I’ve become a fan of the podcast of Dr. Bobby Dubois which aims to help us “Live Long and Well.” Every week he presents (using a remarkably mellifluous and calming voice) a simple but evidence-based discussion of health-related topics. He’s not pushing supplements and he’s not serving click-bait.
Recently, he had me as a guest to discuss a couple of my favorite topics.
Here’s his introduction:
I used to believe full-fat dairy was a ticket to heart disease. Turns out… not so fast.
In my latest episode of Live Long and Well, I sat down with Dr. Anthony Pearson, a cardiologist known for his evidence-first, myth-busting approach. We dug into what really raises your risk for heart disease—and what might not be as dangerous as we’ve been told.
Dr. Pearson’s story began with a croissant, some butter, and a disagreement with his wife. That moment launched his journey into nutritional science—and flipped his stance on dairy. He shared new data suggesting that fermented, full-fat dairy may actually lower cardiometabolic risk. (Yes, that means cheese and whole milk might not be the villains.). Read more here.
We also explored the risks of extreme keto diets, especially for those who see their LDL cholesterol shoot up. And we unpacked the role of the calcium heart scan—a $100, non-invasive test that can detect dangerous plaque in the arteries long before symptoms strike.
If you’re confused about what matters most when it comes to preventing heart disease, this episode is for you. Dr. Pearson’s perspective is grounded, scientific, and incredibly practical.
👉 Listen here: Episode 37 – We Can Reduce Our Risk of Heart Disease
Follow Dr. Pearson and his wonderful blog, The Skeptical Cardiologist.
Stay curious. Stay proactive. And yes, enjoy your butter—just be smart about it.
To living long and well,
Dr. Bobby
Take a listen. And let me know what you think in the comments along with any questions you might have about coronary calcium scans and saturated fat consumption.
Gravelly Yours,
-ACP
2 thoughts on “Live Long and Well Discusses Dairy Fat and Coronary Calcium Scans with the Skeptical Cardiologist”
It’s not just about milkfat or saturated fats. Trans fats are absolutely proinflammatory. I remember that Margerine was pushed on housewives in the late 60s to save their husbands from heart attacks but then was shown to cause heart CAD. The consensus seems to be that extra virgin olive oil is heart healthy but not for frying. Coconut and avocado oil have a much higher smoke point and can be used for frying. Peanut, canola and sunflower oils are cheap and used at fast food places. RFK flanked by Marty Makary and Jay Bhattacharya is suggesting that animal fat would be healthier. What about statins? What’s the benefit vs risk and overprescribing for those at low risk? Are aged garlic extract and O3 fish oils decent blood thinners? Heart healthy?
Yes. Much misguidance in the past. And lots of nuance for oils in general.Fortunately, industrial trans fats are now out of our food almost entirely.
EVOO gets a big thumbs up based on the PREDIMED trial.
Beef tallow fried French Fries are endorsed by RFK and some influencers. I see no evidence that these will be healthier than those fried in seed oils. If it makes french fries taste better then more will be consumed which is not a good thing.
For my approach to statins, low , intermediate, and high risk, use search term statins on this site.
O3s are not decent blood thinners.
Aged garlic extract has minimal effects on BP and lipids .