by SARAH SHANNON

PODCAST

ZOE Science & Nutrition

You might remember Professor Tim Spector from his pandemic TV appearances. Now the epidemiologist is back with a team of geeks for this excellent podcast all about eating better. One episode concentrates on the horrors of ultra-processed foods - packaged biscuits, sugary cereals, ready meals - which are an increasing part of the UK diet. Spector describes a study that placed two groups in a hospital on different food regimes. One group ate ultraprocessed food, the other ate the same food, but made with fresh ingredients. The group on ultra-processed food ate an extra 500 calories a day as the food overcame their brain's signals for fullness. According to Spector, any food labelled 'healthy' or 'fat free' is almost certainly bad for you as it will have been ultra-processed to remove sugars or fat. And sugar-free food is frequently stuffed with sweeteners whose health claims are in doubt. Fascinating stuff, but enjoy your tea and biscuits before listening!