Coffee's hidden health benefits with James Hoffmann & Professor Tim Spector

Many of us love coffee, but we may not be aware of its health benefits. If you thought coffee was just a caffeine kick, think again.

In today's episode, Jonathan, Prof. Tim Spector, and coffee expert James Hoffmann explore the intricate relationship between coffee and health. They uncover truths and myths about caffeine and describe coffee’s fascinating role in improving gut health.

Tim also shares exciting news about soon-to-be published research. The topic: coffee and the gut microbiome. Plus, James brews coffee live in the studio and helps us understand the different coffee variants. He even dives into the world of coffee kombucha.

James Hoffmann is an English barista, YouTuber, entrepreneur, coffee consultant, and author. He came to prominence after winning the World Barista Championship in 2007 and is credited as a pioneer of Britain's third-wave coffee movement.

Tim is a professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, director of the Twins UK study, scientific co-founder of ZOE, and one of the world’s leading researchers. 

If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to zoe.com/podcast, and get 10% off your personalized nutrition program.

Find top tips for gut health from ZOE Science and Nutrition — download our FREE gut guide. 

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Timecodes:

00:00    Introduction

01:50    Quickfire Questions

04:24    Why are we all so obsessed with coffee?

05:02    What are the health benefits associated with coffee?    

06:40    There is a lot more fiber in coffee than you think

09:47    The effects of caffeine and gender differences

12:31    Why is coffee full of polyphenols?

15:12     Tim’s new research teaser

21:21    What is the health relationship between fiber, microbes and our bodies?

27:32    Should we all start drinking coffee and should we choose decaf?

31:52    Modern coffee is all about flavor

33:03    Does the way that we make coffee impact our health?

37:55    James explains his mini laboratory!

43:42    Why is coffee not regulated in coffee shop chains?

44:35 What's the best way to make coffee?

44:40    Coffee #1 Filter Coffee

47:10    Coffee #2 Decaf Coffee

51:00    Coffee #3 Instant Coffee

1:00:50  How does caffeine affect high blood pressure?

1:05:36  Summary

Mentioned in today’s episode: 

How to Make the Best Coffee at Home by James Hoffman

Editorial correction: James refers to chlorogenic acid as a polyphenol. We have since learnt that this is incorrect. Rather, it is a phenolic compound or a phenolic acid. James has shared this short video on his YouTube channel clarifying this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IszQ2JR3Olc

Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at [email protected], and we’ll do our best to cover it. 

Episode transcripts are available here.