Caldwell Esselstyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caldwell Esselstyn
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Esselstyn in May 2019
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| Born | December 12, 1933 |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Yale University (AB, 1956) Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (MD, 1961) |
| Known for | Forks Over Knives |
| Spouse(s) | Ann Crile |
| Children | 4, including Rip Esselstyn |
| Awards | Gold Medal, 1956 Olympic Games – Men's eight |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Cardiology Plant-based diet |
| Institutions | Cleveland Clinic |
| Medal record | ||
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| Men's rowing | ||
Representing the  United States |
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| Olympic Games | ||
| Gold | 1956 Melbourne | Men's eight |
Caldwell Blakeman Esselstyn Jr. (born December 12, 1933) is an American doctor and author. He was also an Olympic champion in rowing.
Dr. Esselstyn leads the Heart Disease Reversal Program at the Cleveland Clinic. He wrote a book called Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease in 2007. In his book, he suggests a special diet. This diet is low in fat and focuses on whole foods from plants. It avoids all animal products and oils. It also suggests eating less soybeans, nuts, and avocados. Some people have questioned the health claims of this diet.
Contents
Early Life and Olympic Gold
Caldwell Esselstyn Jr. was born in New York City in 1933. His father was also a doctor.
He went to Yale University and graduated in 1956. While at Yale, he was part of the American rowing team. He competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. His team won a gold medal in the "eights" rowing event.
Medical Training and Career
Dr. Esselstyn earned his medical degree (M.D.) in 1961. He studied at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. During this time, he married Ann Crile. Her father was a famous surgeon.
He worked as an intern and resident doctor at the Cleveland Clinic from 1961 to 1966. In 1968, he served as an Army surgeon in Vietnam. He received an award called the Bronze Star for his service. After returning, he rejoined the Cleveland Clinic. He became the President of the Staff and a member of its Board of Governors. He also led the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons in 1991. He left his full-time position at the Cleveland Clinic in 2000.
Focus on Plant-Based Diets
Dr. Esselstyn strongly supports a diet based on whole foods from plants. He believes this way of eating can help prevent coronary disease and other cardiovascular problems. His diet does not include any animal products or oils. It encourages eating foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and especially cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cabbage).
His ideas gained attention when former U.S. President Bill Clinton mentioned them. In 2010, President Clinton said Dr. Esselstyn's work helped him change his diet. President Clinton talked about his diet with news channels in late 2011.
Dr. Esselstyn was also featured in two documentary films. These were Forks Over Knives (released in 2011) and The Game Changers (released in 2018).
Different Views on the Diet
Nancy Brown, who leads the American Heart Association, has shared her thoughts. She said that diet alone cannot completely stop heart attacks. Other important things include being physically active, managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight.
Some medical experts have also commented on Dr. Esselstyn's claims. Dr. Steven Nissen from the Cleveland Clinic said that more strong studies are needed. He believes there isn't enough data from large clinical trials to fully support all the claims.
Achievements and Recognition
Dr. Esselstyn has received several awards for his work.
- In 2005, he was the first person to receive the Benjamin Spock Award for Compassion in Medicine.
- In 2009, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Cleveland Clinic Alumni Association.
- In 2010, he was given the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame Award.
Books by Dr. Esselstyn
Dr. Esselstyn has written books about his diet and health ideas.
- Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure. Penguin, 2007 ISBN: 978-1-101-21583-8
- The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook: Over 125 Delicious, Life-Changing, Plant-Based Recipes. Penguin, 2014 ISBN: 9780698186507
See also
In Spanish: Caldwell Esselstyn para niños
- List of vegans
