - and breast cancer risk is no different. Your likelihood of developing breast cancer is shaped by factors such as genetics, body composition, and lifestyle.  Understanding your individual risk is crucial because it helps determine when and how you should be screened - and in some cases, it could save your life. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Thais Aliabadi to explain why breast cancer screening shouldn’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach, and how her own experience with cancer has influenced the way she thinks about prevention. 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily30 Get our brand-new app and Gut Health Test designed by world-leading gut health and nutrition scientists to build healthy eating habits 👉 Join ZOE Follow ZOE on Instagram. 📚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 Good Mood Food (preorder) by Prof. Tim Spector Free resources from ZOE The Hormone Harmony Guide: Tuning Your Body’s Internal Orchestra Eating for Better Brain Health: Your brain-gut blueprint How to eat in 2026 - Discover ZOE’s 8 nutrition principles for long-term health 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. Episode transcripts are available here.

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    ZOE
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    336
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 ZOE
  • Show Website
    ZOE Science & Nutrition

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