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Health & Fitness

The Medicinal Chef 'Nutrition Nuggets Podcast'

Dale Pinnock

Every meal is an opportunity to nourish your health.


Join bestselling author, nutritionist and TV chef Dale Pinnock, better known as The Medicinal Chef, as he explores the fascinating relationship between food and health through the ingredients, meals and cooking that shape our everyday lives.

Each week, Dale takes one practical nutrition topic and breaks it down into simple, evidence-based advice you can actually use in your own kitchen. From the foods that support heart health, digestion and blood sugar, to the science behind herbs, spices, whole foods and everyday ingredients, every episode helps you understand not just what to eat, but why.


With over 30 years in the nutrition field, degrees in Human Nutrition and Herbal Medicine, a postgraduate qualification in Nutritional Medicine, more than 20 bestselling books, and decades spent helping millions through television, radio and clinical practice, Dale cuts through the myths, fads and confusion to bring nutrition back where it belongs—on the plate.


Whether you're looking to improve your health, cook with more confidence or simply understand the incredible power of food, these short weekly episodes will leave you informed, inspired and ready for your next meal.


https://www.dalepinnock.com/

  • 77 episodes
  • Updated Friday

Episodes77

  • Friday · 14 min

    What To Eat For Better Sleep

    Send us Fan Mail Sleep is one of the most important pillars of good health, yet millions of people struggle to get the quality rest they need. In this episode I explore the science behind how the food we eat can help support better sleep. We'll look at how nutrients help build the neurotransmitters and hormones involved in healthy sleep, why magnesium plays such an important role in normal nervous system function, how the gut microbiome communicates with the brain, and why stable blood sugar may be one of the most overlooked factors in staying asleep through the night. Most importantly, I'll explain how to put all of this into practice with simple, everyday foods that can help support your body's natural sleep physiology. If you're looking for practical, evidence-based nutrition advice to improve your sleep naturally, this episode is for you. In this episode you'll learn: • The foods that help support serotonin and melatonin production • Why magnesium is important for healthy sleep • How your gut microbiome may influence sleep quality • The link between blood sugar regulation and waking during the night • Simple dietary changes you can start making today For recipe content and more, head over to my website: https://www.dalepinnock.com/

  • July 24 · 5 min

    Returning to My Roots: Why Food Really Is Medicine

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the very first episode of the newly relaunched The Medicinal Chef: Nutrition Nuggets Podcast. In this episode, I want to explain why I've taken the podcast back to its roots and why, after years of diving deep into nutritional science, I'm returning to what has always been at the heart of my work: food. I share the philosophy that has shaped my career as The Medicinal Chef, explain what I really mean when I say food is medicine, and why the meals we eat every day represent one of the most powerful ways we can actively support our own health. We'll explore how food influences everything from inflammation and blood sugar to heart health, gut health and healthy ageing, and why understanding a little of the science can help you make better choices in the kitchen without becoming overwhelmed. From next week onwards, each episode will tackle a practical topic such as what to eat for high cholesterol, what to eat during menopause, foods that support blood pressure, and the evidence behind individual ingredients, giving you simple, practical ways to translate nutritional science into delicious everyday meals. Whether you're new to The Medicinal Chef or have followed my work for years, welcome. I'm delighted you're here. For recipes and more, visit my website: https://www.dalepinnock.com/

  • Feb 13, 2025 · 12 min

    The Beneficial Side To Omega 6 Fatty Acids

    Send us Fan Mail Is there actually a GOOD side to omega 6 fatty acids? This episode dives into the delicate balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in our diets, addressing specific listener concerns about GLA supplementation and its implications for health. We explore the complex pathways of these essential fatty acids, their roles in inflammation, and the impact of seed oils on our wellbeing. • Clarification of Omega-3 and Omega-6's roles in nutrition • Discussion on the listener’s question regarding GLA and Omega-6 supplementation • Explanation of metabolic pathways for linoleic acid and GLA • Examination of inflammatory responses and Omega ratios • Insights into seed oils and their influence on health • Encouragement for listener engagement and inquiries

  • Feb 6, 2025 · 11 min

    Why The Alkaline Diet Is Just NONSENSE!

    Send us Fan Mail https://www.dalepinnock.com/ The alkaline diet has been around for decades and it keeps on popping up and haunting the nutrition space. This week's podcast is a listener question from over on instagram, asking whether there is any validity to the alkaline diet. Well.....in short...NO! There are huge benefits from the diet that is prescribed, but is it anything to do with pH? The whole concept is grossly inaccurate. This episode explains everything.

  • Jan 30, 2025 · 23 min

    Ignore Instagram - Your Diet DOES Influence Immunity

    Send us Fan Mail My Brand New Book - 1o1 Nutrition Myths Debunked. Out Now In Paperback. get It Here: https://amzn.eu/d/d3WsXRW Despite what numerous people are saying on social media, your diet absolutely DOES affect your immunity. In a big way. This episode will tell you why and how, and help you realise that it is more a case of wrong terminology used rather than diet having no impact. I will show you some simple effective changes you van make to ensure that your immune system stays as healthy as it can.

  • Jan 24, 2025 · 19 min

    Why Inflammation Causes Disease

    Send us Fan Mail https://www.nutritionalmedicineschool.com/ Inflammation is one of the biggest drivers of chronic disease. Yet, it is a silent killer that most of us are unaware is an issue for us until it is too late. So how do we stop it and prevent it from causing untold damage? This episode explains it all...

  • Jan 15, 2025 · 19 min

    How Our Gut Influences Inflammation

    Send us Fan Mail https://www.nutritionalmedicineschool.com/ Managing inflammation is one of the biggest keys to long term health. Chronic low grade inflammation is a driver of many common degenerative diseases from cardiovascular disease to metabolic syndrome. But what does our gut have to do with all of this? Well, quite a lot actually. This episode explains all....

  • Jan 18, 2024 · 29 min

    The Three Keys To Life Long Health

    Send us Fan Mail https://www.nutritionalmedicineschool.com/ With so much conflicting dietary advice, divided opinion, and contradiction, what SHOULD we be eating and doing from a dietary perspective? The truth is NOBODY knows. What we do know however is how our modern diet is killing us. What if we flipped that on. its head and did the opposite. What would that look like and what could happen?

  • Jan 11, 2024 · 16 min

    Nutritional Supplements - How To Know What To Look For

    Send us Fan Mail https://www.nutritioncoachacademy.com/ If there is one question I get more than any other on social media it is "how do I know what to look for with nutritional supplements? How do I choose a good one?". Well, this episode answers that very question. We cover: Determining your needs Watch out for these ingredients Know this about dosage ranges Insist on THESE manufacturing standards If they don't have this certificate, bin them And a whole lot more. If you find this useful, please do share with a friend too.

  • Jan 5, 2024 · 7 min

    New Year Diet? Just Do THIS!

    Send us Fan Mail Here we are again. The new year diet nonsense crowding the headlines and popular press. The time when everyone ends top totally confused, fed up with the contradiction restriction and rubbish, gives up and just goes back to their old ways. Well, Im here to tell you to ignore the noise and just focus on one beautifully simple thing! Take a listen....you will be relieved!

  • Dec 15, 2023 · 8 min

    Surviving The Christmas Indulgence

    Send us Fan Mail There is no escaping the fact that this time of year can take its toll on how we feel. A few days of cheese, wine and mince pies and we can soon feel out of whack. In this episode I want to share with you my top 5 tips to prevent the heavy horrid washed out feeling that days of indulgence can bring, whilst still enjoy yourself.

  • Nov 24, 2023 · 13 min

    Controlling Appetite - How To Do It Effectively!!

    Send us Fan Mail Are you driven to snack constantly? Our modern foods and the environment we are in has caused havoc with our appetites and our natural hunger signals. Regulating appetite is certainly a big concern for so many people that I work with. The beauty is though, with a few key changes we can change the chemistry that keeps our appetite in check and start to get back to our natural responses to food and natural eating patterns that are right for us and our own bodies. Intros episode I explain how to do it and why it works.

  • Nov 16, 2023 · 9 min

    GastroIntelligence: Decoding the Gut-Brain Relationship

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I delve into the surprising truth behind the gut-brain connection, focusing on the pivotal role of the gut microbiome rather than neurotransmitters in this crucial communication pathway. Discover how the diverse world of gut bacteria influences not just our digestive health, but also our mental wellbeing and cognitive function. We'll explore: The Microbiome-Brain Link: Uncover the latest scientific findings on how gut microbes affect brain communication, challenging previous beliefs about gut neurotransmitters. Fiber Diversity for a Healthy Microbiome: Learn why a varied fibre diet is key to nurturing a robust microbiome, and how this diversity can positively impact your brain health. Practical Dietary Tips: Get actionable advice on enhancing your microbiome through diet, focusing on fibre-rich foods for optimal gut and brain health. This episode is packed with insights, and practical dietary strategies, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intricate relationship between diet, gut health, and mental wellness. #MicrobiomeHealth #GutBrainConnection #FiberDiet #MentalWellness #NutritionPodcast

  • Nov 10, 2023 · 17 min

    Unveiling the Truth About Antioxidants: Myth-Busting and Health Tips

    Send us Fan Mail Are antioxidants the secret elixir of youth? Can they truly prevent chronic diseases, or is it just marketing spin? Get the lowdown on how these powerful compounds work, and why the hype might be leading you astray. Discover the real benefits of antioxidants, the risks of overconsumption, and the truth about those "miracle" supplements. Join me as I explore: The fundamental science of antioxidants and free radicals: no PhD required! Evidence-based insights on how antioxidants influence health and aging. The inside story on antioxidant-rich foods vs. supplements: What does the research say? Practical, actionable tips on incorporating the right balance of antioxidants into your daily diet. Plus, we'll answer the burning question: Can you actually "eat the rainbow" to boost your health? Don't get lost in the claims and confusion. Let Nutrition Nuggets be your guide to eating smarter and living healthier. Be sure to subscribe 🍇 #Antioxidants #NutritionPodcast #HealthyEating #DietMyths #NutritionFacts #HealthAndWellness #NutritionNuggets #FreeRadicals #Superfoods #NutritionalScience

  • Aug 4, 2023 · 10 min

    A powerful anti-inflammatory diet in just 2 easy steps - THESE TWO TRICKS CHANGE EVERYTHING!

    Send us Fan Mail https://www.nutritioncoachacademy.com/ Inflammation is one of the biggest influences on long term disease risk, especially the likes of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and many cancers. The beauty is though, our diet and lifestyle can have an enormous influence upon our inflammatory load. In this episode we will cover: ✅ Acute vs. Chronic Inflammation: What sets them apart? ✅ Inflammation's sinister link to a host of chronic diseases. ✅ Navigating the minefield of inflammatory foods vs. those that heal. ✅ Low GL diet: A cornerstone in managing inflammation. ✅ How omega-3 promises a turnaround in inflammation levels. By equipping yourself with the right knowledge and incorporating anti-inflammatory strategies into your diet, you can pave the way for a healthier life. #AntiInflammatoryDiet #chronicinflammation #chronicdisease #inflammation

  • Jul 28, 2023 · 12 min

    Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in 10 Key Ways

    Send us Fan Mail Are you ready to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes? In this episode, I will share 10 proven evidence based strategies that can make a world of difference in your journey towards a healthier life. Each element here plays a crucial role in keeping type 2 diabetes at bay. Stay tuned as we dive deep into the science behind preventing type 2 diabetes and offer practical tips that you can implement in your daily routine. Knowledge is the first step towards change. Prevention is key, and the earlier you take action, the better the chances of maintaining optimal metabolic health. Also available on YouTube

  • Jul 21, 2023 · 9 min

    HDL vs LDL - What Your Doctor ISN'T Telling You!

    Send us Fan Mail https://www.dalepinnock.com How often have you wondered, "what is the difference between HDL and LDL?" Or pondered, "is high cholesterol actually dangerous?" In this short video I wanted to unravel the mysteries behind high cholesterol, shedding light on its impact on our health. Understand the clear distinctions between harmful and harmless cholesterol types. Discover what cholesterol level is considered high and why it matters. I also wanted to show you what actually CAUSES it to get high in the first place and to bring you practical, effective strategies for cholesterol lowering. Specifically, with guidance on how to lower cholesterol through dietary changes. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on health and wellness. Also available on YouTube

  • Jul 6, 2023 · 6 min

    Are Carbs Killing You Slowly?

    Send us Fan Mail There are carbs that kill and carbs that heal. Undeniably. Discover the crucial links between carbohydrates and the cause of the Worlds biggest killer - heart disease, and more importantly how moving over to the right types can protect your heart long term. One simple swap is all it takes. Carbohydrates influence many aspects of cardiovascular disease, and the amount of poor quality carbohydrates that many of us are consuming is driving heart disease faster and faster. From creating a pro-inflammatory environment, through to influencing blood fats, carb choices matter. This video unpacks how carbs have the capacity to drive heart disease and why. It also describes the simple swap that you can make and how this can protect you.

  • Nov 11, 2022 · 12 min

    Is It REALLY Safe To Cook With Olive Oil?

    Send us Fan Mail https://www.nutritionalmedicineschool.com/ There is STILL a belief that we absolutely must not cook with olive oil. I want you to know that this is a complete myth and in this episode I explain why!

  • Nov 4, 2022 · 12 min

    Best Diet For Long Term Brain Health

    Send us Fan Mail Can certain foods improve our long term brain health. Yes, absolutely. Here I discuss the top 3 nutrient groups to support both short AND long term brain health. website: https://www.dalepinnock.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj_jHt6q0Hk9-rkDu4gNboA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themedicinalchef/