Heart Foundation launches new podcast – Heart Hub

Published: 7 September 2026

The Heart Foundation has launched Heart Hub, a new podcast series covering a range of topics from eating and activity for heart health, to managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and discovering the latest in heart research.

In the first episode of Heart Hub, 'Ultra-processed foods and what really matters for your heart', nutrition experts explore the term ultra-processed foods, navigate the complexity of the topic, and what it means for heart health.

Podcast guest, Chief Advisor Food and Nutrition Dave Monro, points out, “The level of processing is an important factor, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that people consider when it comes to food selection. Other important factors are what the food is, the nutrients it contains, and how it is eaten in the context of the overall diet.”

A high intake of ultra-processed foods can contribute to a high level of salt and sugar in the diet. Eating high amounts of salt significantly raises the risk of developing high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.

“Cooking more meals from scratch at home and making some swaps to less processed foods throughout your day can be a good way of reducing your salt, saturated fat and sugar intake and managing heart health.” 

The episode covers what an ultra-processed food is, what to look for on food labels, choosing healthier options, the impact of high levels of ultra-processed foods on the heart, and what heart-healthy eating looks like.

Host of episode and Heart Foundation Head of Prevention, Justine Munro, summed up the advice, “Pick one small change that feels achievable. Maybe it’s a food swap, adding a bean-based meal into your week, or adding an extra vegetable to dinner.”

The first episode of Heart Hub drops on 7 September and streams on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and the Heart Foundation website. The next episode, ‘What every woman should know about heart health’, drops on 29 September.