Author: Dr Michael Greger With Gene Stone

“How Not to Die” by Dr. Michael Greger, with Gene Stone, is a comprehensive guide on how dietary and lifestyle choices can significantly impact our health and longevity. Here’s a detailed summary and some reviews:

Summary

Part 1: The Causes of Death
Dr. Greger explores the leading causes of death in the Western world, such as heart disease, lung diseases, brain diseases, digestive cancers, infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver diseases, blood cancers, kidney disease, and various cancers. He argues that many of these diseases are preventable and even reversible through a whole-food, plant-based diet. Key points include:

• Heart Disease: A diet rich in whole plant foods can prevent and even reverse heart disease.
• Diabetes: Plant-based diets can help manage and prevent diabetes.
• Cancer: Certain foods, like berries and cruciferous vegetables, have cancer-fighting properties.

Part 2: The Daily Dozen
Dr. Greger introduces the “Daily Dozen,” a checklist of foods and habits to incorporate into daily life for optimal health. These include:

• Beans: Rich in protein and fiber.
• Berries: Packed with antioxidants.
• Cruciferous Vegetables: Such as broccoli and kale, known for their cancer-fighting properties.
• Nuts and Seeds: Provide healthy fats and essential nutrients.
• Whole Grains: Important for fiber and overall health.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining health.

Reviews

Healthline Review
Healthline praises the book for its extensive references and the compelling case it makes for food as medicine. However, it also notes that Dr. Greger sometimes cherry-picks evidence to support his plant-based ideology¹.

BooksThatSlay Review
This review highlights the book’s practical advice and the thorough research backing Dr. Greger’s claims. It appreciates the actionable steps provided in the “Daily Dozen” section, making it easier for readers to implement the recommendations².

Goodreads Review
Readers on Goodreads generally find the book informative and eye-opening. They appreciate the detailed explanations of how different foods affect health and the emphasis on a plant-based diet. Some readers, however, feel that the book can be a bit repetitive and overly focused on plant-based eating4.

UNC School of Medicine Review
This review acknowledges the book’s potential to help those susceptible to preventable illnesses through proper nutrition. It emphasizes the scientific basis of Dr. Greger’s recommendations and the practical advice provided5.

Overall, “How Not to Die” is well-regarded for its thorough research and practical advice on improving health through diet and lifestyle changes. It encourages readers to take control of their health by making informed dietary choices.

Source:
(1) “How Not to Die” by Dr. Michael Greger: A Critical Review – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-not-to-die-review.
(2) How Not To Die Summary and Key Lessons – BooksThatSlay. https://booksthatslay.com/how-not-to-die-summary/.
(3) Summary of How Not To Die: by Michael Greger with Gene. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28566753-summary-of-how-not-to-die.
(4) A Book Review of “How Not to Die” – UNC School of Medicine. https://www.med.unc.edu/phyrehab/wp-content/uploads/sites/549/2019/06/6.7.2019-Wellness.pdf.
(5) How Not to Die – Google Books. https://books.google.com/books/about/How_Not_To_Die.html?id=2w4fCgAAQBAJ.
(6) How Not to Die Summary of Key Ideas and Review | Michael Greger and …. https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/how-not-to-die-en.
(7) undefined. https://nutritionfacts.org/book/.