Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn is a renowned physician, author, and advocate for plant-based nutrition. He has been at the forefront of the medical community for decades, pioneering research into the power of a vegan diet to prevent and reverse heart disease. His work has revolutionized how we view health and nutrition, inspiring countless people around the world to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Dr. Esselstyn is also known for appearing in the films Forks Over Knives, A Delicate Balance: The Truth, Eating You Alive, and What the Health. He is an author, former Olympic rowing champion, and is also the director of the Heart Disease Reversal Program at the Cleveland Clinic.
The physician sat down for an interview with Dr. Shabnam Islam on Connects to discuss his research on the many health benefits of a plant-based diet, such as the reversal of heart disease and a reduced risk of cancer.
What foods does Dr. Esselstyn recommend?
Dr. Esselstyn is best known for promoting a whole-food, plant-based diet without any animal products, processed foods, or oils. This dietary pattern has been proven to reduce cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure, and even reverse coronary artery disease.
The core principles behind Dr. Esselstyn's vegan diet are simple: eliminate all animal products (including meat, dairy, fish, eggs, and seafood), processed foods (such as white flour or sugar), and oils (including olive oil) from one’s diet. Additionally, he emphasizes whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits; plenty of water, exercise, rest, and B12 supplementation. He advises limiting sodium intake; avoiding saturated fats; and even consuming only small amounts of nuts and seeds.
Many people wonder whether vegan diets are deficient in protein, iron or B12. But Dr. Esselstyn emphasizes that a whole food plant-based diet will likely make you healthier than you’ve ever been in your life. A plant-based diet is nutritionally optimal, not only because of eliminating harmful animal-based foods but adding phytonutrient-rich plant foods.
How excessive oils increases the risk of disease:
Dr. Esselstyn explains that oil consumption injures the endothelium, which makes nitric oxide. This molecule protects our blood vessels and artery walls and keeps us from developing heart disease. Yet meats, animal products, sugars, and even excessive fats and caffeine injure them.
Dr. Esselstyn’s research into plant-based diets and heart disease
In 1985, Dr. Esselstyn published one of his most influential studies. Its results revealed that patients could reverse CAD themselves through dietary changes alone - without drugs or surgery. This revolutionary finding challenged conventional wisdom about treating heart disease.
In this study, he put twelve patients with advanced CAD on a low-fat vegan diet consisting mainly of whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. No animal products were allowed during this two-year trial period. At the end of this period, all twelve patients had significantly improved their health. They successfully reduced cholesterol levels and improved blood flow to their hearts-all without any drugs or surgery!
How Dr. Esselstyn’s message inspires us:
Low-fat whole foods plant-based diet helps you live the life you desire!
So, what’s Dr. Esselstyn’s takeaway message? While adopting a low-fat plant-based lifestyle is a significant transition, its reward is enormous. You can vastly reduce the risk of strokes, cancers, vascular dementia, heart attacks, Crohn's disease, lupus, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, allergies, asthma and more.
Dr. Esselystyn’s program shows people that eating animal products and excessive oils subtracts from your quality of life, while a plant-based diet helps you live your life to the fullest! Through simple yet powerful dietary changes, people can take back control over their own health. Because of Dr. Esselstyn’s work, countless people around the world are living healthier, longer lives filled with more energy and vitality.
By taking plant-based living to heart - you can, too!
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5 фев 2023
