Caldwell Esselstyn

[include file=get-in-itunes.html] Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn really laid it all out there in this episode. He debunked a lot of myths surrounding heart disease, heart attacks and what really causes this problem in people. Turns out it’s damage to the endothelial cells in the arteries surrounding our hearts. When we damage these endothelial cells with certain foods, we can’t create nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is what helps to eat away cholesterol that builds up in the arteries. Turns out meat and animal products do lots of damage to these epithelial cells according to Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. After you listen, comment below and tell us what you think! We discuss the following and so much more: The important role of nitric oxide Foods that rebuild endothelial cells How the brachial artery tourniquet test can show damage to the endothelial cells What’s bad about oils The importance of vitamin B12 If you have to supplement does this mean your diet is deficient What supplements he takes The dangers of statin drugs Omega 3 fats The role of emotions in heart attacks Whether or not running causes inflammation Dr. Steven Sinatra’s supplement recommendations of Coenzyme c10, carnatine, D-ribose & magnesium His success rate with patients Why vegetables like kale, swiss chard, spinach, arugula, beet greens and beets become nitric oxide Why juicing prevents your body from making nitric oxide Why moderation is not good And so much more! Learn how to prevent and reverse heart disease starting now with Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn! – Click to tweet this! – Get Notified: [ois skin=”Show Page2″] – Commercials: – Please Subscribe:

In this episode, Rip sits down with Jet, a 66-year-old husband, father, hiker, and former keto devotee whose health collapsed despite doing “everything right” according to low-carb gurus. After a terrifying calcium score, debilitating angina, and near-widowmaker blockage, Jet found himself out of breath, unable to hike his favorite mountains, and feeling an impending sense of doom. A reunion — and one shocking scar from a friend’s open-heart surgery — jolted him into action. Jet pivoted from years of high-fat keto eating to a whole-food, plant-based, SOS-free lifestyle inspired by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. Within weeks, his symptoms vanished. Within months, he was summiting mountains he hadn’t touched in over a decade. Today, his cholesterol is stellar, his A1C is normal, and he’s hiking peaks he hasn't done in years. Jet’s story is an inspiring reminder that the body can heal when given the right fuel — and that it’s never too late to turn your life around. Key Topics Covered: Growing up in the Philippines on a fat and sugar-heavy diet The moment Jet realized keto was harming — not helping — his heart How a reunion wake-up call shifted his perspective The emotional and physical toll of worsening symptoms Why he finally chose a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle The shocking improvements in angina, energy, cholesterol, sleep, and mood His new life of hiking, strength, and vitality at 66 Advice for anyone curious but hesitant to go plant-based Episode Webpage Watch the Episode on YouTube Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/ Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn https://plantstrong.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/ https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating Apple Podcasts Spotify

Eating healthier shouldn’t feel confusing, overwhelming, or impossible to sustain—and if it ever has, you’re not the problem. In this 30-minute REAL30 ™ webinar, Rip Esselstyn and Laurie Kortowich introduce a simple, science-backed framework designed to help you eat more real, whole plants and stay consistent without turning your life upside down. The REAL30 is built on three approachable pillars: 30 days of simple daily action (progress over perfection) 30 minutes of movement per day (any movement counts) 30 different plants per week (we count plants, not calories) You’ll learn why plant diversity matters—especially for gut health, energy, metabolism, inflammation, and immune function—and how the “30 plants per week” concept is rooted in research from the American Gut Project. The conversation breaks down what real food actually means, why ultra-processed foods make consistency harder, and how whole plants work with your body’s natural systems (including appetite regulation and gut health). Rip shares powerful real-world stories from the firehouse and lessons learned from his father, Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, while Laurie brings in insights from the PLANTSTRONG community—showing how quickly people begin to feel better when they focus on adding more of the good stuff instead of restricting. You’ll also walk away with: Simple “bowl-building” meal patterns that work for busy lives Practical examples of how to hit 30+ plants in a day without stress Tools to make consistency easier, including free trackers, a plant checklist, and optional meal-planning support This isn’t a diet, a cleanse, or a rigid set of rules. It’s a return to real food—built on abundance, simplicity, and momentum. 👉 Join the REAL30 for free: Download the tracker and plant checklist at plantstrong.com or Text REAL30 to (833) 541-0194 One plate at a time. One plant at a time. One day at a time. Eat strong. Live real. Watch the Webinar on YouTube

In this inspiring episode, Rip sits down with Lauren Bernick , host of the podcast, Age Like a Badass Mother and creator of WellElephant.com . At age 46, Lauren was blindsided by a diagnosis of advanced heart disease, despite believing she was eating a “healthy” diet. Faced with the prospect of lifelong statins and the threat of a heart attack, she took matters into her own hands—turning to Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn’s Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease approach. Now, more than a decade later, Lauren shares how she not only transformed her health but also found freedom, joy, and energy in a whole food, plant-based lifestyle. From ditching daily headaches and navigating family dynamics, to going out with friends and thriving through menopause, Lauren’s story is equal parts practical and uplifting. Episode Webpage : https://www.plantstrongpodcast.com/blog/lauren-bernick Watch the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wpJkNgxGgok Learn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/ Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn https://plantstrong.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/ https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating Apple Podcasts Spotify

Today on Health and Longevity, Dr. John Westerdahl's featured guests are Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., M.D., heart disease researcher and author of the bestselling book, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, and Gene Spiller, Ph.D., nutritional researcher, health scientist and book author. Dr. Esselstyn talks about how to prevent, treat, and even reverse heart disease through a plant-based diet. Dr. Spiller shares his research about the powerful antioxidant properties of sun dried raisins and the health benefits of plant foods. He talks about new research on Astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant found in a specific algae and its potential role in human health. Want to live longer and feel better? Then don’t miss Health and Longevity. This popular lifestyle program is hosted by Dr. John Westerdahl and dedicated to providing you with the latest cutting edge information about nutrition, health, and lifestyle medicine. The podcasts at LifeTalk Radio Network are synced with our radio broadcasts, making it easy for our radio listeners to catch up on missed broadcasts... or simply listen to the podcasts if you prefer. To view our program schedule, listen online, order free sharing cards, or support our ministry, please visit lifetalk.net and lifetalkkids.net .

I believe this is the most important podcast episode ever done in history! Big words for sure...now let me back them up Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn is a world renowned cardiologist who was a surgeon at the famed Cleveland Clinic, the top Heart Hospital in the world. He is the author of the best selling book Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease and was also prominently featured in the groundbreaking documentary Forks Over Knives. His pioneering work with Coronary Artery Disease has saved countless lives. We explore: Who has heart disease? What percentage of people? Why in his 9th decade of life does Dr. Esselstyn continue to talk about eradicating or slowing the progression of heart disease. What’s is the mission that’s still driving him. When he speaks of Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease is he primarily speaking about Coronary Artery Disease or all Heart Disease? The internet is filled with Drs & others promoting Keto and low Carb Diets and they swear by their research. How do we explain the claimed successes of those diets...or are they really successful? Why are ALL oils bad, especially for those with coronary artery disease? Are there any oils that are good for those that don't have heart disease? Should everyone have a Calcium Score and when should they be alarmed? How important is it to lower LDL and raise HDL? What does he think of Statins? Why should there never be a reason to develop heart disease. At what point should someone have an angiogram and stents placed or bypass surgery? How does someone track their progress after a positive stress test and starting a Whole Food plant -based diet Why a Whole Food Plant Based Diet is Different than a Vegan diet Why do leafy greens eaten 6x a day help to mitigate or reverse further coronary artery disease? Which are the best greens to eat? Which are the next best foods after greens? How about Nightshades? Good or Bad? Can this diet prevent event the most serious heart blockages and circumvent even a quadruple bypass? How much fat is recommended for those with coronary artery disease and how much of that in saturated fat? Is all saturated fat equal? What three Whole Foods are bad for Coronary Artery Disease patients? How about sweeteners?

Optimize Heart Health & Prevent and Reverse Cardiovascular Disease with guest expert Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr. Let's dive into something crucial—heart health! Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women globally. It does NOT have to be. In fact, heart disease kills more women than all types of cancer combined. You might not think about it every day, but what we eat and drink plays a major role in keeping our hearts healthy. There's so much to discover about the impact of diet on our cardiovascular system, and how simple changes can make a big difference. Curious about how to protect your heart and improve your health? TUNE IN and let's explore together with my esteemed guest expert and the director of the Heart Disease Prevention Program at the Cleveland Clinic, Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., MD! In this episode, you will learn: The impact of diet on endothelial cell health and nitric oxide production The benefits and risks of different foods and beverages for heart health How plant-based nutrition can prevent and reverse cardiovascular disease The role of green leafy vegetables in boosting nitric oxide levels Top vegetables for promoting heart health, including the Doc's top picks Success stories of patients reversing heart disease with a plant-based diet Dietary recommendations: the truth about caffeine, sugar, oil, alcohol, and animal protein to ensure better heart health The dangers of the typical American diet and its link to chronic illness Insights on healthy fats and plant-based protein sources The significance of outdoor activities and healthy eating habits for longevity Simple meal options for maintaining a heart-healthy, plant-based diet on the go How caffeine affects nitric oxide production and heart health The impact of coffee on endothelial cell health Differences between decaffeinated and caffeinated coffee on the endothelial layer About our guest expert: Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., MD Director of Cleveland Clinic for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention At age 90, former Olympian turned world-renown cardiovascular surgeon, Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., is a tremendous example of how to eat to live disease-free! He is a Yale graduate (1956) and Western Reserve University M.D. (1961), is a renowned surgeon with a long-standing association with the Cleveland Clinic since 1961. He earned a gold medal in rowing at the 1956 Olympics and a Bronze Star as an Army surgeon in Vietnam. Dr. Esselstyn has held prominent roles at the Cleveland Clinic, including President of the Staff and Head of the Section of Thyroid and Parathyroid Disease, in addition to his role as the director of the heart health clinic. He has received numerous honors, including the Benjamin Spock Award for Compassion in Medicine (2005), Yale's Lifetime Achievement Award (2013), and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine's Lifetime Achievement Award (2016). His research on plant-based nutrition, documented in his bestselling book Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease , has over 150 scientific publications. Dr. Esselstyn currently leads the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Reversal Seminar at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Wellness and Preventive Medicine. He lives with his equally impressive wife, Ann (age 89!), in Ohio. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dresselstyn/

What if the key to preventing and even reversing heart disease—a condition that remains the leading cause of death worldwide—lies not in medication, surgery, or genetics, but right on your plate? In today's episode, I am thrilled to introduce our incredible guest, whom I admire, none other than Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr., a renowned physician, researcher, and a true pioneer in the field of plant-based nutrition. Dr. Esselstyn has spent decades researching and proving that a whole-food, plant-based diet has the potential to prevent and even reverse chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and more. His groundbreaking work at the Cleveland Clinic, coupled with his bestselling book Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, has made him a leading authority in this revolutionary approach to health. But Dr. Esselstyn's journey is anything but typical. He’s not only a world-class physician but also an Olympic gold medalist in rowing from the 1956 Melbourne Games, bringing the same dedication and determination to the field of medicine that he once brought to his athletic career. His research has challenged conventional thinking about heart disease treatment and empowered countless individuals to take control of their health through nutrition. In this episode, we’ll explore the foods Dr. Esselstyn recommends eliminating for optimal health, why nitric oxide plays a vital role in preventing disease, and how something as simple as chewing leafy greens can have a profound impact on your well-being. We’ll also discuss the dangers of processed vegan foods, the importance of educating healthcare professionals about plant-based nutrition, and the role of cholesterol in heart disease. So, get ready for a conversation with Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, packed with powerful insights and practical advice that can help you take control of your health and build a healthier future. As a bonus he will share his favorite meal and his definition of happiness. Timestamps: 04:25 Dr. Esselstyn's Journey to Plant-Based Nutrition. 10:10 Positive Changes in Turning into Plant-Based Nutrition. 10:35 Power of the Documentary Forks Over Knifes. 12:20 Lack of Nutrition Education in Medical Schools. 16:10 Dr. Esselstyn’s Oldest Patient Story. 18:05 Resistance to Change and Lack of Education. 19:10 The Role of Nitric Oxide in Cardiovascular Health. 21:25 Nitric Oxide Deficiency Disease. 22:40 Harmful Foods to Eliminate. 24:30 Dr. Esselstyn’s Changes in Diet. 29:00 Healthy Sources of Fat. 30:05 Facts About Cholesterol and Thermostat on the Liver. 31:45 The Influence of Education on Nutritionists. 35:50 The Importance of Nutritional Literacy for the Young Generations. 36:40 Dr. Esselstyn’s Favorite Dish. 36:55 Dr. Esselstyn’s Definition of Happiness. 38:10 The Esselstyn Foundation. Where to find dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and his work: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esselstyn_foundation/ Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dresselstyn/ Esselstyn Foundation Website: https://esselstynfamilyfoundation.org/ Dr. Esselstyn’s Personal Website: https://www.dresselstyn.com/site/ Forks Over Knives Website: https://www.forksoverknives.com/ The Game Changers Documentary: <a href="https:

Join Dr. Kahn as he dives into the world of cardiovascular health and nutrition with the legendary Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn from the Cleveland Clinic. At 90, Dr. Esselstyn is not only defying age but also continuing to inspire countless people with his work. Tune in to hear this insightful conversation filled with respect and admiration for a true pioneer in medicine.

One of the most recognized names in the plant-based movement is Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr. (@DrEsselstyn ) In the latest episode of the NHA Health Science Podcast, hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino, Dr. Esselstyn shares his decades of insights about living heart healthy. Dr. Esselstyn, a pioneer in cardiovascular health, takes us on a journey through his groundbreaking work. As the director of the Heart Disease Reversal Program at the Cleveland Clinic, he initiated iconic research that laid the foundation for a revolutionary approach to preventing and reversing heart disease. You'll learn about the plant-based revelation that led Dr. Esselstyn to advocate for a low-fat, whole food, plant-based diet. This was the essence of change through landmark studies that proved the efficacy of this transformative approach. Dr. Esselstyn's career in the #HeartHealthRevolution wasn't without incredible challenges, criticisms, and his own unwavering commitment to empowering individuals for lasting cardiovascular health. Dr. Esselstyn's wisdom shines as he delves into the heart of the matter, emphasizing the role of endothelium and the empowering choices individuals can make. He also shares about the nutritional literacy revolution and the seismic shift towards comprehensive education on lifestyle choices. Join in on the journey at www.HealthScience.org/069-Caldwell-Esselstyn toward a heart-healthy future with #PreventiveCardiology, #HealthyHeart, and #EmpowerHealth. #EsselstynLegacy #NHAHealthSciencePodcast #TransformativeHealth #HeartHealthJourney #LifestyleChoices

Show Notes Link to the Full Zoom Interview with Dr. Esselstyn on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_PwCXwPWHNQ?si=3RrpdM4GSpFun2UB “Is Oil Healthy,” by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn - The article Dr. Esselstyn mentioned during the podcast detailing research on oil and the endothelia layer https://dresselstyn.com/site/is_oil_healthy.pdf Why does Dr. Esselstyn tell his patients to eat greens? This webpage has embedded a 3+ minute video where he explains why: https://thankful2plants.com/heart-disease/dr-esselstyn-leafy-greens/ Another excellent Chat and Chew More Plants YouTube video is the live presentation in Lakeland, Florida of Dr. Greger talking about his new book, How Not to Age: https://youtu.be/L28X7ZR2C7w?si=K5DNf9m5MN0XADqT Worried about cracks in your endothelia layer from eating the wrong food? Dr. Greger has a 4+ minute video to help you repair them: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/how-to-boost-your-endothelial-progenitor-cells-epcs-for-heart-health/?subscriber=true&utm_source=NutritionFacts.org&utm_campaign=d94a5c5eda-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_7_26_2022_12_48_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_40f9e497d1-d94a5c5eda-23254401&mc_cid=d94a5c5eda&mc_eid=f7413e0cf9 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have an exceptional guest today on the Podcast, Dr Caldwell Esselstyn! Forks Over Knives was one of the 1st plant-based documentaries we watched when Shamiz was going through healing and Dr Esselstyn's work has inspired us immensely. Free Consultation with High Carb Health: https://www.highcarbhealth.com/healthsurvey/ Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., received his B.A. from Yale University and his M.D. from Western Reserve University. In 1956, pulling the No. 6 oar as a member of the victorious United States rowing team, he was awarded a gold medal at the Olympic Games. He was trained as a surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic and at St. George’s Hospital in London. In 1968, as an Army surgeon in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star. Dr. Esselstyn has been associated with the Cleveland Clinic since 1968. During that time, he has served as President of the Staff and as a member of the Board of Governors. He chaired the Clinic’s Breast Cancer Task Force and headed its Section of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. In 1991, Dr. Esselstyn served as President of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, That same year he organized the first National Conference on the Elimination of Coronary Artery Disease, which was held in Tucson, Arizona. In 1997, he chaired a follow-up conference, the Summit on Cholesterol and Coronary Disease, which brought together more than 500 physicians and health-care workers in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. In April, 2005, Dr. Esselstyn became the first recipient of the Benjamin Spock Award for Compassion in Medicine. He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Cleveland Clinic Alumni Association in 2009. In September 2010, he received the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame Award. Dr. Esselstyn received the 2013 Deerfield Academy Alumni Association Heritage Award In Recognition of Outstanding Achievement & Service, and the 2013 Yale University George H.W. Bush ’48 Lifetime of Leadership Award. Dr. Esselstyn has also received the 2015 Plantrician Project Luminary Award, the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award, and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. His scientific publications number over 150, “The Best Doctors in America” 1994-1995 published by Woodward and White cites Dr. Esselstyn’s surgical expertise in the categories of endocrine and breast disease. In 1995 he published his bench mark long-term nutritional research arresting and reversing coronary artery disease in severely ill patients. That same study was updated at 12 years and reviewed beyond twenty years in his book, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, making it one of the longest longitudinal studies of its type. In July of 2014 he reported the experience of 198 participants seriously ill with cardiovascular disease. During 3.7 years of follow up of the 89% adherent to the program, 99.4% avoided further major cardiac events. Dr. Esselstyn and his wife, Ann Crile Esselstyn, have followed a plant-based diet since 1984. Dr. Esselstyn presently directs the cardiovascular prevention and reversal program at The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. The Esselstyns have four children and ten grandchildren.