They’re not a plant or an animal — fungi are their very own kingdom of life. And their unique composition means they offer novel, often unbelievable, benefits to our health. Certain species of fungi are currently used to treat conditions ranging from cancer to depression.  The love of mushrooms (or mycophilia) has grown in recent years. And at the heart of this movement is biologist Dr. Merlin Sheldrake, author of the bestseller Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds and Shape Our Futures.  In today’s episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan, Merlin, and ZOE Co-Founder Prof. Tim Spector ask: Why are mushrooms so special? If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to zoe.com/podcast, and get 10% off your personalized nutrition program. Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguide  Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes: 00:00 - Introduction  1:42 - Quickfire round 3:04 - What are fungi? 8:40 - The connection between fungi, plants & gut health 14:10 - The human impact on fungi 19:41 - Mushrooms and mental health  28:01 - Fungi as medicine 35:34 - Why should we eat mushrooms 40:39 - How to introduce more mushrooms into your diet 46:56 - How often should you eat mushrooms 51:17 - Summary 56:01 - Outro Mentioned in today’s episode: 
Potential role of ergothioneine rich mushroom as anti-aging candidate through elimination of neuronal senescent cells from Brain Research
Medicinal mushrooms in adjuvant cancer therapies: An approach to anticancer effects and presumed mechanisms of action from Nutrire
Immunomodulatory effect of mushrooms and their bioactive compounds in cancer: A comprehensive review from Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 

Episode transcripts are available here. Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at podcast@joinzoe.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it. 

Mushrooms as medicine: Uncovering the health secrets of fungi

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.

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Inflammation is a complicated topic. Short-term inflammation plays an essential role in fighting infections and healing injuries. But too much inflammation can be a catalyst for chronic ailments, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and obesity. What we eat can influence our inflammatory responses and contribute to chronic, low-grade inflammation. In today’s episode, Prof. Philip Calder helps us understand the science behind inflammation, how it impacts our health and what food has to do with it. Philip is head of the School of Human Development and Health, as well as a Professor of Nutritional Immunology, in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton. He’s also an internationally recognised researcher on the metabolism and functionality of fatty acids. His work focuses on the roles of omega-3 fatty acids and the influence of diet and nutrients on immune and inflammatory responses.  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 01:20 Quickfire questions 02:55 The role of inflammation in immunity 05:30 Chronic inflammation and disease 08:30 How to measure inflammation 09:53 Low-grade inflammation and disease risk 12:30 What causes blood vessel inflammation? 15:23 What creates the narrowing of blood vessels? 17:20 How inflammation can cause blood clots, heart attacks and strokes 19:15 Inflammation and aging 21:40 Inflammation and lifestyle factors 25:07 Obesity and inflammation 28:45 Muscle loss and inflammation (sarcopenia) 30:52 The impact of meals, sugar and fats on inflammation 33:35 How diet could reduce inflammation 34:42 Why we all respond to food differently 38:42 Dietary choices to manage inflammation 40:00 What are omega-3s? 41:17 Anti-inflammatory foods 43:40 Health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids 45:55 Challenges with farmed salmon Mentioned in today's episode: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Nutrition or pharmacology? in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Omega-6 fatty acids and inflammation in PLEFA Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes in Nutrients  Another relevant study: Health relevance of the modification of low-grade inflammation in ageing and the role of nutrition in Ageing Research Reviews Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at podcast@joinzoe.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it.  Episode transcripts are available here.

Inflammation could age you - unless you eat these foods | Prof. Philip Calder

The menopause transition can bring unexpected challenges — the effects can significantly impact daily life and long-term health. Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a board-certified gynaecologist and a menopause specialist. She's helped thousands of women in perimenopause and menopause to realise their health goals. In today’s episode, she joins Jonathan and ZOE's Chief Scientist Dr. Sarah Berry to shed light on what to expect during these life stages. Sarah and Mary Claire describe practical strategies for managing symptoms, critical conversations to have with healthcare providers, and how to advocate for yourself effectively in medical settings. Follow Mary Claire 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 01:33 Quickfire questions 05:53 There is a lack of menopause training in medical school 07:02 Most women are going into menopause blind 07:43 Why menopause symptoms vary 09:30 The hormonal ‘zone of chaos’ 11:45 ZOE PREDICT data on menopause symptoms 13:36 How long do perimenopause symptoms last? 17:52 Perimenopause at age 35? 18:34 Why hormone tests are worthless 20:53 The risk of chronic disease after menopause 24:53 Why does menopause increase hunger? 28:39 Why medicine and research is male-dominated 32:34 How to talk to your doctor about menopaue 34:12 Pregnancy research - 10x more extensive than menopause research! 35:14 Mary Claire’s toolkit of strategies for menopause 36:34 What are the long-term health benefits of hormone replacement therapy?  38:36 Is HRT safe for most women? 42:47 Brand new ZOE study results: diet and menopause 49:16 Top 3 tips to help with symptoms 54:34 What is ‘frozen shoulder’ and how can you treat it? Mentioned in today's episode:Menopause transition and cardiovascular disease risk: Implications for timing of early prevention: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association in CirculationThe controversial history of hormone replacement therapy in MedicinaDr. Vonda Wright’s website
Books by Mary Claire:The New Menopause
Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at podcast@joinzoe.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it.  Episode transcripts are available here.

Your new menopause toolkit with Dr. Mary Claire Haver & Dr. Sarah Berry

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 PhytomedicineEffect 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 podcast@joinzoe.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it. Episode transcripts are available here.

The medicines hiding in your spice rack with Kanchan Koya & Dr. Sarah Berry

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 FoodThe Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD), published in American Journal of Lifestyle MedicineA 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 podcast@joinzoe.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it.  Episode transcripts are available <a...

Foods for every decade of life with Dr. Federica Amati

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<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jbm4.10651"...

Mushrooms as medicine: Uncovering the health secrets of fungi

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