We all know we should eat more greens, but did you know that the plants you grow and how you prepare them can be your secret weapon for boosting brain health?

Today, I interview John Kohler, a pioneer in raw food, home gardening, and plant-based nutrition, to explore how growing and eating nutrient-dense plants can protect your brain and even help prevent Alzheimer’s. 

John shares his journey of overcoming viral spinal meningitis in his 20s and turning adversity into a lifelong mission of health, wellness, and educating millions through his videos and podcasts. He takes us deep into the garden, sharing how growing your own greens from sprouts to microgreens can deliver far more nutrients than store-bought produce, and walks through his methods for maximizing plant nutrition. 

Whether you have a backyard or just a windowsill, John explains actionable steps to make plants a daily brain-boosting habit. If you’re ready to take control of your brain health and learn how to harness the benefits of plants for cognitive vitality, this episode is packed with insights you can start applying today.

This episode is sponsored by Organifi

- Get 20% off organic superfood blends at www.organifi.com/DRJOSH with code DRJOSH

“When you make a lot of money, that's great because it shows you're really skilled at making money. But that says nothing about how good you are at taking care of your health, which I believe is more important.” 

~ John Kohler

In this Episode

03:04 - John's early life events, lifestyle, and Alzheimer’s risk

13:59 - The impact of lifestyle changes in Alzheimer’s patients

16:39 - Growing your greens wherever you are

22:11 - Sprouts and microgreens: young plants pack the most nutrients

26:59 - Top brain-boosting plants

31:45 - Chewing greens to boost nitric oxide and brain function

34:45 - The impact of juicing and blending on plants

39:25 - Gardening for exercise, stress relief, and nature connection

42:15 - How to prevent plant pests without using pesticides

45:00 - John's daily meal preparation

56:36 - Stressing your plants so they produce more antioxidants

Resources:

- Top Supplements for Alzheimer's Guide - https://bit.ly/drjoshguide

- Ornish study shows lifestyle changes improved cognition in early Alzheimer’s patients - https://lifestylemedicine.org/ornish-research/

Connect with John Kohler: 

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@growingyourgreens

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growingyourgreens/

Connect with Dr. Josh Helman, MD:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greenbrainsMD

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/greenbrainsmd/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorjosh

- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@greenbrainsmd

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUMtFP2icmNEhOaSsd-CrSg?sub_confirmation=1

- Others - https://linktr.ee/greenbrainsmd

Disclaimer: Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.