Your Mom Was Right: The Vitamins That Heal Your Heart

In this video, Dr. Columbus Batiste, an interventional cardiologist, shares how the mustard greens he grew up watching his mother cook became his “homemade vitamin,” blending family history with modern science on Brassica greens, pot likker, and cardiometabolic health. He explains key nutrients and phytochemicals in mustard greens, how they may support healthier cholesterol handling and blood vessels, why cooking method and salt matter, and how to keep traditional flavor without processed meats by using aromatics, umami, smoke, acid, and heat, then closes with a simple weekly greens routine viewers can pair with their own care team’s guidance.

Timestamps
[0:00] – “Homemade vitamin”: family history, pot greens, and pot likker
[2:50] – What’s in mustard greens: vitamins, glucosinolates, and heart-supporting compounds
[4:44] – How greens help cholesterol handling and artery biology
[5:35] – Cooking mistakes, pot likker, and the “keep the flavor, ditch the meat” framework
[8:42] – Culture, myths, safety notes, and a simple weekly greens plan

I’m Dr. Columbus Batiste, a double board-certified Interventional Cardiologist, author of SELFISH.

My mission is to empower YOU to take control of your health.

Learn more at:

Home

Grab a copy of my book SELFISH to start your journey:

FOLLOW ME:
Instagram: @healthyheartdoc
Twitter/X: @Iamhealthyheart
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/drbatiste

Articles
K. Papier, A. Knuppel, N. Syam, et al. Meat consumption and risk of ischemic heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2023;63(3):426-437. doi:10.1080/10408398.2021.1949575. (PubMed)

T. S. Kahlon, M. M. C. Chiu, M. H. Chapman. Steam cooking significantly improves in vitro bile acid binding of collard greens, kale, mustard greens, broccoli, green bell pepper, and cabbage. Nutr Res. 2008;28(6):351-357. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2008.03.007. (PubMed)

S. Lee, Y. Choi, H. S. Jeong, et al. Effect of different cooking methods on the content of vitamins and true retention in selected vegetables. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2018;27(2):333-342. doi:10.1007/s10068-017-0281-1. (PubMed)

Linus Pauling Institute. Cruciferous vegetables. Accessed February 6, 2026. (Linus Pauling Institute)

K. Fiumara, S. Z. Goldhaber. A patient’s guide to taking Coumadin/warfarin. Circulation. 2009;119:e220-e222. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.803957. (21808848.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net)

American Heart Association. What is atherosclerosis? Last reviewed February 16, 2024. Accessed February 6, 2026. (www.heart.org)

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Atherosclerosis. Last updated October 28, 2024. Accessed February 6, 2026. (NHLBI, NIH)

University of Rochester Medical Center. Nutrition facts: mustard greens, cooked, boiled, drained, without salt. Accessed February 6, 2026. (urmc.rochester.edu)

IMPORTANT NOTE: These strategies should be used as a complement to, not a replacement for, prescribed medications and a diverse plant-based diet rich in vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains. Always consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes, especially if you have existing cardiovascular conditions or are taking medications.

Disclaimer: The content on this channel is for general information and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All viewers should consult their physician or qualified healthcare provider before starting any medical program, treatment, or making changes to their health regimen or diet. You should not use this information to self-diagnose or treat any health condition.