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.

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.

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.

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.