ZOE Science & Nutrition

Is matcha the ultimate coffee alternative, or just another wellness fad? In this episode, Andrew Kojima - aka Chef Koj - an expert in Japanese cuisine, and Professor Tim Spector, a world-leading scientist in nutrition and gut health, explore whether matcha is truly a healthier choice than coffee.  Chef Koj explains the rich history behind matcha, its role in Japanese culture, and why it has become a global wellness trend. Tim breaks down the latest science on matcha’s impact on metabolism, brain function, and gut health, comparing its effects to those of coffee. For listeners curious about incorporating matcha into their daily routine, this episode includes a practical guide on how to prepare matcha properly. Koj demonstrates the traditional method of whisking matcha and shares tips on avoiding common mistakes. For those new to matcha, he also explains how to make a simple and delicious matcha latte for beginners.  The episode concludes with a tasting of Koj’s matcha custard dessert, showing how matcha’s umami-rich flavor can be used in unexpected ways. Could matcha actually help curb sugar cravings and build a taste for more complex flavors?  🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST 🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+ Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes 00:00 Healthier than coffee? 02:15 Listener questions 03:17 What is matcha? 05:59 The same as green tea? 09:33 History of matcha 10:20 Industry marketing tricks 11:55 Why the west loves coffee 12:55 Does matcha make you alert? 14:42 How caffeine levels differ 16:53 Does matcha contain fiber? 21:37 Health benefits of matcha  25:10 Truth about iced matcha latte  28:59 Perfect matcha demonstration 41:55 Flavour profile of matcha 43:53 How to add matcha to food 44:35 Matcha dessert ideas 46:45 Expensive vs cheap matcha 47:33 Should you add milk? Get Chef Koj's book 'No Sushi' here 📚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 🍵 Chef Koj's perfect matcha kit: Bamboo Matcha Whisk & Scoop Organic Japanese Matcha Green Tea Powder Matcha Bowl Studies referenced for today's episode Effect of in vitro digestion-fermentation on green and roasted coffee bioactivity: The role of the gut microbiota, 2019, Food Chemistry Matcha Green Tea: Chemical Composition, Phenolic Acids, Caffeine and Fatty Acid Profile, 2024, Foods Anti-Stress, Behavioural and Magnetoencephalography Effects of an l-Theanine-Based Nutrient Drink: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial, 2016, Nutrients Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.

Strength training is often associated with bodybuilding, but its benefits go far beyond muscle growth. Research shows that strength training supports cardiovascular health, enhances brain function, and is a strong predictor of longevity. In this episode, Professor Andy Galpin joins us to break down the science behind strength training and show how anyone can incorporate it into their daily routine—without spending hours in the gym. We begin by exploring why strength matters, not just for physical appearance but for overall health and longevity. Andy revisits key insights from his last appearance on the podcast, demonstrating how grip strength is linked to life expectancy. Next, we tackle one of the biggest barriers to strength training: time and access. Jonathan steps in as the test subject while Andy walks him through an efficient, full-body workout that can be done at home with minimal equipment. Listeners will learn essential techniques, from proper form to breathing and injury prevention. Finally, we discuss what happens in the body post-workout and the importance of building a sustainable routine. Andy shares practical advice on nutrition, recovery, and how to create a strength training habit that delivers long-term results. 🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST 🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+ Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes 00:00 Can you you live longer with strength training? 01:57 Quickfire questions 03:37 Why bother with strength training? 07:21 New science: strength and longevity 14:32 How many workouts until I get benefits? 17:10 Workout THIS many days per week 20:22 Fast twitch vs slow twitch muscles 24:36 Designing the perfect home workout 28:26 Equipment you need at home 33:47 What is resistance exercise? 44:15 Understanding reps and sets 50:49 Do you need protein supplements? 55:20 Building muscle working from a desk 📚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 Free resources from ZOE Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks  Mentioned in today's episode Grip Strength: An Indispensable Biomarker For Older Adults, 2019, published in Clinical Interventions in Aging  Heavy resistance training at retirement age induces 4-year lasting beneficial effects in muscle strength: a long-term follow-up of an RCT, 2024, published in British Medical Journal  No Time to Lift? Designing Time-Efficient Training Programs for Strength and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review, 2021, published in Sports Medicine  Is Resistance Training to Muscular Failure Necessary?, 2016, published in Frontiers in Physiology  Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.

Last year, a study found that a third of Americans aged between 50 and 80 feel lonely. I’m sure most of us can relate to this feeling, and understand how a lack of social connection can take a serious toll on our mental health. But, is loneliness affecting more than just our minds? Does it also impact our physical health and how well we age? In this episode, Professor Rose Anne Kenny joined me to answer these questions and discover ways that we can foster meaningful relationships. She starts by telling us about her groundbreaking study into ageing in Ireland.  🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member a zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST 🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+ 📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists: The Food For Life Cookbook by Prof. Tim Spector Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati Free resources from ZOE: Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition  Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here Listen to the full episode here

Carbs are one of the most misunderstood aspects of nutrition. For decades, they’ve been praised, demonized, and debated. Today, low-carb diets are everywhere, but the reality is more nuanced. While over 80% of the carbs we eat come from low-quality, refined sources, the right kinds of carbs are essential for good health. In this episode, Professor Tim Spector breaks down the difference between good and bad carbs and explains why quality matters more than quantity. He explores how the rise of ultra-processed foods has led to an overconsumption of unhealthy carbohydrates, contributing to energy crashes, hunger, and long-term health issues. He also explains the benefits of fiber-rich carbs, their role in gut health, and why cutting carbs entirely may not be the best approach. The episode also answers common questions about carbs, including the best time to eat them, how to pair them for better digestion, and whether alternatives like almond flour are actually healthier. Tim also shares practical tips, such as why freezing bread might be a simple way to make it better for you. 🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST 🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+ Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Quickfire questions 03:06 What is a carb? 07:43 Is rice healthy? 08:56 What makes sugars unhealthy? 11:49 Truth about sugar spikes 14:49 Potatoes, white rice, bread and pasta 18:44 'Big Food' industry 21:22 What is a good carb? 27:32 Effects of low carb diets 33:18 Effects on mood & energy 36:25 Tim's favourite carbs 39:48 When should you eat carbs? 41:47 Eating carbs with other foods 46:45 Should you freeze bread? 50:33 The healthiest rice 50:53 Is multigrain and wholemeal healthy? 56:20 Should you consume flour? 59:45 Easy way to improve healthy carb intake 📚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 Free resources from ZOE Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition Gut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks  Mentioned in today's episode Trends in Dietary Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat Intake and Diet Quality Among US Adults, 1999-2016, 2019, published in  Journal of the American Medical Association Carbohydrate intake for adults and children: WHO guideline, 2023, published by World Health Organization Association between changes in carbohydrate intake and long term weight changes: prospective cohort study, 2023, published in British Medical Journal Low-Carbohydrate Diet, 2023, published in National Library of Medicine  Diet Review: Ketogenic Diet for Weight Loss, published by The Nutrition Source, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.

In 2025, global spending on skincare products is expected to approach 200 billion dollars. It’s an astonishing figure, but not entirely surprising when you consider the social value we place on this organ.  Our skin can reflect our age, health, and even our emotions. So, how can we make smarter choices this year and invest in products that truly support our skin? In this episode, I was joined by Sarah Berry alongside my wife, dermatologist Dr. Justine Kluk, to help us better understand this fascinating organ. 🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member a zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST 🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+ 📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists: The Food For Life Cookbook by Prof. Tim Spector Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati Free resources from ZOE: Live Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & Nutrition  Gut Guide - for a healthier microbiome in weeks Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here Listen to the full episode here