ZOE Science & Nutrition
ZOE
Recent Episodes
In today’s episode we’re uncovering the medicines hiding in your kitchen.
Molecular biologist Kanchan Koya joins Jonathan and Sarah to explore the incredible health benefits of spices. From controlling blood sugar to soothing a sore throat, we’ll discover what the latest research says about household favorites including ginger, cinnamon and cloves.
Kanchan Koya is a food scientist, founder of the spice-centric food blog Chief Spice Mama and author of the cookbook ‘100 Recipes with Healing Spices for Your Family Table’. She will show us how to get the most out of spices, with simple cooking tips and delicious recipes.
Want to make Kanchan’s show stopper spice dish? Find the recipe here.
Follow Kanchan on Instagram.
If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to zoe.com/podcast, and get 10% off your membership.
Follow ZOE on Instagram.
Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction
01:26 Quickfire questions
03:08 What are spices?
03:43 Polyphenols in spices
07:25 Spices and your health
11:01 Cinnamon and blood sugar control
14:49 Anti-inflammatory benefits of spices
21:08 A practical guide to using spices
31:40 Reviving old spices
33:11 The wonders of ginger: from morning sickness to gut health
35:56 Spiced cooking tips
37:41 Breakfast ideas: add spices to start your day
39:44 Simple spicy snacks
42:05 Dinner delights: spicing up main meals
44:11 Spices for kids
46:24 Spiced drinks: from chai to golden milk
48:24 The ultimate spice dish
Studies related to today’s episode:
- Safety and efficacy of curcumin versus diclofenac in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized open-label parallel-arm study published in Trials
- Analgesic effect of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of clove, published in Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine
- Effect of cinnamon spice on continuously monitored glycemic response in adults with prediabetes published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
- Star anise (Illicium verum): Chemical compounds, antiviral properties, and clinical relevance published in Phytotherapy Research
- Ginger-Mechanism of action in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, published by Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at [email protected], and we’ll do our best to cover it.
Episode transcripts are available here.
Did you know that even at age 70, with the right nutrition, you could potentially extend your life by 6 years?
In today’s episode, we learn that it's never too late to change your diet for the better. Dr. Federica Amati, ZOE’s Head Nutritionist, dives into the unique nutrition needs at every life stage.
From the golden windows of opportunity that can transform your health, to practical food recommendations for adolescence, adulthood and beyond, Dr. Amati gives tips to enhance your wellbeing.
Dr. Federica Amati is a researcher at King’s College London and registered nutritionist. She is also lecturer and Nutrition Topic Lead at Imperial College School of Medicine. Federica empowers people with accessible, practical knowledge to make informed choices on diet and lifestyle and to improve health based on unique needs and preferences, at every stage of life.
Follow Dr. Federica Amati on Instagram
If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to zoe.com/podcast, and get 10% off your membership.
Follow ZOE on Instagram
Timecodes
00:00 Introduction
01:17 Quickfire questions
03:32 The first window of opportunity is before you are born
06:04 It takes two to tango: equal roles in conception
07:25 The science behind sperm health and diet
09:10 What is life course nutrition?
10:35 Why generic nutrition advice isn't enough
13:00 Critical changes in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
16:25 Nutritional needs in the second trimester of pregnancy
17:20 Preventing allergies during pregnancy
20:30 Nutrition in childhood and adolescence
21:00 The importance of a diverse diet for teenagers
22:57 Children learn to eat from us: exposure is key
25:10 The impact of ultra-processed foods on teenagers
27:40 Do you need to eat meat to grow well?
32:55 Lifestyle choices in your 30s affect long-term health
36:00 Longevity supplement myths
37:40 Gut microbiome changes in adulthood
43:28 How to extend your lifespan through diet at any age
46:05 Preparing for healthy aging and avoiding 'Sniper Alley'
50:10 How to eat right in your 70s and beyond
54:22 Protein needs as you age
56:30 Becoming a ZOE member is like having a nutritionist in your pocket!
59:20 Summary
Mentioned in today's episode:
- Life expectancy can increase by up to 10 years following sustained shifts towards healthier diets in the United Kingdom, published in Nature Food
- The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD), published in American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
- A single serving of mixed spices alters gut microflora composition: a dose–response randomised trial, published in Nature
Books:
- Every Body Should Know This by Dr. Federica Amati
Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at [email protected], and we’ll do our best to cover it.
Episode transcripts are available here.
Did you know that every 12 years, our skeletons undergo a complete transformation?
Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become fragile, significantly increases the risk of fractures from minor incidents, often without any noticeable symptoms. Worldwide, it affects one in three women and one in five men over fifty, leading to pain, potential disability and loss of independence.
In today’s episode, Jonathan, Tim and Cyrus ask the question: How can understanding osteoporosis and implementing targeted lifestyle changes enhance bone health and reduce the risk of fractures?
Cyrus Cooper is a Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Southampton, where he is also the Director of the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit and Vice-Dean of Medicine. In addition, he’s a Professor of Musculoskeletal Science at the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences at the University of Oxford.
Tim Spector is one of the world’s top 100 most-cited scientists, a professor of epidemiology, and scientific Co-Founder at ZOE. Tim trained originally in rheumatology and epidemiology.
Make smarter food choices for your body: zoe.com/podcast
Follow Tim on Instagram.
If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to zoe.com/podcast, and get 10% off your personalised nutrition program.
Follow ZOE on Instagram.
Timecodes
00:00 Introduction
01:21 Quickfire questions
03:08 What is osteoporosis?
06:10 Why might our bones become more fragile as we age?
08:10 Your skeleton renews itself all the time
10:30 Does menopause cause osteoporosis?
12:48 What's it like living with osteoporosis?
15:16 How common is osteoporosis in males?
16:04 What are the symptoms of osteoporosis and at what age should you get checked?
21:40 Some chilling statistics about osteoporosis
23:10 Common myths about the effects of calcium and vitamin D on osteoporosis
27:50 What is the latest science on vitamin D supplementation?
34:10 Can vitamin D and calcium ensure children’s bone density is healthy?
34:55 Osteoporosis treatment options, including new drugs
37:20 The impacts of HRT on bone density
39:30 What are the downsides to some of these treatments?
43:00 Does physical activity help to prevent fractures?
44:30 Lifestyle impacts: diet and nutrition
49:40 Can exercise make your bones stronger?
55:20 Ideal exercises to prevent osteoporosis
57:10 Cyrus and Tim’s top 3 actions to improve bone health
59:10 Summary
Mentioned in today's episode:
- Accumulation of risk factors associated with poor bone health in older adults, published in Archives of Osteoporosis
Relevant studies:
- Influence of vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral content, bone turnover markers and fracture risk, published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research
- Pregnancy Vitamin D Supplementation and Childhood Bone Mass at Age 4 Years, published in JBMR Plus
- The role of calcium supplementation in healthy musculoskeletal ageing, published in Osteoporosis International
Books:
- Osteoporosis: A Lifecourse Epidemiology Approach to Skeletal Health by Prof Cyrus Cooper
Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to explore? Email [email protected], and we’ll do our best to cover it.
Episode transcripts are available here.
Did you know that intermittent fasting can have significant health benefits? By aligning your eating schedule with your body's natural rhythms, it can bolster heart health, enhance insulin sensitivity, and support weight loss.
In today’s episode, Jonathan, Prof. Tim Spector, and Gin Stephens dive into the world of intermittent fasting, with a focus on time-restricted eating.
Gin shares essential tips for beginners and explains what it takes to be successful. Tim explores the groundbreaking findings of The Big IF Study from 2022, the largest exploration of intermittent fasting to date. They also unpack controversies and describe who might want to avoid fasting.
Gin Stephens is an intermittent fasting advocate, New York Times bestselling author, and podcast host. Gin has been living the intermittent fasting lifestyle since 2014.
Follow Gin on Instagram.
Tim Spector is a professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, director of the Twins UK study, scientific co-founder of ZOE, and one of the world’s leading researchers.
Follow Tim on Instagram.
If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to zoe.com/podcast, and get 10% off your personalized nutrition program.
Want ZOE Science & Nutrition’s top 10 tips for healthier living? Download our FREE guide.
Follow ZOE on Instagram.
Timecodes:
01:25 Quick fire questions
03:25 What is intermittent fasting?
04:35 What are the most common types of fasting?
06:00 The circadian rhythm and fasting
08:22 The Big IF study explanation and results
13:41 Breakfast misconceptions explained
16:01 How do the Big IF study results compare to other research?
18:56 What are the health benefits of sticking to the Big IF study?
24:00 What is Tim’s intermittent fasting schedule like?
25:40 Jonathan's experience with the Big IF study
28:04 What is metabolic flexibility?
32:43 Practical advice for getting started.
35:40 Cephalic phase insulin response
40:30 Is there an ideal length for an eating window and time to start?
43:20 Can you eat whatever you want?
44:30 Can people over 70 years of age fast safely?
51:21 Summary
Mentioned in today's episode:
Flipping the metabolic switch: Understanding and applying the health benefits of fasting in Obesity
Books by Gin Stephens:
Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at [email protected], and we’ll do our best to cover it.
Episode transcripts are available here.
Our bodies naturally follow a roughly 24-hour cycle, called our circadian rhythm. And every cell has a rhythm.
As we get older, we tend to lose muscle, making us more prone to falls and less able to live independently. Though we can't stop aging, staying active helps keep our muscles strong and our bodies healthy for longer.
Prof. Karyn Esser is a specialist in how the body's natural rhythms affect muscles. Today, she guides us through the latest research and shows that it's always possible to harness the power of your muscles to enhance your quality of life. She is a professor in the Department of Physiology and Aging at the University of Florida, where she’s also the co-director of the University of Florida Older Americans Independence Center.
In today's episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Karyn explore the body's internal clocks and ask: why do our muscles have their own schedule, and is there an ideal time of day to exercise?
If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to zoe.com/podcast, and get 10% off your personalized nutrition program.
Want ZOE Science & Nutrition’s top tips for better gut health? Download our FREE gut guide.
Follow ZOE on Instagram.
Timecodes
00:00 Introduction
00:18 Quickfire questions
02:01 Why are muscles important, particularly as we get older?
08:45 Why we all lose strength as we age
11:07 What type of exercise do we need to maintain our muscle strength as we age?
14:55 What is a circadian clock?
19:25 Everything has a circadian rhythm
21:32 Why do our muscles work on a 24-hour cycle?
24:20 Humans are stronger in the afternoon
30:24 Is there a best time to exercise?
35:01 Can exercise before or after work help shift workers with jet lag?
37:33 Is there a difference between men and women’s responses to circadian rhythms?
41:44 What are the effects of time-restricted eating on muscle mass?
53:42 Summary
Mentioned in today's episode:
Defining the age-dependent and tissue-specific circadian transcriptome in male mice from Cell Reports
Related studies:
Timing is everything: Circadian clocks set the rhythm for vital functions in bacteria from the University of Chicago
Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at [email protected], and we’ll do our best to cover it.
Episode transcripts are available here.