Let’s continue…
Numerous studies have been conducted on plant-based eating and heart disease. The outcomes of these studies overwhelmingly support plant life as a means to reverse this horrible malady. Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn has stated that plant-based nutrition provides us with a pathway to escape the coronary artery disease epidemic. When asked in an interview, what the cause of coronary disease is, Dr. Esselstyn shared, “It is the typical western diet of processed oils, dairy, and meat which destroys the lifejacket of our blood vessels known as our endothelial cells. This cell layer is a one cell thick lining of all of our blood vessels. Endothelial cells manufacture a magical protective molecule of gas called nitric oxide, which protects our blood vessels. It keeps our blood flowing smoothly, it is the strongest dilator (widener), of our blood vessels, it inhibits the formation of blockages (plaques), and it inhibits inflammation.” He has also shared that the optimal diet consists of grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruit, with 10% of its calories coming from fat. A diet that would achieve superior results in decreasing atherosclerosis is a 10–15%-fat diet provided largely by a variety of grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes. This diet minimizes the likelihood of stroke, obesity, hypertension, type-2 diabetes, and cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, rectum, uterus, and ovary. There are no known adverse effects of such a diet when mineral and vitamin contents are adequate. *
Do you need case studies before you consider saving your life or the life of your loved one? Well, here are three. It is mind-boggling how much effort we will put into researching clothes, shoes, cars, vacations, etc… more than we do the food we eat and its origins or the meds these docs prescribe.
Another note regarding our heart is how dairy alters it. Dairy may increase heart disease risk because dairy products are the #1 source of saturated fat in the American diet, a fact the dairy industry has tried to hide through misleading advertising campaigns.** So that cheese, the yogurt, ice cream, all that = cow pus and blood, and it is not good for your heart. Don’t be dismayed, there are great alternatives to dairy and instead of prejudging them, try them with an open mind. My family and I enjoy ‘milk’ from almonds, flax, hemp and peas. When I have a cup of coffee, I use almond milk or creamer made from almond milk and it is tasty. Does it taste the same as pus creamer? No, HOWEVER it is better for me and that my friends is what matters, to ME.
Everything we eat is an acquired taste. No one came out the womb eating pizza, doughnuts and fries. Over time, we’ve been exposed to various foods and developed a ‘taste’ for them. So changing from an animal-based diet to a plant-based lifestyle is all about renewing your mind and your taste buds. Let me tell you a quick story: I promise you I did not like beets. AT ALL! But one day I was reading about the benefits of beets (helps lower blood pressure, increase stamina, fight inflammation, has anti-cancer properties, high in vitamin C, fiber, minerals like potassium and manganese, vitamin B, and provides detoxification support, according to Mercola) and decided my body needed them. I started juicing them, then adding them to salads, now I eat a beet sandwich like a boss. The benefits of a beet are greater than the dislike my taste buds felt at one time. Mind over matter. I mean think about this… some of us toss back nasty beer every day (I know I did; back in the day I had my favorite forty – trust!) so if we can handle that nasty beer taste and the potential hangover discomfort for a temporary buzz, then why in the world are we not able to deal with eating food that is better for us?
My grandmother passed in 2013 from congestive heart failure. Unfortunately, I did not have the knowledge I have today to share with her – so I share it with you and hope it will help you in ways that I was not able to help her. The application of this knowledge starts in my house, with my family. Both of my husband’s parents have dealt with cancer along with some of his extended family. In addition, in 2005, his grandmother passed after a battle with cancer. We may not know our time here on earth but I know while I am here I want to live a quality life. Moreover, if the quality of my life can be positively impacted by the food choices I make, then I am all for it. Even more, I am all for sharing so WE can live quality lives together. Who is with me?
