youngerU with Matt McGovern

Which plant-based milk is the best for our health AND for the planet? | Ep. 12

Plant-based milks offer a gentler, more sustainable alternative to dairy, both for our bodies and the planet. Many people turn to options like oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk to avoid lactose, reduce inflammation, or align with ethical or environmental values. Nutritionally, these milks vary—oat milk is often praised for its fiber and lower environmental impact, while almond milk is light and low-calorie but water-intensive to produce. Soy milk comes closest to dairy in protein, and coconut milk is rich but higher in saturated fat. Choosing the right plant milk depends on your personal health goals and values, but overall, they represent a shift toward more conscious, compassionate consumption.

How to prevent eczema naturally | Ep. 11

Healing eczema naturally involves addressing the root causes rather than just treating symptoms. This often means shifting to an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, identifying and eliminating personal triggers (like dairy, gluten, or added sugars), and supporting gut health through probiotics and fermented foods. Stress reduction through practices like meditation, gentle movement, and proper sleep can also play a major role, as eczema is often linked to internal imbalance. Natural moisturizers like shea butter, coconut oil, and colloidal oatmeal can soothe the skin externally, while the real healing happens from the inside out—by creating an environment in the body that’s calm, nourished, and resilient.

How to improve your SKIN with diet | Ep. 10

A plant-based diet plays a fundamental role in skin health by providing essential nutrients that combat oxidative stress, support hydration, balance hormones, and promote gut health. Antioxidants like polyphenols and carotenoids protect against premature aging, while omega-rich fats from seeds and nuts maintain skin hydration and elasticity. The gut-skin axis highlights how fiber and fermented foods reduce inflammation and enhance clarity, while phytoestrogens and minerals regulate hormonal balance, influencing skin appearance. Historical and cultural insights from traditional diets, such as the Mediterranean and Blue Zones, reinforce the connection between nutrition and longevity. By integrating nutrient-dense, plant-based foods, we can nurture our skin from within, fostering lasting radiance and resilience.

The truth about protein quality | Ep. 9

Protein quality has long been defined by how efficiently a protein supports growth, favoring animal sources due to their complete amino acid profile. However, this metric was shaped by outdated research, industry influence, and a narrow focus on growth rather than long-term health. While plant proteins are often labeled as “lower quality” due to slightly lower digestibility and amino acid content, they may actually be more beneficial for longevity by promoting metabolic health and reducing disease risk. The real issue may not be protein inadequacy but the underconsumption of protective plant foods, challenging the conventional wisdom that prioritizes protein quantity over overall dietary quality.

How Vitamin C might actually save your life | Ep. 8

In this episode, you’ll learn how vitamin C played a crucial role in saving sailors' lives, why it's essential for collagen production and immune function, and how its deficiency leads to scurvy. We’ll explore the best natural sources of vitamin C, debunk myths about megadosing when sick, and uncover how our ancestors lost the ability to produce it. By the end, you'll have a clear, science-backed understanding of how much vitamin C you actually need to stay healthy—without the hype.