Fasting Myths, Gut-Boosting Pasta & A Five-Year Brain Boost

About this episode

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