It was a book by T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D called “Whole” that set me on the track to becoming a vegan. To make sure I was making the right decision, I read books by Dean Ornish, Caldwell Esselstyn and his son Rip. It was while reading these books that I learnt Bill Clinton had become a vegan. It validated my decision if you like.

In an AARP article, Mr Clinton acknowledged the influence those same authors had on him:

Prodded into action, Clinton started by rereading Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease, which urges a strict, low-fat, plant-based regimen, along with two books that were, if possible, even more militantly vegan: Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, by Caldwell Esselstyn, M.D., and The China Study, by Cornell biochemist T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D.

Although I was surprised when I read the accompanying article containing recipes because they contained added olive oil and all these authors strong recommend no added fats. T. Colin Camplbell explained in this Huffington Post article:

Even though the biology is complex, the message is simple. Choose a whole foods plant based diet--vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereal grains of your preference, but include lots of antioxidant-rich colored vegetables. Minimize added oil (no frying in oil), sugar and fat -- none is best. Animal based foods (including dairy) and processed foods are a no-no. Use some of your favorite herbs and spices to befriend your palate and you're on your way. Find great recipes on the internet and in many cookbooks. After a month or two, you will eliminate your addiction for fat and, presto! -- a whole new world of tastes!

The benefits of this dietary lifestyle are unusually broad, going beyond the prevention of most diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, obesity, certain autoimmune diseases and nuisance diseases (colds, flu, acne, headaches, etc.). This dietary strategy has a remarkable ability to act fast to reverse already diagnosed diseases. This is food as medicine, at its best.