How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease

Michael Greger

Quick Take

From the physician behind the wildly popular website NutritionFacts.org, How Not to Die reveals the groundbreaking scientific evidence behind the only diet that can prevent and reverse many of the causes of disease-related death.The vast majority of premature deaths can be prevented through simple changes in diet and lifestyle. In How Not to Die, Dr. Michael Greger, the internationally-renowned nutrition expert, physician, and founder of NutritionFacts.org, examines the fifteen top causes of premature death in America -- heart disease, various cancers, diabetes, Parkinson's, high blood pressure, and more -- and explains how nutritional and lifestyle interventions can sometimes trump prescription pills and other pharmaceutical and surgical approaches, freeing us to live healthier lives.The simple truth is that most doctors are good at treating acute illnesses but bad at preventing chronic disease. The fifteen leading causes of death claim the lives of 1.6 million Americans annually. This doesn't have to be the case. By following Dr. Greger's advice, all of it backed up by strong scientific evidence, you will learn which foods to eat and which lifestyle changes to make to live longer.History of prostate cancer in your family? Put down that glass of milk and add flaxseed to your diet whenever you can. Have high blood pressure? Hibiscus tea can work better than a leading hypertensive drug-and without the side effects. Fighting off liver disease? Drinking coffee can reduce liver inflammation. Battling breast cancer? Consuming soy is associated with prolonged survival. Worried about heart disease (the number 1 killer in the United States)? Switch to a whole-food, plant-based diet, which has been repeatedly shown not just to prevent the disease but often stop it in its tracks.In addition to showing what to eat to help treat the top fifteen causes of death, How Not to Die includes Dr. Greger's Daily Dozen -- a checklist of the twelve foods we should consume every day. Full of practical, actionable advice and surprising, cutting edge nutritional science, these doctor's orders are just what we need to live longer, healthier lives.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease

Introduction

"How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease" by Michael Greger is a comprehensive guide that explores the power of food to prevent and reverse diseases. In this book, Dr. Greger, a renowned physician and nutrition expert, presents scientific evidence to support his recommendations for a whole-food, plant-based diet. With a focus on the top 15 causes of death in the United States, this book offers practical advice and actionable steps for readers to improve their health and reduce their risk of chronic diseases.

About Michael Greger

Michael Greger is a physician, author, and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition, food safety, and public health issues. He is the founder of NutritionFacts.org, a website that provides free access to scientific research on nutrition and public health. Dr. Greger has lectured at prestigious institutions such as the Conference on World Affairs and has been invited as an expert witness in high-profile legal cases. His extensive knowledge and passion for nutrition make him a trusted authority in the field.

Analysis of Views

Scientific Evidence and Research: Readers praise the book for its thorough examination of scientific research and evidence supporting the benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet. They appreciate Dr. Greger's extensive use of references and citations to back up his claims, making it difficult for readers to dismiss his recommendations.
Practical Advice and Actionable Steps: Many readers find the book valuable for its practical advice and actionable steps. Dr. Greger provides a checklist of the "Daily Dozen" foods that individuals should consume every day, making it easier for readers to incorporate healthy choices into their daily lives.
Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers a wide range of topics related to health and nutrition, including disease prevention, lifestyle changes, and specific foods that can help prevent or reverse disease. Readers appreciate the comprehensive nature of the book and find it informative and well-researched.
Encouragement to Take Control of Health: The book empowers readers to take control of their health by making informed choices about their diet and lifestyle. Readers appreciate the emphasis on personal responsibility and the belief that individuals have the power to prevent and reverse disease through dietary changes.
Positive Impact on Health: Many readers report positive changes in their health after implementing the recommendations from the book. They experience improved energy levels, better digestion, reduced inflammation, and a general sense of well-being. These positive outcomes reinforce the belief that diet plays a crucial role in overall health and disease prevention.

Reasons for Recommendation

Scientific Evidence: The book is highly recommended for its thorough examination of scientific research and evidence supporting the benefits of a whole-food, plant-based diet. Dr. Greger's extensive use of references and citations provides readers with a solid foundation of knowledge to support their decision-making.
Practical Advice: The practical advice and actionable steps provided in the book make it accessible and valuable for readers looking to improve their health. The "Daily Dozen" checklist offers specific guidance on which foods to consume daily, making it easier for readers to incorporate healthy choices into their daily routine.
Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers a wide range of topics related to health and nutrition, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the role diet plays in disease prevention and overall health. This comprehensive coverage makes it an essential resource for anyone interested in improving their health through nutrition.
Positive Impact on Health: Many readers report positive changes in their health after implementing the recommendations from the book. The positive outcomes reinforce the belief that diet plays a crucial role in overall health and disease prevention, making it an appealing resource for those seeking to improve their well-being.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited Focus on Individualized Approaches: Some readers feel that the book places too much emphasis on a whole-food, plant-based diet without adequately addressing individualized approaches to nutrition. They believe that personalized diets based on individual needs, preferences, and medical conditions may be more effective for certain individuals than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Limited Focus on Supplementation: While the book emphasizes the importance of whole foods, some readers feel that it does not adequately address the role of supplementation in maintaining optimal health. They believe that certain vitamins and minerals may be necessary for certain individuals, especially those with specific dietary restrictions or medical conditions, and feel that supplementation should be considered alongside dietary changes.
Possible Misinterpretation of Research: A few readers express concern about the potential misinterpretation of research findings presented in the book. They believe that some studies may be overstated or misrepresented, leading to unrealistic expectations or potential harm if followed blindly without proper medical guidance. It is important for readers to approach the information presented in the book with critical thinking and seek additional resources for verification.