Dr. Steve Blake, a leading authority in nutritional biochemistry and holistic health, has spent decades researching how diet affects neurological health. His work, particularly in the prevention and management of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, highlights the critical role that a plant-exclusive diet plays in preserving brain function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Dr. Blake brings awareness to many health conditions including heart disease.

A Lifelong Commitment to Plant-Based Nutrition

Dr. Blake’s commitment to a plant-based diet began over 50 years ago. In 1970, he made the shift to whole plant foods, driven by both health and ethical reasons. This change took place during a time when plant-based food options were minimal, yet Dr. Blake thrived and has maintained exceptional health well into his 70s. His personal and professional journey has helped pave the way for a deeper understanding of how plant-exclusive diets can influence long-term health.

The Role of Nutrition in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease, characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, has become a growing concern for aging populations. Dr. Blake’s research focuses on using nutrition to prevent and manage Alzheimer’s. He has found that specific dietary interventions, such as reducing saturated fats and increasing antioxidant-rich foods, can help lower the risk of developing this neurodegenerative disease.

In studies like the Hawaii Dementia Prevention Trial, Dr. Blake and his team demonstrated that adding nutrients such as vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin E to the diet can reduce the formation of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Foods like nuts, seeds, berries, and leafy greens contain powerful antioxidants and nutrients that protect the brain from inflammation and oxidative stress, two key factors in cognitive decline. His findings are outlined in his book Nutrients for Memory, which provides actionable strategies for improving brain health through diet.

Parkinson’s Disease: How Diet Influences Symptom Management

In addition to Alzheimer’s, Dr. Blake has explored the impact of nutrition on Parkinson’s disease, another neurodegenerative disorder marked by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. His research reveals that dietary modifications can have a significant effect on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease.

One of the critical insights Dr. Blake shares is the role of protein in Parkinson’s disease. High-protein diets can interfere with the body’s ability to produce levodopa, a precursor to dopamine, which is essential for motor function. By reducing protein intake to recommended levels—around 40-60 grams per day—individuals with Parkinson’s can experience improvements in symptoms such as tremors and rigidity. Studies show that lowering protein intake can increase the body’s natural production of dopamine, leading to better symptom control.

Diet and Heart Disease

In his book No More Heart Attacks, Dr. Blake emphasizes that heart attacks are not an inevitable part of aging and can be largely prevented through dietary modifications. He advocates for a diet rich in whole plant foods—such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and seeds—that are high in antioxidants and fiber. These foods help reduce arterial plaque, lower cholesterol levels, and decrease inflammation, all of which are critical factors in preventing heart disease.

Dr. Blake also highlights the dangers of consuming saturated fats found in animal products, which can increase heart attack risk. He recommends minimizing intake of these fats and instead obtaining healthy fats from plant-based sources like nuts and seeds. Additionally, he underscores the importance of antioxidants in protecting against oxidative stress, a contributor to arterial damage.

The Dangers of Animal Fats in Neurological Health

Dr. Blake’s research also emphasizes the dangers of consuming animal fats, particularly in relation to Parkinson’s disease. Animal fats are often contaminated with neurotoxins like organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which can accumulate in the brain and damage dopamine-producing neurons. These toxins, commonly found in meats and dairy products, have been linked to the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Blake advocates for a plant-exclusive diet, free from these harmful contaminants, as a protective measure against neurological degeneration. By focusing on nutrient-dense, whole plant foods, individuals can reduce inflammation, improve brain health, and lower their risk of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

A Nutritional Path to Cognitive Health

Dr. Blake’s decades of research show that the key to maintaining brain health lies in a varied, plant-exclusive diet. Foods rich in polyphenols, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, provide essential nutrients that combat oxidative stress and inflammation—two primary causes of neurological decline. By adopting a diet that eliminates processed foods and animal products, individuals can enhance their cognitive function and reduce their risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusion: The Science of Nutritional Neuroscience

Dr. Steve Blake’s work in nutritional neuroscience offers valuable insights into the prevention and management of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. His research underscores the power of plant-exclusive diets in preserving brain function and protecting against cognitive decline. For those seeking to improve their brain health and overall well-being, Dr. Blake’s evidence-based approach provides a clear path toward healthier living.

For more information on Dr. Blake’s research, books, and nutritional guidance, visit drsteveblake.com.

Episode Highlights 

[00:00] Introduction

[02:00] Food poisoning was a catalyst for Dr. Blake’s plant based journey.

[06:00] The beginnings of Dr. Blake’s mark with neuroscience. 

[09:00] Understanding how data is manipulated for various purposes. 

[15:00] Hawaii dementia trials begin. 

[19:00] The damage inflammation has on our health. 

[26:00] The argument for B12 vitamins. 

[29:00] Understanding the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease and what to do about it.

[35:00] Vitamins not found in animal foods. 

[43:30] Is a raw fruit diet safe? 

[49:15] How much fat in your diet is safe? 

[53:00] What’s on the horizon for Dr. Blake? 

About Dr. Steve Blake 

Dr. Steve Blake, ScD, is a recognized expert in nutritional biochemistry and holistic health. He serves as the Director of Nutritional Neuroscience at the Maui Memory Clinic and is the lead advisor and author for the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, published by Macmillan Reference. He has held faculty positions at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, where he worked as a nutritional biochemist and recently completed a clinical study he designed and led at the Hawaii Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Additionally, Dr. Blake is the research director at the Neuroscience Nutrition Foundation.

Throughout his career, Dr. Blake has presented grand rounds at prestigious medical institutions, including the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii, Castle Medical Center in Kailua, St. Francis Liliha in Honolulu, Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, and Boston University Medical Center.

An accomplished author, Dr. Blake has written numerous influential books, including Nutrients for Memory, Fats and Oils Demystified, Stop Strokes Before They Start, Autism: A Spectrum of Improvement, Parkinson’s Disease: Dietary Regulation of Dopamine, Mastering Migraines: Prevention and Relief, and A Nutritional Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease. His college textbook, Vitamins and Minerals Demystified, was published by McGraw-Hill, and he co-authored Mosby’s Drug Guide for Nurses (4th edition).

Dr. Blake has taught over 25 courses at the University of Hawaii on Maui and has been a guest lecturer at Stanford University, McLean Hospital (Harvard Medical School), and Boston University Medical Center. He is also a registered medical plant specialist, known for his comprehensive Herb Doctors database, which contains over 168,000 footnoted facts on alternative remedies from 54 countries. The database was published by Mosby as Alternative Remedies.

In addition to his academic and research contributions, Dr. Blake programmed the groundbreaking Diet Doctor software, a tool for analyzing and graphing dietary nutrients. He lectures extensively on the role of nutrition in health and has taught anatomy, physiology, and exercise physiology. He also directed the Maui Holistic Health Center for seven years and is frequently featured on radio and television.

Dr. Blake holds a doctorate in holistic health, with a specialization in nutritional biochemistry, and a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. He is also a certified neuromuscular therapist. He and his wife, Catherine, live on an organic farm in Maui, powered entirely by solar energy.

About Dr. Frank Sabatino

As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr. Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.

Dr. Sabatino’s passion and life’s work include raising awareness about the benefits of whole-food, plant-exclusive nutrition (without added salt, oil, or sugar), health rejuvenation and stress management.

Dr. Sabatino is the author of Weightless: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life, a groundbreaking guide to sustainable weight loss through a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Drawing on extensive clinical and personal experience, Dr. Sabatino offers practical strategies to overcome food addiction and avoid fad diets, risky drugs, and surgeries. The book provides meal plans, recipes, and lifestyle tips, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods and addressing the role of stress, sleep, and environmental toxins in weight management. “Weightless” empowers readers to achieve their weight goals healthily and sustainably, benefiting both people and the planet.

About NHA

The National Health Association (NHA), founded in 1948, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Association provides educational materials, educational events, and services to thousands of people around the world.

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthful living. The NHA recognizes the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

The NHA also provides travel experiences around the globe through the NHA Plant-Based Travel and cruise division.

More information: https://www.healthscience.org/

Scholarships

A unique benefit of the NHA Conference is the selection of two medical students who receive a full scholarship to the conference.

Contact Wanda Huberman for more information on how to apply for the scholarship.  whuberman@healthscience.org

NHA membership

For a very nominal investment, you can enjoy incredible benefits of the NHA membership.

Members of the NHA enjoy a subscription to the award-winning quarterly health journal, Health Science, access to the “Members Only” section of the NHA Website (which contains all 43 years of back issues of the magazine),  the ability to download for free many classic out of print eBooks on the history of the Natural Hygiene Movement, including Fasting Can Save Your Life and The Greatest Health Discovery, discounts on books, and early notice of the NHA events.

Only $35 a year for basic membership within the United States.  https://www.healthscience.org/join-renew/