ZOE Science & Nutrition

Epizodes

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  How to eat sugar without gaining weight (crush your cravings and end energy crashes) | Prof Tim Spector & Prof Sarah Berry 23.07.2026 1h 1min

  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.
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  Most replayed moment: Why muscle gain matters more than weight loss | Vonda Wright 21.07.2026 15min

  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.
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  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 16.07.2026 1h 2min

  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.
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  Most replayed moment: Omega-3: heart health hero or overhyped? | Dr. Bill Harris and Professor Sarah Berry 14.07.2026 16min

  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.
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  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 09.07.2026 58min

  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.
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  Most replayed moment: Why breast cancer screening should be personalised | Dr. Thais Aliabadi 07.07.2026 16min

  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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  How to build a better brain: The 5 foods you need to protect your memory, mood and to cut dementia risk | Prof Felice Jacka & Prof Tim Spector 02.07.2026 1h 1min

  Can food improve brain health, memory and mood?  In this episode, Prof Felice Jacka and Prof Tim Spector explore how diet, the gut microbiome and fermented foods may affect your mood, brain function and dementia risk. Drawing on clinical trials and research involving more than 10 million people, they explain why what you eat could have a much bigger impact on your brain than most people realise, and what the latest science suggests you can do about it. Felice, who helped create the field of nutritional psychiatry, explains how food influences the brain through the gut microbiome and inflammation. She and Tim explore why some foods change brain function, which support brain health, what the evidence says about ultra-processed foods, and why diet is becoming an increasingly important part of research on brain and mental health. Learn which foods to eat more often, which foods to reduce, and simple, affordable ways to build meals that support your gut, mood and long-term brain health. From whole grains and legumes to fermented foods and everyday supermarket and grocery store choices, by the end of the episode, you’ll have realistic advice that’s easy to put into practice today. If the food you eat today helps shape your brain tomorrow, what small change could make the biggest difference over the next year? 🌱 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 03:10 Why beans may boost mood more than cake 07:35 Can diet reduce your risk of depression? 10:10 Can changing your diet put depression into remission? 12:45 How does the gut microbiome affect the brain? 16:04 Can gut microbes transfer depression symptoms? 17:55 What gut bacteria are missing in mental illness? 20:16 Is food the most powerful tool for brain health? 22:11 The yogurt study that surprised neuroscientists 25:35 Can fermented foods help grow the hippocampus? 28:18 Why fermented foods may improve mood and energy 30:16 The gut-brain connection explained simply 31:13 How diet during pregnancy affects brain development 37:52 Are depression, anxiety and dementia connected? 39:27 What are ultra-processed foods really doing to your brain? 39:55 The major study linking ultra-processed foods to disease 42:31 Are some ultra-processed foods healthier than others? 43:44 Real food vs meal replacements: what happens to your microbiome? 48:29 The ingredient Felice Jacka tries to avoid 50:16 Do supplements improve brain health? 52:23 The best foods for brain health and mental health 53:37 How to eat for brain health on a budget 55:40 The simplest brain health advice you’ll hear today 58:40 The complete brain health and gut health checklist 📚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 'SMILES' trial, BMC Medicine (2017) Mood Disorders: The Gut Bacteriome and Beyond, Biological Psychiatry (2024) ZOE study: Fermented food improves mood, energy, and hunger Effects of a probiotic fermented dairy product on the brain, Gut microbiota (2025) Associations between diet quality and depressed mood in adolescents, ANZJP (2010) Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes, BMJ (2024) Global Burden of Disease, The Lancet (2026) Folic acid, ageing, depression, and dementia, BMJ (2002) Transplantation of gut microbiota derived from patients with schizophrenia induces schizophrenia-like behaviors, Nature (2024) Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.
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  Most replayed moment: Blood pressure: the silent risk you shouldn’t ignore | Prof Tim Spector 30.06.2026 15min

  Today we’re talking about blood pressure. Most of us know that high blood pressure is bad — but surprisingly few of us understand what it actually means, how widely it affects the body, or how to keep it under control. The good news is that monitoring blood pressure is easier than ever, putting you in a strong position to spot problems early and take meaningful action. Professor Tim Spector joins me to explain what blood pressure is, why it matters so much, and share some top salt-based tips that can have a powerful impact on long-term health. 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily 30+ 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 Free resources from ZOE 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
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  LIVE Q&A: Your gut health, dementia and weight loss questions answered by Prof Tim Spector, Prof Sarah Berry & Dr Federica Amati 25.06.2026 1h 5min

  How quickly can you improve your gut health? Can diet help lower your risk of dementia? And what should you know about food labels and healthy weight loss? In this special live Q&A, Prof Tim Spector, Prof Sarah Berry and Dr Federica Amati answer your biggest nutrition questions and share practical, evidence-based advice you can use today. Drawing on decades of research and data from hundreds of thousands of people, they explain how diet can influence the gut microbiome, brain health, hunger, energy levels and long-term health. They discuss dementia risk, healthy snacking, intermittent fasting, ultra-processed foods, plant diversity, breakfast, food labels and the latest science on weight loss. You’ll learn how quickly the gut microbiome may respond to dietary change, why some foods keep you fuller for longer, how to build a healthier breakfast, and simple ways to make better food choices. The team also explain why small dietary changes can have lasting benefits. If your daily food choices influence your gut health, brain health and future wellbeing, which change is worth making first? 🌱 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 01:56 The first ever live ZOE podcast 09:14 How long does it really take to improve your gut microbiome? 12:56 Can you feel healthier before your gut microbiome changes? 14:15 Which foods should you always buy organic? 16:33 Are oats actually healthy? 18:36 The overnight oats trick that may improve blood sugar 19:28 Resistant starch: the hidden nutrient most people miss 21:32 Always hungry at 3pm? Sarah’s evidence-backed fix 27:17 The food industry trick that makes you eat more 29:44 Why ultra-processed foods leave you hungry 30:50 Does chewing more food really help you lose weight? 33:23 What does gut health have to do with depression and anxiety? 37:45 Is your gut controlling your brain? 39:34 Are fermented foods the most underrated brain-health food? 41:46 Starting Ozempic or Wegovy? Do this first 42:40 What do GLP-1 drugs do to your gut microbiome? 45:20 Tim Spector’s plan to fix Britain’s health crisis 47:55 Why governments still aren’t acting on ultra-processed foods 50:50 Have US food guidelines changed—and is the UK falling behind? 53:08 Is intermittent fasting safe for women? 56:15 What’s the healthiest breakfast to break a fast? 58:20 The science breakthroughs that could change nutrition forever 📚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 Daily Sampling Reveals Personalized Diet-Microbiome Associations in Humans, Cell Host & Microbe (2019) ZOE’s PREDICT studies: What we’ve learned ZOE snacking study: What should you do? The Big IF Study: What did we find? Diet and Dementia, Neurology (2024) Daily30: Does it work? Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.
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  Most replayed moment: What The Science Says About Supplements | Prof Tim Spector & Prof Sarah Berry 23.06.2026 15min

  Today, we’re talking about supplements. We’ve all seen them; the multivitamins, the fortified foods, the neatly packaged powders promising improved energy, immunity and longevity.  Supplements boast bold claims, however, it’s hard to know if they’re genuinely helpful or just well-marketed. Professor Tim Spector and Professor Sarah Berry join me to unpack why supplements exist, what the science really says about their benefits and risks, and how to decide if supplements deserve a place in your daily routine. 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily 30+ 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 Free resources from ZOE 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 hereListen to the full episode here
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  The 4 rules to protect your muscle, bones and brain health when using Ozempic and other weight loss injections | Dr Federica Amati 18.06.2026 1h 2min

  Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro can help people lose weight. But what should you eat on GLP-1 drugs to avoid side effects, protect muscle, and maintain results long term? In this episode, Dr Federica Amati, ZOE’s Head Nutritionist and author of The Appetite Reset, explains how these drugs work, why many people struggle with side effects, and why losing weight does not automatically mean better health. You’ll learn why the weight lost may not be fat, why nutrient deficiencies, dehydration and muscle loss can become a risk, and what to eat before, during and after treatment. Federica shares four practical principles to help reduce side effects, protect lean mass, improve diet quality and support long-term health whether you stay on these medications or eventually stop taking them. Millions of people are now using GLP-1 drugs. But if these medications reduce appetite so effectively, how do you make sure your body still gets the nutrients it needs? 🌱 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 03:23 What Ozempic actually does inside your body 06:00 Are Ozempic and Mounjaro really miracle drugs? 10:53 Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro: what’s the difference? 11:40 The step almost everyone skips before starting GLP-1s 13:16 Why do some people get worse Ozempic side effects? 15:20 The surprising brain effect changing people’s lives 18:20 The appetite system most people never learn about 21:25 How fibre helps your body make more GLP-1 naturally 24:24 Why ultra-processed foods never keep you full 27:20 Why staying a healthy weight is harder than ever 30:11 The hidden risk nobody mentions when losing weight 32:11 The 4 rules to protect muscle, bones and brain health 34:24 The side effect that can make life feel less enjoyable 35:26 What happens if you stay on Ozempic but never change your diet? 38:16 Can Ozempic cause malnutrition? Warning signs to know 39:35 Why some people suddenly stop craving junk food 41:15 What should you eat before starting Ozempic? 42:50 What should you eat while taking Ozempic? 44:01 Why meal timing matters more than you think 46:25 The eating mistake that triggers nausea and vomiting 47:18 The best protein foods for GLP-1 users 49:15 Can Ozempic cause muscle loss? The protein myth explained 51:40 What should you eat when coming off Ozempic? 53:15 Why some people keep the weight off for years 57:45 Why do most people quit Ozempic within a year? 📚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 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 Appetite Reset by Dr Federica Amati GLP-1 Discontinuation Among Patients, Diabetes and Endocrinology (2024) How much protein do you need? ZOE’s new guide Managing Gastrointestinal Adverse Events in Patients Treated with GLP-1s, Journal of Clinical Medicine (2022) Neurological complications following GLP-1 use, BMC Neurology (2025) Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.
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  Most replayed moment: Easy Steps to Reduce Inflammation and Slow Ageing | Professor Janet Lord 16.06.2026 13min

  Today we’re talking about what causes ageing. Here’s an important term you may not have heard before: inflammaging. It describes the link between chronic inflammation in the body and accelerated ageing. While it’s relatively unknown, this process is one of the most important concepts to understand if we want to live longer, healthier lives. I’m joined by Professor Janet Lord to break down what inflammaging is, why it’s one of the biggest threats to healthy longevity, and the surprisingly simple, science-backed habits we can all use to slow it down. 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily 30+ 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 Free resources from ZOE 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 Listen to the full episode here
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  What inflammation is really doing to your mind, body and 5 ways to protect your brain | Prof Ed Bullmore 11.06.2026 57min

  Could inflammation be causing low mood, anxiety, depression, or even affecting your risk of dementia?  Emerging science suggests that inflammation in the body may change how the brain works. In this episode, Ed Bullmore, a Professor of Psychiatry at King's College London and a leading voice in brain research, explores why feeling low, emotionally flat, foggy or exhausted may not always be “all in your head”. Ed explores emerging science suggesting that inflammation in the body may alter how the brain works. He explains how inflammation can influence the brain and discusses why obesity, gut health, gum disease, menopause, ageing and stress may all play a role. He also examines why medicine has traditionally separated physical and mental health, and what this may mean for understanding the root causes of low mood. By the end of the episode, you’ll have some practical ways to support both brain and body health. Ed shares the evidence behind which exercise and diet matter most, and why discussing mental and physical health together may help you get closer to the causes of your symptoms. If your mood, energy and brain health are shaped by more than what’s happening in your mind, what might your body be trying to tell you? 🌱 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.
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  Most replayed moment: How to Balance Sunlight and Suncream | Professor John McGrath 09.06.2026 14min

  Today we’re talking about skin and sunlight. Skin and sunlight have a complicated relationship. Sunlight helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which is essential for overall health. However, too much exposure can accelerate skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer. So how much sun is enough? Are most of us getting too little, or too much? And where does sunscreen fit into a healthy daily routine? I’m joined by Professor John McGrath to explore how sunlight affects our skin, and how to strike the perfect balance 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily 30+ 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 Free resources from ZOE 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 Listen to the full episode here
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  How to unlock the secret power of mushrooms to heal your gut, cut cholesterol and protect your brain | Prof Robin May 04.06.2026 56min

  Could mushrooms hold the secret to better gut health, lower cholesterol, and can they protect your brain? Today, Professor Robin May, a leading microbiologist and the UK Government’s Chief Scientific Officer, explores why our interest in mushrooms has exploded. He explains why they are not just another vegetable but could hold the key to better gut health, brain health, immune health, and lower cholesterol. By the end of the episode, you’ll know which health claims about mushrooms are real, which are exaggerated and where the science is just too early to trust. You’ll have a solid understanding of what mushrooms are really doing inside our bodies and how to unlock the secret health powers they hold. Should mushrooms become a regular part of your weekly shop rather than an occasional side dish? And if fungi have evolved alongside humans for millions of years, what else might they reveal about the future of nutrition and 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. Timecodes 00:00 Intro 03:32 Are mushrooms closer to humans than plants? 06:20 What is a mushroom, really? 10:46 Why we’re eating more mushrooms now 12:14 The hidden nutrients inside mushrooms 13:56 Can mushrooms boost vitamin D? 15:35 The sunlight trick for healthier mushrooms 17:27 How many mushrooms give you enough vitamin D? 18:01 The mushroom with 500x more vitamin D 20:25 The mystery compound found in mushrooms 22:00 Should you take mushroom supplements? 24:30 Do all mushrooms contain this rare compound? 26:22 Can mushrooms help you live longer? 28:35 Can lion’s mane protect your brain? 30:24 Do mushrooms really boost IQ? 34:21 Can mushrooms affect your immune system? 36:40 How mushrooms feed your gut microbes 38:20 Should fungi live in your gut? 39:45 The fungus that lives on your head 41:50 Can mushrooms lower cholesterol? 43:21 Are you cooking mushrooms wrong? 45:25 Should you eat raw mushrooms? 47:21 How to make mushrooms taste better 49:25 The easiest way to eat more mushrooms 52:17 Robin’s top mushroom tip 📚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 Mentioned in today's episode A Review of Mushrooms as a Potential Source of Dietary Vitamin D, Nutrients (2018) Ergothioneine: an underrecognised dietary micronutrient required for healthy ageing, British Journal of Nutrition (2023) Ergothioneine: A Stress Vitamin with Antiaging, Vascular, and Neuroprotective Roles?, Antioxidants and Redox Signaling (2022) Mushrooms & longevity, Nature (2025) Lion’s mane & nerve growth factor, Journal of Biological Engineering (2023) The Relationship between Mushroom Intake and Cognitive Performance, Nutrients (2024) Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.
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  Most replayed moment: The Impact of Ultra-Processed Food on Young People | Dr Andy Chan 02.06.2026 16min

  Today we’re exploring the impact of ultra-processed foods on young people. One of the big reasons ultra-processed foods have become so widespread is convenience. They offer quick, easy meals for people short on time - and few groups are more time-pressed than parents trying to feed young children. But does this convenience come at a cost? I’m joined by Harvard professor Dr Andy Chan, whose research is helping us understand how early exposure to ultra-processed food can shape future health. 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily 30+ 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 Free resources from ZOE 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 Listen to the full episode here
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  Why you can't stop eating: The science of cravings, food addiction and 5 ways to regain control | Michael Pollan & Prof Tim Spector 28.05.2026 52min

  If you feel like you can’t stop eating, constantly crave junk food, or struggle with overeating, this episode will change how you see food.  Michael Pollan, one of the world's most influential science writers, joins Professor Tim Spector to explain how ultra-processed food may drive food addiction, override fullness signals, and keep us craving more. Together, they explore why foods high in sugar, salt, and fat can feel so hard to resist, and what we can do to fight back. Michael and Tim unpack how the modern food system changed over the last 50 years, and why many ultra-processed foods are designed around “craveability.” They explain how these foods may stimulate the brain’s reward systems, why fibre and plants help us feel fuller, and why cooking more meals at home may help reduce overeating without calorie counting. The episode includes practical ways to regain control of your eating habits, reduce cravings, feel better and live more healthy years. If your cravings feel impossible to control, is it really a lack of willpower, or is modern food engineered to keep us coming back for more? 🌱 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. Timecodes 00:00 Intro 04:04 How monoculture changed modern food 08:52 Are we basically made of corn? 12:58 The 3 ingredients engineered to drive cravings 14:32 Why ultra-processed food keeps you hungry 15:44 Why governments subsidize junk food 18:01 How fast food changed family cooking 20:00 Is ultra-processed food destroying family meals? 21:46 What happens when you stop eating plants? 22:55 Your gut microbes are eating too 25:31 Caffeine and the world’s most used drug 26:26 Michael Pollan quits caffeine for 3 months 28:35 Is caffeine addiction actually harmful? 29:11 Coffee and heart disease risk explained 32:34 Why workplaces normalized caffeine 33:40 The simplest way to stop overeating 35:30 Did food companies convince us cooking is hard? 37:02 How to identify ultra-processed food 38:25 Michael Pollan’s famous food rule explained 40:14 Why “plant-based” doesn’t always mean healthy 42:46 The Japanese habit that may reduce overeating 44:24 How food companies engineer craveability 45:25 Are food companies manipulating your cravings? 46:41 Why eating 30 plants a week matters 47:36 Eat food, not too much, mostly plants
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  Most replayed moment: Which Wellness Trends Are Worth Your Time? | Liz Earle & Dr Federica Amati 26.05.2026 14min

  Today we’re talking about wellness trends. Social media has supercharged the wellness world, with new trends popping up and spreading faster than ever. It feels like we’re constantly being sold the next must-have product - each one a guaranteed route to better health that you simply can’t live without. But how many of these trends are actually backed by science? And could some of them actually be doing more harm than good? I’m joined by wellness expert Liz Earle and nutritional scientist Dr Federica Amati to separate evidence from exaggeration. From red light therapy to cow fat, they’ll reveal which trends are worth your time - and which are best left behind. 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily 30+ 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 Free resources from ZOE 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 Listen to the full episode here
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  10 million deaths predicted but science is fighting back! The secret gut viruses that attack cancer, fight infection and slow aging | Prof Martha Clokie & Prof Tim Spector 21.05.2026 56min

  10 million deaths a year.  That is how many people are predicted to die from antibiotic-resistant infections if we do not find new treatments. In today’s episode, Professor Martha Clokie and Professor Tim Spector explore the secret gut viruses, known as phages, being studied to fight deadly infection, target cancer cells, and to protect your gut microbiome.  Martha is a world-leading expert on the mysterious phage and, for the last 20 years, has pioneered research to revolutionise the treatment of infections without antibiotics. She explains why antibiotic resistance is a growing global threat, why everyday infections are becoming harder to treat, and how some bacteria are now resistant to every antibiotic available. We explore how the viruses in our gut may help solve this problem, and how scientists may one day use them to deliver highly targeted cancer treatment. By the end of the episode, you’ll have some ideas to help support a healthier gut ecosystem and understand how to increase the number of friendly gut viruses that live inside you. The science is still early, but the message is clear: the small choices we make every day are shaping our long-term resilience to disease. If viruses can help protect us from infection rather than cause it, how much of human health are we only just beginning to understand? 🌱 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. Timecodes 00:00 Intro 01:34 The gut viruses scientists say we need to survive 03:19 There are more gut viruses than stars in the universe 10:50 The billion-year war happening inside your gut 13:10 The hidden system controlling your microbiome 14:42 What healthy microbiomes have that unhealthy guts lose 16:33 The gut viruses that may protect you from infection 17:38 Why your immune system allows trillions of viruses to live inside you 19:25 The natural viruses that kill salmonella 20:52 Why ageing may weaken your gut’s viral defences 22:05 Scientists still don’t know what most gut viruses do 25:12 The strange origin story of phage therapy 27:22 Doctors are already using viruses to treat deadly infections 28:02 Why antibiotics are starting to fail 29:07 The deadly infection crisis bigger than cancer 30:38 How factory farming fuels antibiotic resistance 32:27 The antibiotic resistance emergency is already here 33:25 The forgotten treatment abandoned after antibiotics 35:50 Why phage therapy may spare your microbiome 36:37 The dying patient saved by experimental viruses 39:41 Could phages replace antibiotics in the future? 40:50 The viruses scientists are using to target cancer cells 44:35 How diet shapes the viruses living in your gut 46:05 The surprising link between coffee and gut health 47:25 The foods that may increase healthy gut viruses 50:34 The future of gut health, cancer treatment and infection prevention 📚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 Mentioned in today's episode How gut viruses shape your gut microbiome Phages to the rescue, Trends in Microbiology (2024) Compounds in the foods we eat can trigger phage production, Gut Microbes (2020) Microbiomes of garden vs supermarket produce, Nature (2022) Phage Therapy at Belgium’s Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Viruses (2019) Habitual coffee intake shapes the gut microbiome, Nature (2026) Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.Episode transcripts are available here.
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  Most replayed moment: Ice Baths: Science or Fad? | Susanna Søberg & Prof Tim Spector 19.05.2026 13min

  Today, we’re diving into one of the most requested topics we’ve ever had: cold water therapy. Cold showers, ice baths and wild winter swimming have exploded in popularity over recent years with supporters claiming a range of health benefits.  But are these claims actually backed by science, or is it all just another wellness fad?  I’m joined by Dr. Susanna Søberg and Proffesor Tim Spector to break down the studies and discover if we could all do with a bit more ice in our life. 🌱 Try our science-backed and tasty wholefood supplement Daily 30+ 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 Free resources from ZOE 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