Ep. 337: Jet Benitez - The Keto Diet Almost Killed Him. So, He Turned to Plants.

In this episode, Rip sits down with Jet, a 66-year-old husband, father, hiker, and former keto devotee whose health collapsed despite doing “everything right” according to low-carb gurus. After a terrifying calcium score, debilitating angina, and near-widowmaker blockage, Jet found himself out of breath, unable to hike his favorite mountains, and feeling an impending sense of doom.
A reunion — and one shocking scar from a friend’s open-heart surgery — jolted him into action. Jet pivoted from years of high-fat keto eating to a whole-food, plant-based, SOS-free lifestyle inspired by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. Within weeks, his symptoms vanished. Within months, he was summiting mountains he hadn’t touched in over a decade. Today, his cholesterol is stellar, his A1C is normal, and he’s hiking peaks he hasn't done in years.
Jet’s story is an inspiring reminder that the body can heal when given the right fuel — and that it’s never too late to turn your life around.
Key Topics Covered:
Growing up in the Philippines on a fat and sugar-heavy diet
The moment Jet realized keto was harming — not helping — his heart
How a reunion wake-up call shifted his perspective
The emotional and physical toll of worsening symptoms
Why he finally chose a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle
The shocking improvements in angina, energy, cholesterol, sleep, and mood
His new life of hiking, strength, and vitality at 66
Advice for anyone curious but hesitant to go plant-based
Episode Webpage
Watch the Episode on YouTube
Learn More About our 2027 Live Plant Strong Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/
Our new Meal Planner is LIVE: visit https://goplantstrong.com/ and use code podcast to receive an additional $10 off an annual subscription (It’s just $69/year!)
Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG Journey
Learn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/
COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer
Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstyn
https://plantstrong.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong
https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/
https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/
Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star Rating
Apple Podcasts
Spotify