ZOE Science & Nutrition
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.
Episodes
August 7, 2025 • 60 mins
Scientists agree that processed foods are contributing to poor health — but when it comes to ultra-processed foods (UPFs), there’s growing confusion. The term is now used so broadly that it includes everything from crisps and sweets to wholemeal bread and plant-based milks.
So what do we really know about the health effects of UPFs? And is the label actually making it harder for us to eat well?
In this episode, Jonathan is joined...
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August 5, 2025 • 14 mins
Today, we’re turning our attention to allergies.
For decades, conflicting advice on how to prevent allergies from developing has left parents unsure about the best ways to protect their children. Should you introduce peanut products to your newborn, or avoid them entirely? Many are still unclear.
What is clear, however, is that allergies are on the rise.
I’m joined by groundbreaking researcher Dr. Gideon Lack to help bring clar...
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July 31, 2025 • 74 mins
Are you eating enough protein? This is probably a question you’ve asked yourself. With “high protein” labels on almost every type of food product you can imagine, it’s easy to get confused.
In this episode, Prof. Stuart Phillips explains how protein can keep us healthy as we age. He also outlines when we should eat protein, how much protein we really need, and provides simple, practical advice to help you achieve it. Stuart is a p...
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July 29, 2025 • 14 mins
Today, we’re exploring the connection between your gut and your brain.
For years, the brain was seen as somewhat detached from other parts of our body, working in isolation above all else. However, emerging research is flipping our idea of the brain on its head. Scientists now know that the gut acts like a ‘second brain’, influencing everything from our mood and memory to our risk of neurological disease.
So, have we been neglect...
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Omega-3 fatty acids have long been lauded for heart health benefits. Yet, emerging research now points to an even more profound impact, directly on our most complex organ: the brain.
Today, we delve into the critical, often misunderstood, role of omega-3s in cognitive function, mental well-being, and even the prevention of neurodegenerative conditions like dementia.
We are joined by Dr. Bill Harris, a globally recognised authori...
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July 17, 2025 • 60 mins
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Do you track your weight, hoping to see the numbers drop? What if the scale is deceiving you about true health, muscle, and healthy aging? Many believe they understand the keys to a vibrant later life, but conventional wisdom often overlooks a critical truth.
This oversight could be inadvertently putting your future well-being on a slippery slope of decline, even if you f...
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Do you really know your breast cancer risk? Many women think they do – trusting family history, regular checkups, and mammograms to keep them safe. But what if these measures leave dangerous blind spots, leading to later, more aggressive diagnoses? Today's episode is a powerful wake-up call.
Joining us is globally renowned OBGYN, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi. Known simply as “Dr. A” to her global following, she's OBGYN to royals and celebri...
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July 8, 2025 • 15 mins
Today we’re talking about olive oil.
Touted as one of the hottest health foods right now, olive oil has been linked to a range of benefits - from reducing inflammation and boosting heart health to even increasing longevity.
But is it truly liquid gold, or just another fad?
I’m joined by olive oil grower Elizabeth Berger and Professor Tim Spector to explore the science behind this ancient elixir and share practical tips for getti...
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In this groundbreaking episode, Jonathan, Tim, and guest researcher Professor Quirijn de Mast explore a landmark clinical trial conducted in partnership with Tanzanian scientists and community members at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC).
Published in Nature Medicine, the study investigates what happens when people switch between Western-style eating and a traditional diet from the Kilimanjaro region of Northern Tanz...
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July 2, 2025 • 13 mins
Today we’re talking about obesity medication.
Did you know that over 200 illnesses are linked to unhealthy weight gain? It's no surprise that combatting obesity has become a major focus of modern medical research.
In recent years, this research has led to a new generation of weight-loss medications that are delivering dramatic results. But are these drugs truly revolutionary or just too good to be true?
One thing is certain - pe...
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What if your blood pressure — even just a little too high — is quietly damaging your brain? What if it’s increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke, without you ever feeling a thing?
In this episode, Professor Tim Spector reveals why blood pressure is one of the most overlooked – and most dangerous – health issues today. He explains why “normal for your age” might not be safe at all, why medication alone isn’t the full answe...
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June 24, 2025 • 15 mins
Today we’re talking about resistance training.
When we think of exercising in our 70s and 80s, we often focus on gentle activities like walking or swimming some lengths in a pool. However, are we overlooking a crucial part of the fitness puzzle? Something that could truly transform our later years: Strength training.
Because as we age, muscle loss isn’t just about losing tone - it’s about losing independence.
Dr. Brad Schoenfeld...
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June 19, 2025 • 62 mins
What if the fatigue, stiffness, and brain fog we blame on aging are actually symptoms of something we can change?
In this episode, immune aging expert Professor Janet Lord unpacks “inflammaging” - a slow, chronic form of inflammation that quietly builds in the body as we get older. It’s now believed to drive many of the diseases we associate with aging, from dementia to heart disease.
Janet reveals how this invisible inflammation...
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June 17, 2025 • 15 mins
Today we’re talking about sleep.
Are you a good sleeper? It’s something we all aim for, yet many of us fall short. And the consequences of a poor night’s sleep go far beyond just feeling groggy the next day. In fact, sleep plays a pivotal role in our long term health - influencing everything from our mood to our immune system, and even how long we live.
So how do you get better sleep in a world that never seems to rest?
I’m join...
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June 12, 2025 • 68 mins
From collagen powders to $100 creams, the skincare industry thrives on promises. However, many of the products we rely on for younger, healthier skin are built on shaky evidence. In this episode, world-renowned dermatologist Professor John McGrath breaks down what’s real and what’s not.
We explore how skin truly ages, what happens beneath the surface, and why some popular treatments don’t do what they claim. John dismantles three ...
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June 10, 2025 • 15 mins
Today we’re zooming in on our gut.
It’s our favourite topic here at ZOE and for good reason! Research into the microbiome continues to reveal just how astonishingly far-reaching its effects are. From immune function to metabolic health, and even mental well-being, your gut is quite literally at the centre of everything!.
I’m joined by microbiome experts Nicola Segata and Tim Spector to recap how we can nurture and take care of it...
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June 5, 2025 • 54 mins
Can pills and powders really improve our health? Despite their clinical look, most supplements aren’t tested with the scientific rigour we expect from medical treatments, and many don’t live up to their promises.
Today, we're joined by two of ZOE’s top scientists to uncover the truth. They share groundbreaking new research and reveal the results of a brand new randomized controlled trial that could reshape how we think about suppl...
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June 3, 2025 • 14 mins
Today we’re diving into protein.
It’s the nutrient at the centre of some of the biggest debates in nutrition - especially when it comes to building muscle. And as more people adopt plant-based diets, one question keeps coming up: Can non-meat proteins really support strength and overall health?
So, what does the science say? Is it better to get our protein from animals or plants?
I’m joined by nutrition expert Simon Hill and Dr....
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May 29, 2025 • 51 mins
Ultra-processed foods now make up over half of what many of us eat - and the health consequences are only just coming into focus. In this episode, we reveal what’s really happening inside your body when you eat these foods daily.
Our guest is Dr. Andy Chan, a Harvard professor and leading expert on gut health and cancer prevention. He heads the Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital and has...
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May 27, 2025 • 15 mins
Today, we’re diving into an important and growing health concern: colon cancer.
Recent studies show that cases of colon cancer are becoming increasingly common in younger adults. In fact, the rate has doubled among people under 50 since the 1990s, prompting doctors to lower the recommended age for screening.
So what can we do to protect ourselves and our loved ones?
I’m joined by Harvard Medical School professor, Dr. Andy Chan, ...
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