Alcohol: Can it ever be healthy?

Alcohol: Can it ever be healthy?

Author: ZOE March 17, 2022 Duration: 42:34
For many of us, it's a ritual to help us wind down after a long day, an excuse to catch up with friends, or a lubricant to an awkward social situation. Alcohol can be delicious, but our relationship with it is often complicated.  Good times with friends aren’t without sacrifice, and many of us feel the morning after impact of a few too many drinks. For an unfortunate minority, alcohol can lead to addiction and even death.  What we want to know is, can alcohol ever be healthy? Is any amount of alcohol a sure path to an early grave, or could a glass of red wine be the best thing for your heart health? This episode examines these contradictions to see what the science says.  Jonathan speaks to two leading scientists to better understand the effects of alcohol: Tim Spector - scientific co-founder at Zoe and one of the top 100 most cited scientists in the world Dr. Sarah Berry - one of the world's leading experts in human nutrition, with over 30 randomised human clinical trials to her name Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguide Timecodes: 00:00 - Intro 00:10 - Jonathan’s introduction 01:25 - Episode start 01:45 - Tim’s favourite alcohol 02:24 - Is red wine healthy? 04:56 - How does alcohol relate to our microbiomes? 08:41 - What’s the cause of alcohol's positive effects? 11:16 - The importance of the amount of alcohol consumed 15:47 - Understanding the adverse effects of alcohol 17:48 - Why do hangovers get worse with age? 21:41 - Does alcohol influence weight? 24:48 - Alcoholic beers vs non-alcoholic beers in relation to sugar 28:34 - Avoid alcohol if you have these conditions! 29:54 - How does fermentation of beer differ from kombucha? 32:21 - Organic and natural wine 35:10 - Summary 38:03 - Outro Follow Sarah: https://twitter.com/saraheeberry Follow Tim: https://twitter.com/timspector Follow ZOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe/ This podcast was produced by Fascinate Productions.

Ever feel like the advice on eating well shifts with the wind? ZOE Science & Nutrition cuts through the noise by going straight to the source. Each conversation, hosted by Jonathan Wolf, sits down with leading researchers who are actually shaping our understanding of the human body, particularly the profound role of gut health. This isn't about quick fixes or fad diets; it's a deep and accessible exploration of the science itself. You'll hear these experts break down complex studies on nutrition and metabolism, then translate those findings into clear, actionable steps you can consider for your own life. The discussions span how food impacts everything from your energy levels and immune system to long-term weight management and disease prevention. Tuning into this podcast feels like having a direct line to the frontiers of nutritional science, all presented in a grounded, engaging way that makes even the most intricate topics relatable. It’s for anyone who’s curious about the real reasons behind why we eat what we eat and how those choices fundamentally shape our health.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 304

ZOE Science & Nutrition
Podcast Episodes
How snacking impacts your health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:11
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Protein & exercise: The secrets of healthy aging? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:01
As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, including a decline in muscle mass and cognitive function. For many of us, exercise and diet play crucial roles in maintaining our health and well-being. But how can the pr…
The surprising health impact of eating too fast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:57
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Duration: 52:10
Menopause is a time of significant hormonal changes which can lead to a range of symptoms that can severely impact quality of life for many women. So, a drug that promises to reduce these symptoms is incredibly welcome,…
Omega-3 supplements: why you're (probably) wasting your money [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:52
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How ultra-processed foods wreak havoc on your body [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:31
Ultra-processed foods have become ubiquitous in modern diets. Many of us eat them regularly without understanding their potential impacts on our health. From hidden additives to addictive properties, these highly process…
Why eating nuts makes you healthier, according to science [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:39
In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Sarah ask: If nuts are so full of fat, can they really be good for us? There is no shortage of variety when it comes to the mighty (yet humble) nut and th…