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Read. Talk. Grow. Podcast: 26. The power of plants — Above and below the belt

A podcast where we talk about books — especially fiction, memoir and narrative nonfiction — that deal with important health topics.

26. The power of plants — Above and below the belt

Episode Summary

You probably know that a plant-based diet is a healthy, environmentally-friendly and often economical way to eat. But the benefits don't end there. Authors Jane and Ann Crile Esselstyn guide us through their book "Be a Plant-Based Woman Warrior: Live Fierce, Stay Bold, Eat Delicious." Along with Mayo Clinic's Dr. Dawn Mussallem, the three walk us through the research and their personal love affairs with plants.

Episode Notes

We talked with:

  • Ann Crile Esselstyn has been called "the Julia Child of plant-based-cooking." Ann's singular focus is on creating recipes to prevent and reverse heart disease, and she collaborates with her husband, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr., in counseling patients.
  • Jane Esselstyn, R.N., is a nurse, researcher, middle school sex ed teacher and mother of three. She created the recipes for the #1 New York Times bestseller "Plant-Strong." She coauthored "The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet" with her brother, Rip Esselstyn and "The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook" with Ann. Ann and Jane host a popular YouTube channel featuring heart-healthy recipes.
  • Dawn Mussallem, D.O., is a consultant in the Department of General Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic and an assistant professor of medicine. She has over 25 years of patient-centered clinical wellness experience and is nationally recognized in the field of breast medicine, lifestyle medicine, integrative oncology and cancer survivorship. Dr. Mussallem has a unique personal experience as a stage IV cancer patient diagnosed three months into medical school and as a heart transplant recipient.

We talked about:

You may feel and function better if you start eating a healthier, whole-food, plant-heavy diet. In this episode, Dr. Millstine and her guests discuss:

  • "Above the belt" plant benefits. Dr. Mussallem outlines all the potential benefits for breast health, particularly as this may affect breast cancer survivors. 
  • "Below the belt" plant benefits. The crew talks us through many other potential health benefits of eating plant-based foods, including benefits to cardiovascular, renal and vaginal health.
  • No perfectionists here. Taking on more plants in your diet is a process. You don't have to start a 100 miles per hour, 180 degree shift in your eating. Baby steps and slip-ups are expected. 

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Disclaimer

The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not designed to replace the physician’s medical assessment and judgment. Information presented is not intended as medical advice. Please contact a healthcare professional medical assistance with specific questions pertaining to your own health if needed.