Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure

Action plan for achieving or restoring good health diet

This excellent diet book by Esselstyn along with the complementary book by T.C. and T.M Campbell, the 'China Study', subtitled ' The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted' and dubbed by the NY Times the 'Grand Prix of Epidemiology', unlike Ornish's books, were regrettably not found in at least one major book chain. Hence both have received minimal public visibility or exposure despite their enormous impact on individual and public health. The reasons for such apparent overt or covert suppression of the highly effective totally vegetarian Esselstyn diet compared to the less restrictive Ornish diet are discussed in these two books. For example, one former USDA official responded 'We can't have this' after being informed of a similar highly successful vegetarian school lunch program, used at more than 300 schools, based on the works of Campbell/Esselstyn. And this reaction is to be expected from ANY government or industry official who is expected to place profits and national economic well being over individual health or well being by discouraging or downright suppressing a major population shift to healthier vegetarian diets that would have catastrophic consequences for several industry segments. Such shifts would directly impact our processed food and meat industries, and indirectly, the full spectrum of health care providers as a result of fewer patient visits 'an estimated 50% of patients have diet related or induced health problems, or true mal-nutrition, in part due to over-nutrition with fat and meat proteins'. Luckily for the economy, such a beneficial diet shift is NOT going to happen any time soon on a large scale for a number of reasons: 1. Due to the restrictive and unpalatable nature of such vegetarian diets, and 2. Due to their complexity, adding to food purchasing chores and preparation time. 3. Too many of us are truly addicted to a diet of unhealthy meat, fat, fast food, and processed food and will not change their way, except possibly as a terminal patient when hearing their physician say: 'There is nothing else we can do for you', as actually told to several of Dr Esselstyn's patients, now leading normal lives. 4. Fats and meat proteins, especially in fast foods, big juicy steaks and pizza, are truly addictive like smoking. 5. Many of us as youngsters were forced to eat veggies and therefore acquired an intense dislike since childhood. Numerous documented case histories are recorded in the Esselstyn book and further supported by epidemiology from the huge Chinese population studied in the Campbell book fully supporting the effectiveness of the regenerative and life sparing Esselstyn diet. Especially notable are the numerous saved lives of terminal or hopeless cardiac patients in restoring their quality of life including heart function, e.g. at least one patient's heart ejection fraction rose from a near fatal 40% to 60% into the normal range. Further reported health benefits are substantial weight losses to optimal ranges and lower total cholesterol of typically under 150 mg/dL, in some cases still requiring statins. As a retired industrial health care scientist, I am convinced that NO other Rx-based or surgical procedure, has this regenerative or curative power in truly reversing, not merely symptomatically treating or delaying cardiac and a host of other degenerative diseases associated with aging, as currently practiced. Even under current dietary conditions, shifting the focus from therapy to prevention was recently estimated to lower the cost of national health care to less than 20%, hence probably even lower via vegetarian diets. But a formally mandated national dietary shift is unlikely in the foreseeable future or ever under our current political system dominated by powerful special interest groups and lobbyists which would suffer enormous economic dislocations and losses. However, all is not lost since we are a consumer based society in which de

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

Easy to understand how-to-do-it guide

It's rare to find a book that offers a combination of 20 years of scientific research relating nutrition to health, the experience of a distinguished medical practice and an easy-to-understand, straight-forward how-to-do-it guide to making yourself heart attack-proof. Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn's Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease does it all, clearly and convincingly. The author is authoritative, assuring and highly regarded for his credibility and professional ethics. This new book takes us back to the beginning of his ground-breaking research project yielding solid evidence that what we eat determines how free of heart disease we'll be, even more than the genes we often blame for this disease. We follow Dr. Esselstyn's earliest patients, who were told they were going to die, that there was nothing more that could be done for them, as they not only halt the progress of coronary artery disease, but actually reverse the blocked arteries. For any doubting Thomases, the before and after graphics of those arteries are included. The importance of a plant-based diet, absent of added oils and foods that are high in fat, is clearly explained. In simple, understandable language, Dr. Esselstyn examines the scientific studies and epidemiological evidence and draws logical and convincing conclusions. The first half of this book explores this as it explains exactly how such lifestyle changes can be followed. It also tells us about the vested interests and politics that would keep us from knowing the truth about what we are told about nutrition and health. The second half of this book is a treasure trove of more than 150 recipes, all plant-based (vegan) and all low in fat. This reviewer, who has seen so many books that seem to include the same recipes basic over and over, found most of the recipes in this book new, interesting, and creative. Starting with breakfasts, and progressing from salads, sauces, soups, sandwiches, main courses and desserts that appear decadent, but are satisfying and safe. The author's charming wife, Ann Crile Esselstyn, deserves credit for this bonanza. The Esselstyns practice what they preach the entire family follows this healthy lifestyle, and as their children began their own families, now another generation does also. The book has appendices that include lists of safe foods, resources, publications and references. --Neal Pinckney, Ph.D. -- founder & director: Healing Heart Foundation and author of the Healthy Heart Handbook

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

What an eye-opener !! A must read.

For us, Dr. Esselstyn's book could prove to be a life saver. His approach to, and arguments in support of, a fat-free vegan diet are logical and direct. His recommendations make perfect sense, particularly to those with a personal or family history of heart disease. He cites study after study which support his ideas. There certainly is no down side, as the recipes are, without exception, delicious. Although we already were "pesco-polo-vegeterians", our cholesterol levels were high. We have been absolutely strict in following his plan (no oils, no dairy, no eggs, no meat, no poultry, no fish, no nuts) for three weeks and we both have lost weight but our energy levels are just fine. We will be having our cholesterol levels checked after 6 weeks to confirm what we already suspect - that this is the Recipe for Life !!

I hope this works.

It makes sense, doesn't make ridiculous claims. It is simple, but not necessarily easy.

I am unfortuantely in the group that hopes to reverse it, or at least arrest it.

A reviewer

I learned about Dr. Esselstyn's work from another book (China Study). I don't know how truly affective his advice is but it sounds indeed reasonable. I have to just put it in practice and see the results. In any case the recipes are good, the meals tasty, and I find this book worth having, indeed. Another title that I highly recommend is Cure the Incurable

Worth every penny!

This book is amazing and I feel like buying a copy for everyone I know. People were surprised I was reading a book about heart disease because I eat well and am physically fit, but I want to PREVENT disease, not wait until it's too late and then panic about what to do. This book is worth every penny for just the recipes alone. I'm very discouraged in the grocery stores trying to find real food, so I can't wait to try all of these healthy recipes! Thank you Dr. and Mrs. Essy.