Tag: chronic-diseases

Dr. Neal Barnard’s Advocacy for Veganism [Blog #16]

Dr. Neal Barnard is a prominent figure in health and nutrition, particularly known for advocating for veganism. As a physician, author, and the founding president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), Dr. Barnard has contributed significantly to promoting plant-based diets and understanding their impact on health.

Dr. Neal Barnard’s journey to veganism began in 1985 when he made a profound realization about the impact of diet on health and well-being. Witnessing the transformative power of plant-based nutrition in his patients, he embarked on a personal journey to explore the benefits of a vegan diet and its potential to prevent and reverse chronic diseases. Dr. Barnard has personally experienced losing weight and improving his health by adopting a vegan diet. This personal transformation motivated him to explore the benefits of veganism on a larger scale. He founded PCRM in 1985, an organization that promotes preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.

One of Dr. Barnard’s most significant contributions to veganism is his research on the effects of plant-based diets on various health conditions. His studies have shown that a vegan diet can be effective in managing diabetes, reducing cholesterol levels, promoting weight loss, and improving overall health. For example, a study published in the American Diabetes Association journal found that the more people excluded animal products from their diets, the healthier their body weights and the lower their risk of diabetes.

Dr. Barnard’s work has also contributed to accepting plant-based diets in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. He has been instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of plant-based diets as a recommendation for health and disease prevention.

In addition to his research, Dr. Barnard has authored several books promoting veganism and plant-based diets. His book “The Vegan Starter Kit” provides a step-by-step guide to transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, addressing common challenges, and practical tips and recipes.

Some of his notable works also include:

  1. “Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes”: This book provides a scientifically proven system for reversing diabetes without drugs. It offers a step-by-step plan that includes a vegan diet, exercise, and advice on supplements and tracking progress.
  2. “Power Foods for the Brain”: In this book, Dr. Barnard explores how certain foods can help improve brain health and prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s. He also provides a 3-step plan to boost brain power.
  3. “21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart”: This book offers a vegan diet plan for weight loss, along with recipes and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
  4. “The Cheese Trap”: Dr. Barnard discusses the addictive nature of cheese and provides strategies for breaking free from this unhealthy food.
  5. “Food for Life”: This book explores the connection between diet and chronic diseases, and offers a plant-based solution for better health.

Dr. Barnard’s advocacy extends beyond research and writing. He has worked with various medical societies and organizations to promote the benefits of plant-based diets. He has also been involved in campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks associated with animal products and the environmental impact of animal agriculture.

Dr. Barnard has received numerous awards and accolades. He was named a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and received the Medical Society of the District of Columbia’s Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. Barnard’s work has significantly impacted the acceptance and understanding of veganism and plant-based diets. His research has shown that a vegan diet can be powerful for health and disease prevention. His advocacy and education efforts have helped to dispel myths and misconceptions about veganism and have encouraged more people to consider adopting a plant-based lifestyle.

In conclusion, Dr. Neal Barnard’s contributions to veganism and plant-based diets have been significant and far-reaching. His research, advocacy, and education efforts have helped to promote the benefits of veganism and have encouraged more people to consider adopting a plant-based lifestyle for health and ethical reasons.



Dear reader, If you wish to make a small donation so I can improve this blog and add more value, I would be very obliged. thanks!

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Make a one-time donation

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

C$5.00
C$15.00
C$100.00
C$5.00
C$15.00
C$100.00
C$5.00
C$15.00
C$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

C$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

Interested in Instant Pot for ease of cooking? Here’s a shortcut link:

https://amzn.to/4bPpTLF

Replacement omega 3 pills for vegans:

https://amzn.to/3Vvpw3m

Amazon e-Gift cards:

https://amzn.to/3yMcENn

B12 Supplements for vegans:

https://amzn.to/4aRcguj

My metamorphosis – Giving up meat! [Blog #1]

It all started when I found this documentary titled ‘What The Health’ on Netflix in 2016 and took the bait! Initially, I was kind of confused by the title. What does it mean? My attention however quickly drew to the image. I certainly admired Joaquin Phoenix as an actor and convinced myself that if he had something to do with it, then it’s got to be good! I watched the film in one sitting and it became the beginning of ‘an end’ in my life.

The movie “What the Health” argues that a plant-based diet is the key to preventing and reversing chronic diseases. It raises questions about the influence of the food industry on health organizations and criticizes the health effects of animal products, particularly:

  • Processed Meats: The documentary highlights the World Health Organization’s classification of processed meats as a carcinogen, similar to cigarettes.
  • Red Meat: It also points to the link between red meat consumption and increased cancer risk.
  • Dairy and Eggs: The film suggests dairy and eggs can negatively impact health.

The movie was provocative! I was in my late forties and had started to experience occasional health challenges. I also had the experience of my relatives who were suffering from chronic diseases such as heart disease, and diabetes and I wanted to avoid that fate for myself and my family. It felt that the movie was targeted right at me and I either began to seriously question my current food choices or bear the consequences of severe health challenges ahead. I was ready to give up meat and dairy but was scared to pull the trigger. How can I remove dairy from my diet, especially with my sweet tooth? How can one give up on cheese? or eggs? How am I going to enjoy pizza without cheese? How would I get enough protein?

What followed my existential shakeup was a voracious consumption of YouTube videos on the subject, Internet research of related articles, and discovery of this whole new world that I didn’t know existed.

After much research, I ‘settled’ on becoming a vegetarian as I wasn’t ready to give up on dairy and eggs. It took a ‘lot of courage’ for me to give up meat. Ok, well hardly any courage, given that I had spent the first fifteen years of my life in India being a complete vegetarian. I started eating meat after coming to Canada to fit in among my new friends. So really, I had just lost my way in search of social acceptance.

I justified becoming a vegetarian by just reconnecting with my East Indian roots. My mother had been a vegetarian all her life, so why couldn’t I have chosen that path for the rest of my life?

I mean what could be so hard, I asked? … <please stay tuned>



Dear reader, If you wish to make a small donation so I can improve this blog and add more value, I would be very obliged. thanks!

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Make a one-time donation

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

C$5.00
C$15.00
C$100.00
C$5.00
C$15.00
C$100.00
C$5.00
C$15.00
C$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

C$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

Interested in Instant Pot for ease of cooking? Here’s a shortcut link:

https://amzn.to/4bPpTLF

Replacement omega 3 pills for vegans:

https://amzn.to/3Vvpw3m

Amazon e-Gift cards:

https://amzn.to/3yMcENn

B12 Supplements for vegans:

https://amzn.to/4aRcguj