Home Podcasts ZOE Science & Nutrition
ZOE Science & Nutrition

ZOE Science & Nutrition

ZOE 318 Episodes Aug 20, 2026

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

5 ways to control your blood sugar, reverse insulin resistance, and reduce your heart disease risk | Prof Rob Semple
5 ways to control your blood sugar, reverse insulin resistance, and reduce your heart disease risk | Prof Rob Semple Aug 20, 2026 3350 1 in 4 people have insulin resistance, which quietly raises your risk of heart disease and cancer, often without any change in your blood sugar. And most of those who have it have no idea. It can remain completely hidden for years, with no obvious symptoms and no warning signs… But it can be reversed. Today, Professor Rob Semple, a world-leading expert on insulin resistance, explains what insuli
Most replayed moment: The things hiding in your food? | Professor Marion Nestle
Most replayed moment: The things hiding in your food? | Professor Marion Nestle Aug 18, 2026 874 Today we’re talking about food additives. Take a look at the back of some ultra-processed packaged food and you’ll see a long list of unfamiliar ingredients. Complex, sciencey sounding names that most of us can barely pronounce. These are called additives. But what exactly are they? How are they tested? And, most importantly, are they truly safe for us to eat? Food policy expert Professor Mario
How to shrink the dangerous fat linked to heart disease and cancer in 12 weeks | Prof Jimmy Bell
How to shrink the dangerous fat linked to heart disease and cancer in 12 weeks | Prof Jimmy Bell Aug 13, 2026 3552 There's a hidden fat that matters more for your health than your weight.  This is visceral fat: it wraps around your organs, raises your risk of heart disease and cancer, and builds up even in people who look slim and healthy.  In today’s episode, Professor Jimmy Bell, a world-leading expert in measuring visceral fat, explains how we can shrink this dangerous belly fat in just 12 weeks.
Most replayed moment: Why sleep may be the key to heart health | Dr Nour Makarem
Most replayed moment: Why sleep may be the key to heart health | Dr Nour Makarem Aug 11, 2026 794 Today we’re talking about sleep. The more scientists study sleep, the clearer it becomes that it’s not just about resting our bodies - it’s much more than that. In fact, sleep is the foundation upon which a healthy diet, exercise, and overall wellbeing are all built upon. So what happens when that foundation is shaky? Recent research suggests that poor sleep quality may significantly increase y
The evolutionary science behind why you can’t lose weight and how to avoid 5 modern food mistakes | Prof Daniel Lieberman
The evolutionary science behind why you can’t lose weight and how to avoid 5 modern food mistakes | Prof Daniel Lieberman Aug 6, 2026 3178 Why can’t you lose weight, and why do modern diets fail? Today, Harvard professor Daniel Lieberman explains how evolution shapes hunger, body fat, food cravings, and modern food mistakes. You will learn why eating well can feel so hard in today’s food world. Using themes from Daniel’s new book, Fed Up: What Evolution Reveals about Food, Diet and Eating Well, we explore how our modern food enviro
Most replayed moment: Do you really need vitamin supplements? | David Seres
Most replayed moment: Do you really need vitamin supplements? | David Seres Aug 4, 2026 1001 Today we’re talking about vitamins. Walk into any pharmacy or supermarket and you’ll find a shelf stacked with brightly coloured jars promising better immunity, stronger bones and sharper minds. Of course, I’m talking about vitamin supplements. But despite looking like medical products, supplements aren’t held to the same rigorous testing standards as medicines. So how much of what they promise
How to reduce your heart disease, dementia and cancer risk with 12 everyday high-fibre foods | Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall & Prof Sarah Berry
How to reduce your heart disease, dementia and cancer risk with 12 everyday high-fibre foods | Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall & Prof Sarah Berry Jul 30, 2026 3698 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 tre
Most replayed moment: The surprising science of weight loss | Alan Aragon & Professor Sarah Berry
Most replayed moment: The surprising science of weight loss | Alan Aragon & Professor Sarah Berry Jul 28, 2026 957 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 s
How to eat sugar without gaining weight (crush your cravings and end energy crashes) | Prof Tim Spector & Prof Sarah Berry
How to eat sugar without gaining weight (crush your cravings and end energy crashes) | Prof Tim Spector & Prof Sarah Berry Jul 23, 2026 3667 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 m
Most replayed moment: Why muscle gain matters more than weight loss | Vonda Wright
Most replayed moment: Why muscle gain matters more than weight loss | Vonda Wright Jul 21, 2026 916 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 impr
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
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 Jul 16, 2026 3764 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 health
Most replayed moment: Omega-3: heart health hero or overhyped? | Dr. Bill Harris and Professor Sarah Berry
Most replayed moment: Omega-3: heart health hero or overhyped? | Dr. Bill Harris and Professor Sarah Berry Jul 14, 2026 965 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

Recommended