The Beat

Are seed oils really harmful - or just misunderstood? With misinformation spreading online, many people are questioning whether common cooking oils are safe for heart health. In this episode of The Beat, Heart Foundation dietitian Nikita Kelly breaks down the evidence behind seed oils, inflammation and cholesterol, and explains why some of the most common claims don't hold up in human studies. You'll also hear why saturated fats like butter and coconut oil can increase heart disease risk, and why your overall eating pattern matters more than any single ingredient. Presented and produced by Michael Zubreckyj.

Statins are one of the most widely prescribed medications in Australia, but they've also become a lightning rod for misinformation. A major global study has found that many of the side effects people blame on statins aren't actually caused by the drug. Yet the myths persist - spreading through social media, online communities and even some corners of academia. In this episode of The Beat, the Heart Foundation's Head of Clinical Evidence, Dannii Dougherty, explains what the science actually shows, why misinformation about statins spreads so easily, and how it can lead people to stop taking life-saving medication.

A recent study has linked long-term melatonin use with higher rates of heart failure and hospitalisation, raising questions about whether a common sleep supplement could affect heart health. In this episode of The Beat, leading cardiologist Professor Garry Jennings explains what the research does and doesn't show, why association doesn't mean causation, and how sleep problems and disrupted body clocks may be the real issue. We unpack why sleep is so important for the heart, what melatonin actually does in the body, and what to consider if you're using sleep aids regularly.   Presented and Produced by Michael Zubreckyj. 

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are everywhere - and growing evidence shows they're harming our health. In this episode of The Beat, we unpack the latest findings from the Lancet Ultra-Processed Foods Series, exploring what UPFs are, how they affect heart health, and why they dominate Australian diets. We also look at a pivotal moment for Australia's food system. The national food regulatory framework is under review, and proposed reforms to the FSANZ Act could allow ultra-processed foods into the market with less scrutiny - without public health protections built in. Joined by Lancet Series co-author Dr Phillip Baker from the University of Sydney and Heart Foundation Senior Nutrition Advisor Nikita Muller, we examine what's driving UPF consumption, which policy solutions are working overseas, and why transparency and strong public health safeguards in Australia's food laws matter - so healthy choices become the easier choice.

Can your daily cup of coffee actually be good for your heart? New research from the University of Adelaide suggests that moderate coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of heart disease and even live longer. In this episode, we explore what's really going on between caffeine and cardiovascular health - separating fact from froth. We speak with the study's author Professor Christopher Wong about what the evidence shows, how much coffee might be too much, and why your morning brew could be more than just a pick-me-up.   Presented and produced by Michael Zubreckyj.

Australian researchers have discovered that a drug already used to treat rheumatoid arthritis could hold the key to improving recovery after a heart attack. In this episode of The Beat, Dr Jonathan Noonan from the Baker Institute explains how the anti-inflammatory drug abatacept calms the immune system after a heart attack - helping the heart heal and potentially preventing heart failure in the future. To learn more about heart health - including the warning signs of a heart attack - visit heartfoundation.org.au. Presented and produced by Michael Zubreckyj.

A major new Australian study has revealed that women are still missing out on life-saving treatment after a heart attack - and the gap could be costing hundreds of lives every year. In this episode, we speak with Professor Clara Chow about why these disparities persist, what the data tells us, and how Australia's health system can do better for women's hearts. To learn more about heart health - including the warning signs of a heart attack - visit heartfoundation.org.au. Presented and produced by Michael Zubreckyj.