ZOE Science & Nutrition

By: ZOE
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  • Summary

  • 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.
    Copyright 2024 ZOE
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Science
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Episodes
  • Matcha, coffee and green tea: which is healthiest? with Prof. Tim Spector and Chef Andrew Kojima

    Matcha, coffee and green tea: which is healthiest? with Prof. Tim Spector and Chef Andrew Kojima
    Apr 10 2025
    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.
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    54 mins
  • The workout that builds muscle, boosts your brain and slows down aging | Dr. Andy Galpin

    The workout that builds muscle, boosts your brain and slows down aging | Dr. Andy Galpin
    Apr 3 2025
    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. 📚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.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Recap: Is friendship the key to healthy aging? | Rose Anne Kenny

    Recap: Is friendship the key to healthy aging? | Rose Anne Kenny
    Apr 1 2025
    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
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    17 mins

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Profile Image for MdM

Great episode!

Once again, it is like Jonathan is reading my mind and asking all the questions I have! (except for the one on tomatoes...). Thank you for explaining the science and debunking the latest myth, which although one can see it's just aimed at selling a miracle cure in the form of one supplement, it's good to have the tiny doubts it raises squashed.

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Profile Image for Thyroidlady

Informative podcast Zoe Nutrition

Information given in an easy to understand way. Great advice for food hacks to manage blood glucose.

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Profile Image for Johanna

I hope the Government are taking note.

Full of science based information. Keep them coming Zoe, they are absolutely brilliant 👏 👌 🙌

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Profile Image for robert beresford

21st Century scientific nutrition

Science before marketing, all the topics to date have been fascinating and informative. I’ve read books by Tim Spector and Will Bulsiewicz, all very readable science. Their interest in the microbiome points the way to the medicine of the future. I could listen to both all day.
I look forward to further podcasts.

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Profile Image for Kindle Customer

Essential information

It is staggering how we as consumers are being misled and that food producers get away with adding so much rubbish to our food and so cynically add compounds that create addictions and health risks.
These podcasts, together with Tim Spector’s books are real eye openers.

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Profile Image for Veronica Foss

Brilliant & thank you

Love listening and widening my knowledge. Helps me make better decisions every day and my family benefit too. Win win

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Profile Image for Mel

Love every episode


Fascinating and informative. Jonathan asks the questions I would ask, he’s on our wave length.

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Profile Image for London Ms

Good information, annoying posh voices!

Just listened to the programme about vitamins, and was amazed that the fact that BAME people deaths from covid were over represented and a link was made to lack of vitamin D. The advice given about vitamin D was clearly targeted at white people/those living in sunny climates. Those of us with melanin living in UK don't absorb enough vitamin D from sunshine. And if also a vegan then surely supplements should be taken? Also, there is an issue with absorption of vitamin D supplements. Even though I take supplements, my levels are still low. Why no research into why people of colour seem to not absorb vitamin D as a supplement?

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If you are a female you need to hear this

The reports were skewed. The press coverage was incorrect. Millions of women have missed out on treatment. They included the data on much older females in the reports which affected the percentages.
HRT is safe. Go get some. Enjoy your life x

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Profile Image for CONXXION

Excellent information

An excellent overview of fermented food. Would like to know more about the effects of salt in fermented foods on the body, particularly for people that have heart disease. Are fermented foods with salt ok for those people? Always excellent information, clearly presented.

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