Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy
Meera & Ashok Vasudevan bring 50+ years of experience as leaders in the Plant-based & Natural Food industry. Their entrepreneurial journey continues with the recent acquisition of 2 heritage brands- Annapurna & Captain Cook
In this timely podcast series titled "Pay the farmer, Not the Pharmacy" they show you how to unleash the magic in your kitchen with evidence-based tips & tricks that improve digestion, enhance gut health, build immunity and provide simple solutions to affordable wellness. Pay the Farmer, Not the pharmacy. Brought to you by CSAW, the Centre for the Spread of Affordable Wellness.
Also, included are other talks, interviews and discussions of Ashok Vasudevan on a range of issues, not only related to food to wellness
Episodes
38 episodes
Glycemic Index vs. Glycemic Load: The Speedometer and Odometer of Your Blood Sugar
Confused about Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL)? You’re not alone! In this zippy, science-backed episode, Meera and Ashok break down the difference between GI and GL using a fun car analogy—think of GI as your blood sugar’s speedomete...
•
5:16
Marrakesh Magic: Spices, Tea, and Timeless Health
Join Ashok and Meera as they explore the vibrant markets and timeless kitchens of Marrakesh, Morocco, uncovering the secrets behind the city’s radiant health and joyful living. Discover how Marrakesh’s people thrive on fresh, locally grown vege...
•
7:02
The Jab vs. The Plate: Can GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic Outdo Eating Well?
Are GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro really the miracle jabs for a longer, healthier life-or is there a smarter, tastier way to get the same benefits? Join Meera and Ashok as they break down the latest science from The Times UK, exploring ...
•
6:32
Zymology: The Fun Side of Fermentation
Unlock the tangy secrets of zymology-the science of fermentation! Join Meera and Ashok as they take you on a lively, science-packed journey from ancient food traditions to your modern kitchen. Discover how fermented favorites like sauerkraut, k...
•
4:15
From Buzzwords to Better Health: What Natural & Organic Really Mean
Are “natural” foods really as wholesome as they sound? What makes organic the gold standard for your health and the planet? Join Ashok and Meera, live from the stunning Batu Batu Island at the Unreasonable accelerator retreat, as they dish out ...
•
7:40
Butterfly Boss: Master Your Thyroid Naturally
Is your energy tank running low, or are you feeling way too wired? Your thyroid might be trying to tell you something! Join Meera & Ashok on this episode of “Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy” as they serve up fast-paced, science-backed hack...
•
5:13
Fresh & Local: The Power of Seasonal Eating
Ever wondered why that summer tomato tastes like sunshine, but the winter one tastes like cardboard? In this lively episode of Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy, Meera and Ashok dig into the science and joy of seasonal eating. Discover ...
•
4:49
Liquid Life: The Unsung Power of Water
In this refreshing episode of "We Are What We Eat," Meera and Ashok dive deep into the science and secrets of water-the most essential, yet most overlooked, ingredient in our wellness journey. From how much to drink and when, to the truth about...
•
5:09
B-ing Plant-Based: Power Up with Plant Vitamin B!
Ditch the pills and dig into the delicious world of plant-based Vitamin B! Join Meera and Ashok as they explore the best veggie sources for this essential nutrient family. Discover which leafy greens, legumes, and more can keep your energy leve...
•
4:05
Microgreens- Nutritional Ninjas of the Plant Kingdom
Join Meera and Ashok on Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy as they dive into the stealthy world of microgreens—those tiny greens that pack a nutritional punch. From boosting glucose uptake to enhancing brain health, microgreens are the u...
•
5:01
"Electrolyte Harmony: Balancing Sodium and Potassium for Better Health
Join Meera and Ashok on Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy as they dive into the fascinating world of sodium and potassium—two electrolytes that keep your body running smoothly. Discover how to balance these essential minerals through si...
•
5:00
Body Fat, BMI, Visceral Fat & Nutrition
This episode dives into the world of body fat, BMI, and visceral fat and their link to nutrition. Explains why BMI ( Body mass Index) is a bit rudimentary as a health indicator and why visceral fat needs to be better understood and managed. Kee...
•
4:24
Cholesterol, Triglycerides & Nutririon
This episode is tackling a topic close to many hearts – quite literally! it's talking about cholesterol and its often-misunderstood cousin, triglycerides, who are like siblings in a Lipid family. Maybe statins are the answer for some, but your ...
•
5:44
Mental Health, Nutrition, and the Blood Brain Barrier
The connection between nutrition, mental health, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex and fascinating area of research that highlights the importance of diet in maintaining overall brain health and psychological well-being.The ...
•
5:04
Diabetes & Nutrition- A quick Primer
We all know the Diabetes management triangle - Medication, Lifestyle, and Nutrition. Instead of talking about Ozempic or cardio, in this episode Meera & Ashok dive fork-first into nutrition & its importance in diabetes management....
•
5:04
Zinc for Immunity: Boosting Your Defenses Through Food
Zinc is crucial for building immunity and is readily available in foods like spinach, lentils, chickpeas, and sunflower seeds. Consuming just 8-12 mg daily can be beneficial. It’s recommended to obtain zinc from these dietary sources rather tha...
•
5:03
Unlock the Power of Antioxidants: Our bodies' frontline soldiers
In this episode Meera & Ashok discuss Antioxidants, heroic compounds that neutralize the impact of villains - the free radicals, or unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA in our body. This process helps protect the body from oxida...
•
5:04
The (Ethical) Taste of Success- An Interview
Ashok Vasudevan's Interview with Julia Taylor Kennedy from the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs in New York in 2011. A wide ranging discussion on entrepreneurship, ethics & values in business, of sustainability, and a jo...
•
29:57
Vegetable Rainbow- Eat the colors for good health
We know about vitamins, minerals and all the phytonutrient goodness in them but we worry about lack of protein. Don’t. Edamame, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Spinach, Avocado, Asparagus and even the delectable Potatoes are good examples of protei...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 3
•
5:03
Diabetes Control. Perhaps Reversal.
Welcome to this episode "Tackling, Managing, & even Reversing Diabetes through easy food choices" . In this podcast we explore how thoughtful choices can transform lives. The most important step in diabetes management: let's eat right: Whol...
•
5:09
Plants do have Proteins
This episode on plant based foods debunks the myth that animal products are the only source of complete proteins. We explore lentils/pulses, whole grains, tofu and also explain the magic of how the 9 essential amino acids is easily derived from...
•
4:48
Nuts & Seeds over Nutraceuticals anyday
Why reach for supplements, boosters & pseudo miracle cures and get sucked in by attractive commercials with claims that often stretch the truth? In the process, we have helped build a multibillion-dollar nutraceutical industry and haven’t g...
•
3:38
Herbs & Spices
Spice & herbs are long haul players of good health, not just quick fixes. take a quick tour of Cinnamon, Cardamom, Galangal, Cloves. Some are anti-fungal, anto-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Let's Spice it up.
•
5:03
Obesity: Let’s not be alarmist but get the facts on the risks
There is too much alarmist surround sound on obesity. Yes, it can be problematic but before we jump to “cure” here’s some good news. Recent research shows there is no increased risk of mortality from obesity if other metabolic factors are in ch...
•
7:33