The Wellness Scoop

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we answer your questions on some of the most common and confusing everyday health habits, from that mid-afternoon energy crash to whether cold breakfasts really slow your metabolism. We break down why the 2 to 3pm slump happens and how to manage it, unpack viral nutrition myths around hot versus cold breakfasts and food pairing, explore whether nutritional yeast is a reliable source of B12, look at what actually feeds your gut microbiome, and share simple, realistic ways to eat well when you’re unwell. Recommendations: Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up to the wait list for ⁠Rhitrition+⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we explore what’s shaping our health from both a biological and cultural perspective, from the foods that support our brain and gut to the systems influencing how we think, feel and behave every day. We revisit our conversation on screen time with new data showing just how fast modern children’s content has become, look at shifting attitudes towards social media as trust and engagement decline, and unpack emerging research suggesting microplastics may have been overestimated in some cases. We then dive into the science behind the MIND diet and its link to slower brain ageing and reduced dementia risk, alongside a practical breakdown of the best foods to support your gut and the ones to limit. Finally, we explore a landmark trial holding Meta and Google accountable for mental health harm, and what this could mean for the future of social media. Recommendations: Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What should you actually eat when you’re unwell and don’t have the energy to cook? Do viral digestion hacks really improve how your body absorbs nutrients, or are they just adding more confusion? And why can weight stay the same even when you’re eating well, exercising and doing everything “right”? This week, we break down the science behind a viral digestion claim, share simple, realistic ways to nourish your body when you’ve got a cold, and explore the nuance between nutrient density and energy balance when it comes to weight. We also unpack the ongoing debate around seed oils, looking at what the evidence actually says versus what’s being amplified online, and highlight the benefits of everyday foods like quinoa. A practical, myth-busting episode focused on helping you eat well, feel better and stop overthinking the small stuff. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to: hello@wellness-scoop.com Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we explore the small shifts that can have a surprisingly big impact on long-term health, starting with new research showing how just 11 extra minutes of sleep, alongside simple daily habits, could meaningfully reduce heart attack risk. We unpack a major shift in the weight loss landscape as GLP-1 drugs begin to fall dramatically in price, and what that could mean for access, demand and how these medications are used globally. We also look at the wider cultural impact already emerging, from changing body ideals to shifts on the fashion runway and some crazy new aesthetic trends. We also break down new UK guidance on children’s screen time and what it really means for development, attention and sleep, alongside the fast-growing children’s supplement market and why many multivitamins aren’t delivering what parents think they are. Finally, we explore the rise of olive oil and lemon shots, what’s driving the trend, what the science actually says, and whether they’re worth adding into your routine. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order your copy of Rhi's book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should we be eating differently across each stage of our cycle? Are microwaves actually harmful, or is it another wellness myth? And do we really need electrolytes, or is it just clever marketing? This week we answer your questions on nutrition for hormone health and PCOS, break down the science behind microwaving and plastic safety, and explore the growing hype around electrolytes. We also talk about how to build a balanced vegetarian diet without over-relying on ultra-processed foods, share trusted menopause resources, and open up about what we’re actually cooking, eating and doing in our own routines right now. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠ The Science of Menopause and The M Word by today's contributor Dr. Phillipa Kaye The Feel Good Fix by Lavina Mehta Just Getting Started by Lisa Snowdon Owning Your Menopause The Power of Menopause and Midlife by Dr Nighat Arif Ella's favourite Foccacia recipe. Ella suggests letting it sit for two hours to prove. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order your copy of Rhi's book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is wine actually good for you now? It’s a headline that’s everywhere, but what does the research really say? In this episode, we unpack the nuance behind the story, looking at alcohol, longevity and why the bigger picture matters more than any single drink. We also explore how to build a healthier, more balanced relationship with food, moving away from rigid rules towards a way of eating that feels sustainable, enjoyable and supportive of long-term health. Plus, a fascinating new study on “super-agers” offers a hopeful perspective on brain health, suggesting that staying mentally sharp for longer may be more possible than we think. An uplifting, empowering episode focused on helping you feel good, think clearly and support your wellbeing. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order your copy of Rhi's book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does eating in front of screens really affect digestion? What would the ultimate healthy shopping list actually look like? And can you eat too much fibre, even when you’re trying to eat well? This week we answer your questions on building a balanced, nutrient-rich food shop, whether very high fibre diets have any downsides, and the science behind eating while distracted and how it may influence digestion. We also explore some of the small wellness myths circulating online and break down the practical habits that actually support long-term health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can what you eat really shape how you feel day to day? What’s the ideal amount of sleep for long-term health? And how much of our disease risk is influenced by everyday habits? This week, we break down new research linking flavonoid-rich foods to better mood and long-term wellbeing, the optimal sleep window for supporting blood sugar control and reducing diabetes risk, and a major global study showing how lifestyle factors are shaping breast cancer rates. We also unpack the rise of looksmaxxing — the viral trend redefining self-improvement, appearance and pressure for the next generation. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order your copy of Rhi's book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How can you boost nutrition for fussy children without changing the foods they already love? How reliable is BMI as a measure of health, particularly for women or people recovering from disordered eating? And should desserts really be served every day in primary schools? This week we answer your questions on hidden nutrients for picky eaters, navigating BMI without damaging your relationship with food, and the debate around sugary desserts in school meals. We also talk about spotting misleading health claims online and share lots of practical tips to help make everyday wellness feel simpler. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order your copy of Rhi's book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can a daily multivitamin really slow biological ageing? Is obesity simply about willpower, or is the biology far more complex? And could just 15 minutes of exercise help your brain work more efficiently? This week we unpack the science behind obesity for World Obesity Day, break down the new research linking multivitamins to biological ageing, and explore how short bursts of exercise may boost brain performance. We also look at two trends shaping the wellness conversation right now: a campaign calling for a social media ban for under-16s and the resurgence of dangerous sunbed misinformation online. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order your copy of Rhi's book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do we reach for sweet food when we’re stressed? Are zero-sugar sweeteners actually better for our health? And can digestive enzymes really help if dairy doesn’t agree with you? This week, we unpack stress eating in busy seasons of life, the science behind low and zero-sugar substitutes like stevia and monk fruit, and whether digestive enzymes can support lactose intolerance. We also dive into fibre targets, plant counting and how to make small, practical shifts to improve your health in ways that work in real life. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to ⁠hello@wellness-scoop.com⁠. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order your copy of Rhi's book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does collagen actually do anything for your skin? Which diets are linked to lower cancer risk? Is mental health really declining in younger generations, and have we surpassed peak wellness as we head into 2026? This week we break down collagen hype versus reality, the largest diet studies on cancer risk, and the growing generational mental health divide, alongside the biggest wellness trends set to shape the year ahead. From global data to practical tips, it’s everything you need to make sense of the headlines and apply them to real life. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episode 98 and the countdown to 100 is officially on. This week is a listener Q&A special. We break down the rise of psyllium husk and what it actually does for gut health, separating meaningful fibre support from supplement hype. We also tackle blood sugar anxiety and the growing obsession with glucose “hacks”, asking how much the average person really needs to worry about spikes, post-meal walks and carb timing. We explore 14:10 fasting for energy and digestive health, and what to do when wellness routines start to feel restrictive rather than supportive. Alongside that, we share practical, nourishing snack ideas for last-minute guests, discuss how to protect bone health after an osteopenia diagnosis, and reflect on the wider conversation around moving out of London in search of a slower pace of life. As always, we’re cutting through the noise and focusing on what’s sustainable, evidence-based and actually helpful in real life. Order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠ - out today! Thirty Plants App - Track your plant points through the week on this handy app, as recommended by our listener Olivia Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re looking at the small, everyday habits that may influence our long-term health more than we think. From early research on stress hormones and cancer biology to new data on heart disease risk in men and women, we break down what the science actually shows and where the nuance matters. We revisit dementia prevention through a wider lens, exploring lifelong learning, oral health and cognitive engagement, and what they tell us about how closely the brain is connected to the rest of the body. We also unpack the gender gap in exercise habits and what it means for heart health. In our trends section, we explore fibre layering versus fibremaxxing and why variety may matter more than totals for gut health. We finish with practical, evidence-based sleep tips, because quality rest underpins everything from stress resilience to metabolic health. Recommendations: Shawn Achor on Super Soul Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we are answering your questions and unpacking some of the biggest wellness trends shaping everyday choices. We start with spirulina. Is it a true superfood or more marketing than substance? We look at what it actually contains, whether it meaningfully contributes fibre, why it is not a reliable source of B12, and what to consider during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We then tackle the air fryer debate. Does it really save money on energy bills and is it healthier than using a traditional oven? We break down how it works, what the science says about fat use and cooking methods, and when it makes sense to invest in one. We also share practical ideas for increasing fibre in children who struggle with vegetables, explore whether gums and emulsifiers in plant milks are something to worry about, and answer your questions on omega 7, dried fruit, collagen and protecting brain health as we age. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we unpack four headlines shaping how we eat and think about health. A major Cochrane review finds intermittent fasting is no more effective for weight loss than standard calorie-controlled diets, despite its surge in popularity. We explore what the evidence actually shows and why public perception may not match the data. We then dive into resistant starch, the underrated fibre found in foods like lentils and cooled pasta, and explain how simple preparation tweaks can support gut health, cholesterol and blood sugar balance. New research also suggests that lifelong reading, writing and learning could lower dementia risk by nearly 40% and delay onset by up to five years. We unpack what this means for cognitive reserve and long-term brain resilience. And finally, we look at the rise of matcha. From high street launches to social media hype, we break down whether it really deserves its health halo and how it compares to coffee. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode, we’re answering your questions on making everyday food choices simpler and more nourishing. We start with micronutrients on plant-heavy diets, including how to think about calcium, magnesium, zinc and iodine across the week without tracking apps, and when blood tests can be helpful during breastfeeding. We then look at easy food swaps that save time, including packaged grains and lentils, where they sit in the NOVA system, and why they can be a genuinely useful shortcut. Next, we share nut-free snack ideas for work, focusing on whole-food-leaning options that support steady energy. We also unpack bloating and inflammation, how hormones and stress affect gut health, and what to know about anti-inflammatory supplements like butyrate. Finally, we break down chickpea pasta versus white pasta, looking at fibre, protein and how it fits into a balanced way of eating. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the headlines shaping how we think about brain health, everyday habits and modern wellness. First up, we look at a major long-term study exploring tea and coffee consumption and dementia risk, and what it adds to the conversation around coffee and brain health. Then, we unpack the growing evidence linking gut health, inflammation and cognitive decline, and why what’s happening in the gut may matter more for the brain than we once thought. And finally, we turn to what’s trending in wellness, from the viral AI monk offering algorithmic calm to the resurfacing of AG1 supplement data, and what both stories reveal about trust, influence and the commodification of wellbeing online. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re answering your questions on breakfast smoothies, savoury breakfasts, blood sugar balance and the wellness habits everyone seems to be talking about right now. We unpack whether blending foods like oats and bananas actually changes their nutritional value, take a closer look at glucose-focused eating, ACV shots and food-order hacks, and explain what the evidence really says about managing blood sugar in midlife without extremes. We also discuss celebrity-backed supplements like NMN, what we know (and don’t know) about longevity claims, and finish with a calm, evidence-based look at deodorant versus antiperspirant, aluminium fears and how to think about everyday chemical exposure without panic. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on The Wellness Scoop, we’re talking about why so many of us feel constantly distracted, what new research is revealing about cancer-linked ingredients in everyday foods, and why fermented foods are one of the most evidence-backed habits worth building into real life. We break down why attention feels so hard to hold onto right now, how scrolling, sleep and alcohol quietly shape focus and memory, and what the science actually shows helps us reclaim concentration without cutting technology out altogether. We also unpack major new studies linking long-term exposure to certain food preservatives with increased cancer and type 2 diabetes risk, what this says about how our food system has changed, and the realistic food swaps that matter most. We close by looking at fermented foods, why aiming to include them weekly, or ideally daily, is strongly linked to better gut health, lower inflammation and overall wellbeing, and how to do it simply. Send your questions for our weekly Q&A to hello@wellness-scoop.com. Find out more about today's contributor, Sophie Medlin at City Dietitions - and check out her work with Which? where she gives the lowdown on supplements Order your copy of Ella's new book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quick Wins: Healthy Cooking for Busy Lives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pre-order your copy of Rhi's upcoming book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Fibre Formula⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices