HNL 2025-07-25 Plant-Based Diets and Plant Foods for Heart Disease Prevention and Reversal - Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and Dr. Gene Spiller

Today on Health and Longevity, Dr. John Westerdahl's featured guests are Stephen Sinatra, M.D., Board Certified Cardiologist and Anti-Aging Specialist and David Jenkins, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., Professor, Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto, Canada. Dr. Stephen Sinatra discusses heart disease prevention and the use of coenzyme-Q10 as a supplement for preventing and treating heart disease. Dr. David Jenkins developed the concept of the Glycemic Index of foods. He discusses how the Glycemic Index can be used as a way to determine dietary carbohydrate and its impact on blood glucose. Dr. Jenkins also shares his thoughts about the optimal diet for health and wellness.

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.

Today on Health and Longevity, Dr. John Westerdah's featured guests are Judi and Shari Zucker, known as the “Double Energy Twins”, and authors of, THE ULTIMATE ALLERGY-FREE SNACK COOKBOOK.  Judi and Shari Zucker, discuss the challenges of making healthy foods and snacks for kids with food allergies. Judi and Shari share ideas and recipes from their cookbook, The Ultimate Allergy-Free Snack Cookbook which features over 100 kid-friendly recipes for the allergic child.

Today on Health and Longevity, Dr. John Westerdahl's featured guest interview is with  Dr. Skip MacCarty, pastor and leading expert on stress management. Skip MacCarty, D.Min. discusses how stress can affect a person’s health and longevity.  He tells about the “power components” for managing stress to enjoy a happier and healthier life.

Today on Health and Longevity, Dr. John Westerdahl's featured guest is Dr. Arthur Agatston, preventive cardiologist, and author of THE SOUTH BEACH DIET. Arthur Agatston, M.D. discusses the issues and consequences of the obesity and diabetes epidemic in America today. He talks about heart disease and its detection and treatment. Dr. Agatston shares his nutritional and lifestyle approach to losing weight effectively through his South Beach Diet program.

Today on Health and Longevity, Dr. John Westerdahl's featured guest is Elaine LaLanne, wife of the late TV fitness personality Jack LaLanne. Elaine LaLanne shares memories of life with her late husband, Jack LaLanne w isho was known to the world as one of the great pioneers in the physical fitness movement (called the “Godfather of Fitness” ). Elaine tells how she personally got into health and fitness under the inspiration and guidance of her husband. She gives practical advice on how anyone can get started on a health and fitness program.

Today on Health and Longevity, Dr. John Westerdahl's featured guest is Dr. Neal Barnard, President and Founder of the  Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, and author of the book, The 21 - DAY WEIGHT LOSS KICKSTART. Neal Barnard, M.D., discusses how to boost metabolism, drop pounds, lower cholesterol,  and dramatically improve your health through a proven optimal plant-based diet plan that has changed the life of thousands.

Gita Patel, R.D. discusses her new cookbook, BLENDING SCIENCE WITH SPICES – TASTY RECIPES and NUTRITION TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING. She tells us how to include certain herbs and spices in recipes that can contribute to health and longevity.

Today on Health and Longevity, Dr. John Westerdahl's featured guest interview is with Ellen Jaffe Jones, investigative journalist, athlete and vegan cookbook author. Ellen Jaffe Jones, discusses her  book,  EAT VEGAN ON $4 A DAY.  Ellen dispels the myth that nutritious foods are the most expensive, by showing how to trim food bills while maximizing nutrition.

Today on Health and Longevity, Dr. John Westerdahl's featured guests are Ken Babal , nutrition consultant and expert on mushrooms and Dr. Paul Gross, former scientist with the Dole Nutrition Institute. Ken Babal  will discuss the medicinal and nutritional benefits of mushrooms that are often overlooked by Western physicians and researchers.  He will discuss his book, "Mushrooms for Health and Longevity".  Paul Gross, Ph.D. discusses the Dole Food Company’s Vitamin D-rich mushroom and mushroom powder product innovation.