Ep. 188: Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. - Nine Ways a Plant-Based Diet Has Reversed Cardiovascular Disease

New York Times bestselling author and PLANTSTRONG founder, Rip Esselstyn, is joined by a very special guest, his father, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., discussing the nine ways he has documented reversal of cardiovascular disease over the last 40 years.

When Dr. Esselstyn started his work at the Cleveland Clinic in the early 80s, he was the chairman of the breast cancer task force. In his work, he encountered multiple cultures where breast cancer was virtually non-existent and the same was true for cardiovascular disease. 

Why was the incidence of cancer and cardiovascular disease so prevalent in the U.S. and other Western cultures, but not so in others? 

Essy set out to prove that cardiovascular disease COULD be reversed with a whole food, plant-based diet, but first he had to find compliant patients and that’s where the conversation starts today. Once he had amassed compliant patients he did, in fact, prove reversal of heart disease in nine different measures, including:

Oh, and stick around to the end when he answers audience questions ranging from caffeine, salt, and alcohol, to diabetes, saturated fats, and gum disease.


Episode Highlights

10:10 Where does cardiovascular disease begin?

11:00 Role of nitric oxide

13:00 Is it ever too late to bring endothelial cells back to life?

14:30 What are the foods you should and shouldn’t eat to protect endothelial cells

16:00 Benefits of chewing your greens six times daily

21:20 Top Greens to Consume (i.e. Essy’s Rap!)

39:45 Essy Answers Your Questions

40:30 Will this also help with type 2 Diabetes?

41:05 Why are my triglycerides so high when I’m compliant?

42:00 Is one drink of beer or wine ok with dinner?

42:35 Are you against statin drugs?

44:50 Can old plaque be reversed?

46:50 Are plant-based milks ok?

48:50 Why is the totality of sodium intake important?

49:50 What are your recommendations on B-12?

50:53 Is there a link between gum disease and heart disease?

51:11 What are your thoughts on red rice yeast extract in place of statins?

51:25 What’s more toxic - salt or sugar?

55:50 How can avocados damage endothelial cells?

Episode Resources

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Order Dr. Esselstyn's Book, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure

Dr. Esselstyn’s Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Website

Slides from Dr. Esselstyn's Presentation

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