Fatty deposits in arteries called atherosclerotic plaque (from meat and meat based products) accumulate inside the coronary arteries- the blood vessels that crown the heart (hence “coronary”) and supply it with oxygen rich blood. This buildup of plaque, known as atherosclerosis, is the hardening of the arteries by pockets of cholestrol rich gunk that builds up within the inner linings of the blood vessels. This process occurs over decades, slowly bulging into the space inside the arteries, narrowing the path for blood to flow. The restriction of blood circulation to the heart muscle can lead to chest pain and pressure, known as angina, when people try to exert themselves. If the plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form within the artery. This sudden blockage of blood flow can cause a heart attack, damaging or even killing part of the heart.

1. Number 1 Killer in the United States. Approximately 375,000 people in the United states die from heart diseases annually

2. Populations living on plant based whole foods have largely remained free from the epidemic of heart disease (see ref# 2)

3. In a study conducted in Brazil one serving of Brazil nuts (approximately 4 nuts) was able to lower LDL cholestrol levels by a staggering 20 points, just 9 hours after eating them. Even statin(Prescription drug to lower cholestrol) does not work nearly that fast (see ref# 3)

4. Dr. Ornish reported a 91% reduction in angina attacks within just a few weeks in patients placed on a plant-based diet both with or without exercise (see ref# 4)

5. Cholestrol lowering statin drugs such as Lipitor have side effects that include liver or muscle damage (see ref# 5)

6. Kale juice improves coronary heart disease risk factors in hypercholesterolemic men (see ref# 6)