I first met Rosemary Fisher in September 1976 when her husband, Al, was hospitalized with a sudden heart attack. The heart attack was a rather large one and one of the three major arteries to the heart was occluded. The others arteries were normal. We recommended that Al have bypass surgery but they wanted alternatives. We explained that he could live with this artery remaining closed but he could not tolerate any development of atherosclerosis in the other two arteries. Rosemary asked how they could prevent that buildup and the usual instructions of exercise, losing weight and low cholesterol diet were given. Those simple instructions opened up a whole new career for Rosemary which has included the publication of three books and lectures and discussions with university groups, rehabilitation units, church and social groups.

Her first interest was mainly in lowering Al's cholesterol by charges in diet. When Al's ability to prevent the progression of cholesterol buildup in his arteries was shown on repeat angiograms, Rosemary became convinced that she was on the right track. Later when she developed her own osteoporosis, she began to concentrate on dietary means to reverse her low bone density. When her own bone density kept increasing by her change in dietary intake, she became even more enthusiastic. Much later when Al developed a rapidly progressive Alzheimer's syndrome she sought dietary ways to control these three illnesses. Rosemary has does extensive literature research and has been very careful to not be swayed by the publicity of rapidly passing fads. She has accepted information that has only been published in scientific journals or papers by individuals who have done legitimate research in the field of nutrition and/or have appropriate appointments at respected academic institutions. She has spoken with nutritionists throughout the country, she has spoken with nutritionists at several of the major food processing companies and has incorporated all of this information in workable recipes. Rosemary states that the dietary fads and hoaxes that are not beneficial are rather easily identifiable because of their lack of scientific support and the reluctance to have the theories subjected to scientific study.

Rosemary Fisher's greatest contribution has been to incorporate naturally occurring dietary foods, in amounts shown by research for metabolic benefit, into tasteful dietary recipes. She has rejected the urge to add artificial coloring and artificial flavoring to make the meal more palatable. She has used all natural foods, for instance using natural honey as her sweetener. Tremendous amounts of experimentation with different recipes were necessary to get the combination of flavors and consistencies that would make a palatable and enjoyable menu. Al was her major tester and he frequently stated that he certainly tasted some very terrible combinations. Many recipes were abandoned almost instantly but the ones that has survived have proven to be tasty and appealing to many different groups. Rosemary's major proof of palatability is when the grandchildren come back for seconds.

Rosemary Fisher is a very interesting woman in that she started into this quest for incorporating healthy foods into palatable recipes to achieve an appropriate diet for her husband. As she continued to review more and more scientific evaluations of the value of dietary changes, she became convinced of the need for an overall change in the dietary habits of the American population. She has done this by being able to maintain the tastes that we have all become to fond of in prepared and "fast" foods into her new recipes. Demands for her recipes have been met with the publication of several books, this being the most recent and incorporating her research on osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease. All monies that she has received from her lectures and from her books have been given to charity. She has been particularly interested in the migrant workers in Florida and the Carmelite religious order that cares for the poor in the Philippines and in South America.

Rosemary Fisher is a remarkable woman who has done remarkable research, has published a remarkable book for a remarkable cause. I feel fortunate to have been able to feel her enthusiasm and to share her successes with her.

Robert A. Heinle, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine
University of Rochester
School of Medicine & Dentistry

HEALTHY EATING SITE INDEX

This index provides a list of further research summaries and recipes on some of the many ways foods can help prevent or reverse specific conditions. Just click on the ones that are of interest to you.

(Home)  (Description of books for prevention of osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer and dementia) (Low fat recipes) (Research studies on osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, and dementia from the books) (Nutritional Research on Osteoporosis Prevention)  (Foods to eat or avoid to help prevent or reverse Osteoporosis) (Nutritional Research on Cancer) (Foods to eat or avoid to help prevent or reverse Cancer)  (Nutritional Research on Alzheimer's Prevention) (Foods to eat or avoid to help prevent or reverse Alzheimer's) (Nutritional Research on Overcoming Heart Disease) (Foods that speed healing of Broken Bones) (Foods to help prevent or reverse Heart Disease)  (Research on Foods to eat or avoid for helping to Prevent Kidney Stones) (Research on Foods for Helping To Heal Broken Bones) (Rosemary's story)  (Rosemary's talks)  (Links other nutrition research resources on the net) (Order form for books on preventing or reversing osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer and dementia )

Rosemary C. Fisher.
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