179: Natural Healing Show with Catherine Carrigan & guest Nathaniel Altman179: Natural Healing Show with Catherine Carrigan & guest Nathaniel Altman
UK Health Radio Podcast
Catherine Kerrigan chats with author Nathaniel Altman about the deep histories of plant foods, their reported health benefits and practical ways to eat more of them. The conversation blends food science, folklore and simple kitchen tips for anyone wanting a more health-focused diet.
46:02•21 Jun 2026
Plant Power, Ancient Roots: Catherine Kerrigan Talks Food Genealogy with Nathaniel Altman
Episode Overview
- Many everyday plant foods, such as oats, barley, rice, nuts and tomatoes, have long histories and may be easier for most people to tolerate than newer or highly processed foods.
- Phytochemicals in fruits, vegetables, pulses, mushrooms and green tea have been studied for potential roles in preventing disease, including certain cancers.
- Nuts, particularly walnuts, are linked in studies with brain health and may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s when eaten regularly in modest amounts.
- Beans and other pulses are inexpensive, versatile and nutrient-dense, and regular intake has been associated with longer life and better cholesterol, blood sugar and gut health.
- Simple habits such as planning a list, focusing on whole plant foods, using more spices instead of salt and aiming for a colourful variety of vegetables can make a healthier diet more achievable and satisfying.
“I want people to appreciate foods more and to utilise them more to keep us healthy and happy and whole.”
How do different strategies aid in addiction recovery? Here, the focus shifts to the plate, as UK Health Radio’s Natural Healing Show zooms in on plant foods and their long, winding journey into modern kitchens. Aimed at anyone curious about food as medicine – from health-conscious beginners to seasoned vegans – this conversation brings history, science and practical tips into one easy-going chat.
Host Catherine Kerrigan sits down with author and long-time vegetarian Nathaniel Altman to chat about his book *The Genealogy of Plant Foods*. Altman links his love of family history with the “family trees” of oats, barley, rice, nuts, tomatoes and chillies, showing how ancient these staples really are and why many of them still sit so well with the human body.
As he puts it, “when they say food is your best medicine, this may be really the case.” You’ll hear about nightshades, why tomatoes were once viewed with suspicion, and how mushrooms went from ‘witch food’ to French delicacy. Altman and Kerrigan break down phytochemicals in plain language, highlight cruciferous veg, pulses, mushrooms and green tea for their reported anti‑cancer benefits, and talk nuts – especially walnuts – for brain health.
The style is friendly and chatty, with Kerrigan adding her own experiences of food sensitivities, kitchen organisation and simple starting points like picking four vegetables and four proteins you’ll actually eat. There’s a big emphasis on everyday practicality: beans as budget life-extenders, using more spices instead of salt, shopping with a list, and eating before going to the supermarket to dodge junk-food temptations.
Altman’s core message is respect: “I want people to appreciate foods more and to utilise them more to keep us healthy and happy and whole.” If you’re rethinking your relationship with food – whether for health, mood, or a more alcohol-free lifestyle – this gentle but informative chat might give you the nudge you need to stock your fridge a little differently this week.
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