Plant-based foods are gaining more attention for their impressive health benefits, like lowering the risk of chronic diseases and boosting overall well-being. Several influential doctors are passionately spreading the word about the power of plant-based nutrition.

Let’s meet five well-known medical experts advocating for the vegan lifestyle:

1. Dr. Michael Greger

Dr. Michael Greger is a champion of plant-based nutrition, believing it’s the secret to a long, healthy life. He argues that many common diseases can be prevented or even reversed through a wide variety of plants. 

Dr. Michael Greger

As the founder of Nutritionfacts.org, he provides free, science-backed information on nutrition through a treasure trove of videos and articles. Dr. Greger reviews thousands of scientific papers each year to make the latest health information accessible to everyone.

His New York Times best-selling book, How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease, explains how diet can prevent the leading causes of death. He also authored How Not to Diet: The Groundbreaking Science of Healthy, Permanent Weight Loss, focusing on sustainable weight loss, and How Not to Age: The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older, which dives into longevity and aging.

We need to boost our intake of healthy plant foods and reduce our dependence on animal-based foods.

Dr. Michael Greger

2. Dr. Neal Barnard

Dr. Neal Barnard, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), advocates using nutrition to prevent and reverse chronic diseases. His book, Your Body in Balance, explains how dietary choices affect hormones and offers practical advice on managing imbalances with plant-based foods.

Under his leadership, PCRM promotes preventive medicine and conducts studies on plant-based nutrition. The group also campaigns against the outdated use of animals in medical research.

When you follow a vegan diet, there is much less need for surgeons to clean out your arteries or intestinal tract!

Dr. Neal Barnard

3. Dr. Will Bulsiewicz

Gastroenterologist Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, affectionately known as “Dr. B,” emphasizes the importance of plant-based foods for a healthy gut. He believes fiber-rich foods are crucial for nurturing the microbiome, supporting digestion, and reducing inflammation.

His book, Fiber Fueled, offers a practical guide to optimizing gut health, as supported by The Fiber Fueled Cookbook. Dr. B also shares his insights on gut health through The Exam Room podcast, hosted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.

The single greatest predictor of a healthy gut microbiome is the diversity of plants in one’s diet.

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, Fiber Fueled

4. Dr. T. Colin Campbell

Dr. T. Colin Campbell is a biochemist and nutrition expert renowned for his research on diet and disease. He co-authored The China Study, which examined diet and health across 6,500 people from 65 counties across China.

This study found strong links between animal products and chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, advocating for whole-food, plant-based foods to improve health.

So, what is my prescription for good health? In short, it is about the multiple health benefits of consuming plant-based foods and the largely unappreciated health dangers of consuming animal-based foods, including all types of meat, dairy, and eggs.

Dr. T. Colin Campbell

5. Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn

Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn is best known for his work in preventing and reversing heart disease through plant-based foods.

Caldwell Esselstyn

His research at the Cleveland Clinic showed that patients with severe coronary artery disease could halt and even reverse their condition by replacing animal products with plant-based foods. 

Heart disease is a foodborne illness.

Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn

Dr. Esselstyn gained widespread recognition through the documentary Forks Over Knives, which showcases success stories from people who used plant-based foods to overcome serious health issues.