Why the ‘big food’ industry is killing us – and how to fight back | Prof. Brian Elbel and Prof. Tim Spector

Why the ‘big food’ industry is killing us – and how to fight back | Prof. Brian Elbel and Prof. Tim Spector

Author: ZOE May 8, 2025 Duration: 1:03:34
👀 Unwrap the truth 👉 Try the new ZOE app Why do we eat what we eat? It might feel like a personal choice, but hidden forces—industry tactics, government policies, and even cutting-edge food science—shape our decisions every day. In this episode, Professor Brian Elbel from NYU and Professor Tim Spector unravel the truth behind our ultra-processed food (UPF) obsession and its alarming impact on global health. Our food system isn't just flawed; it's deliberately engineered. From seductive marketing to strategic supermarket layouts, Brian and Tim reveal the invisible hands guiding us toward unhealthy choices. Learn to spot UPFs in disguise, understand how corporate profits trump public health, and question whether interventions like soda taxes and calorie labeling truly make a difference. But all is not lost. Tim and Brian provide actionable strategies to reclaim control of our health. Discover practical tips for decoding confusing food labels, making healthier choices, and advocating for transformative policies. Tune in to learn how individual awareness and collective action can challenge—and change—a food system that’s designed against us. 🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+ *Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system Follow ZOE on Instagram. Timecodes 00:00 write timecodes 📚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 The corporate capture of the nutrition profession in the USA: the case of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2022) Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake (2019) Relationship between community characteristics and impact of calorie labeling on fast-food purchases Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here. Episode transcripts are available here.

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: 100

ZOE Science & Nutrition
Podcast Episodes
Healthier holiday eating with smart food swaps | Dr Federica Amati [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:12
Christmas is a time of celebration, when friends and family gather to enjoy meals together. However, many of us overindulge, which leaves us feeling tired, bloated, and guilty. What actually happens to our bodies when we…
Recap: Understanding endometriosis and PCOS | Dr Jen Ashton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:17
Today we’re talking about gynaecological health. Conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome are more common than might think. Yet they’re often misunderstood, frequently undiagnosed, and are all too ea…
Fermented foods: what to eat to cut inflammation | Prof. Tim Spector [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:27
Are fermented foods the missing link in our health, or just the latest wellness trend? In this episode, Professor Tim Spector, a world-leading scientist in gut health and co-founder of ZOE, challenges what we think we kn…
Recap: Tips for a healthy immune system | Jenna Macciochi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:33
Today we’re diving into our immune health. You can think of your immune system as your body’s personal physician. Diligently working around the clock to monitor, detect, and repair anything that might disrupt your health…