Here's a Sunday story you're going to love.
The background: My friend Neal started on Dr. Esselstyn's plant-based no-oil diet six months ago. He attended the day long session that Dr. Esselstyn runs along with his wife Ann, once a month at the Cleveland Clinic. Neal's own physician followed up with all the lab work, and has adjusted his medications accordingly.
Neal is now off all of the hypertension medications he'd been on for at least 10 years. His Lipitor has been cut in half--and his physician figures that will be dropped eventually, too. He's weight is now perfect. His lab tests are enviable.
His local pharmacist knows him pretty well--he's been a regular customer for years.
So, yesterday, when he stopped by the pharmacy, with discretion & hesitancy, the pharmacist asked if he wouldn't mind answering a question or two.
The pharmacist: "Neal, I've noticed that you're no longer taking most of the medications that you've been on for years. I just have to tell you---you're looking absolutely fantastic! Honestly, you look 10 years younger. If you don't mind my asking, what exactly are you doing differently? I really want to know.
So, Neal told her--and she listened with great interest!
To read more of his story, read my Oct. 28, 2010 post: Follow One of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn's Patients - Q & A on the First Three Months of a Diet to Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease
The Rest of the Story: My husband joined me this morning for my usual Sunday morning spin class--so it was the first time he'd seen Neal in months.
As we drove home from the gym I started to tell him the story about Neal & his pharmacist. But, before I had gotten even four words out, he immediately interrupted me.
Here's what he said, "I've got to tell you, Neal looks fantastic. Honestly, he looks like a completely different person--like he's at least ten years younger--like a kid. He must be feeling so healthy."
And then I told him what Neal's pharmacist had to say!
Vegetables for Beautiful Skin?
And then there's Neal's wife. She's now eating just like Neal.
I couldn't help but notice how great she looks, as well. Her skin in down-right rosy & glowing. And I'm talking--no make-up--early morning.
When I mentioned this to her, she said: "Funny you should say that. You know, since I started eating this way this past summer, I've stopped taking the skin medication my dermatologist had prescribed. No need anymore."
Coincidently, 10 days ago son #2 emailed me an article from Time Magazine, that proves the point. He wrote, "Nothing you didn't already know, but looks like more people are catching on."
"Study: Can a Veggie Diet Make You More Beautiful?," by Meredith Melnick, Time Magazine, January 12, 2011
From left: suntanned, neutral, with carotenoid coloring (Courtesy of Ian Stephen, University of Nottingham)
"There are so many healthy reasons to eat vegetables that it feels redundant to keep enumerating them. But if a stronger immune system, cancer-fighting antioxidants and heart-healthy fiber aren't reason enough for some, perhaps we can appeal to their vanity: a study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behaviour found that eating foods high in carotenoids — a nutrient found in some fruits, leafy greens and root vegetables — gave them a healthy glow that rivaled a sun tan and made them more attractive in tests."
"We found that, given the choice between skin color caused by suntan and skin color caused by carotenoids, people preferred the carotenoid skin color," Dr. Ian Stephen, the study's lead researcher, now of the School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Malaysia Campus, said in a statement.
"So if you want a healthier and more attractive skin color, you are better off eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables than lying in the sun."
Stephen, Ian, "Carotenoid and melanin pigment coloration affect perceived human health," Evolution and Human Behaviour, published online, ahead of print, December 22, 2010 DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2010.09.003 click here for a summary of the study
Lose weight, feel great, get healthy, get off of statins, blood pressure, and diabetes medications--and look good too---with just a diet change?
I've been eating this way for over 18 months and people continually compliment me on my skin. So I know this to be true!
Posted by: Wendy (Healthy Girl's Kitchen) | January 24, 2011 at 06:33 AM
The golden glow of beta carotene is definitely very attractive. I wrote a blog post encouraging people to skip the tan and eat their veggies during the summer when I first found Dr. Ian Stephen's study. I've noticed it for years on my patients here in veggie eating Northern California but it was great to see it validated by science. It's great to get the word out!
http://www.otbskincare.com/blog/skip-the-tan-eat-your-veggies-for-beautiful-skin-color/1862/
I'm also thrilled to see you spreading a great testimonial from Neal's wife about being able to get off a prescription medicine for her skin problem once she began eating a plant based diet. Our skin is such a great barometer for our overall health and vitality.
Posted by: Cynthia Bailey MD, Dermatologist | January 24, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Fruits and Vegetables are AMAZING!!! :D
Posted by: Kathleen @ Kat's Health Corner | January 24, 2011 at 10:05 AM