
Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy
Meera & Ashok Vasudevan
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
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Top 10 Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Plants do have Proteins
Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy
01/21/25 • 4 min
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 a simple meal of rice & beans! Besides mere proteins, lentils deliver dietary fiber and a truckload of phytonutrients
Thanks for tuning in to "Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy"!
Hosted by Meera & Ashok Vasudevan
Stay Connected
#PayTheFarmerNotThePharmacy
#PlantBasedWellness
#NaturalFood
#AffordableWellness
#GutHealth
#ImmunityBoost
#NutritionTips
#CSAW (Centre for the Spread of Affordable Wellness)
#Meeravasudevan
#Ashokvasudevan
https://umaglobalfoods.com/
https://csaw.co
https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/pay-the-farmer-not-the-pharmacy/id1512934794
https://open.spotify.com/show/34nzNQQ62O8tygMaut2h8V

The (Ethical) Taste of Success- An Interview
Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy
02/18/25 • 29 min
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 journey of the Natural Food company TastytBite, co-founded by Ashok and his wife Meera Vasudevan.
Thanks for tuning in to "Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy"!
Hosted by Meera & Ashok Vasudevan
Stay Connected
#PayTheFarmerNotThePharmacy
#PlantBasedWellness
#NaturalFood
#AffordableWellness
#GutHealth
#ImmunityBoost
#NutritionTips
#CSAW (Centre for the Spread of Affordable Wellness)
#Meeravasudevan
#Ashokvasudevan
https://umaglobalfoods.com/
https://csaw.co
https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/pay-the-farmer-not-the-pharmacy/id1512934794
https://open.spotify.com/show/34nzNQQ62O8tygMaut2h8V

Diabetes & Nutrition- A quick Primer
Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy
03/10/25 • 5 min
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. The key message is that nutritional management of Diabetes is highly personalized. What works for you need not for someone else. So if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic its best to monitor your glucose like you're keeping tabs on your favorite sports team's score. And when you visit your doc, go in armed with knowledge about how different foods affect YOUR body. Remember, you're the expert on you!
Thanks for tuning in to "Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy"!
Hosted by Meera & Ashok Vasudevan
Stay Connected
#PayTheFarmerNotThePharmacy
#PlantBasedWellness
#NaturalFood
#AffordableWellness
#GutHealth
#ImmunityBoost
#NutritionTips
#CSAW (Centre for the Spread of Affordable Wellness)
#Meeravasudevan
#Ashokvasudevan
https://umaglobalfoods.com/
https://csaw.co
https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/pay-the-farmer-not-the-pharmacy/id1512934794
https://open.spotify.com/show/34nzNQQ62O8tygMaut2h8V

Unlock the Power of Antioxidants: Our bodies' frontline soldiers
Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy
02/24/25 • 5 min
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 oxidative stress, which is linked to various diseases and aging.
Luckily, many food groups including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and lentils are good sources of antioxidants.
Thanks for tuning in to "Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy"!
Hosted by Meera & Ashok Vasudevan
Stay Connected
#PayTheFarmerNotThePharmacy
#PlantBasedWellness
#NaturalFood
#AffordableWellness
#GutHealth
#ImmunityBoost
#NutritionTips
#CSAW (Centre for the Spread of Affordable Wellness)
#Meeravasudevan
#Ashokvasudevan
https://umaglobalfoods.com/
https://csaw.co
https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/pay-the-farmer-not-the-pharmacy/id1512934794
https://open.spotify.com/show/34nzNQQ62O8tygMaut2h8V

Chief Guest Address - UAS Foundation Day 2020, Ashok Vasudevan
Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy
02/15/21 • 33 min
The University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore is a premier institution in the country involved in Agricultural Education, Research and Outreach activities. The University has been bestowed with many prestigious awards for its significant contributions in teaching, research and extension activities over the last 55 years. The University contributed immensely towards Agricultural growth in the State and the Country by evolving high yielding varieties of various crops and technology for both rain-fed and irrigated conditions. This is the first University to develop Hybrid Sunflower, Hybrid Cotton and Hybrid Rice in the country.

Butterfly Boss: Master Your Thyroid Naturally
Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy
05/19/25 • 5 min
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 hacks for keeping your thyroid happy-whether it’s in slow-mo (hypothyroidism) or on overdrive (hyperthyroidism). Discover why women, foodies, and wellness warriors need to pay attention, which foods are thyroid superheroes, and how a sprinkle of iodized salt (or skipping it!) can make all the difference. Fun, sassy, and packed with practical takeaways-this episode will have you shopping smarter and feeling better in just five minutes!
Thanks for tuning in to "Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy"!
Hosted by Meera & Ashok Vasudevan
Stay Connected
#PayTheFarmerNotThePharmacy
#PlantBasedWellness
#NaturalFood
#AffordableWellness
#GutHealth
#ImmunityBoost
#NutritionTips
#CSAW (Centre for the Spread of Affordable Wellness)
#Meeravasudevan
#Ashokvasudevan
https://umaglobalfoods.com/
https://csaw.co
https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/pay-the-farmer-not-the-pharmacy/id1512934794
https://open.spotify.com/show/34nzNQQ62O8tygMaut2h8V

From Buzzwords to Better Health: What Natural & Organic Really Mean
Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy
05/22/25 • 7 min
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 the science, the sass, and the truth about what’s in your food. In this special episode, we break down the difference between natural and organic foods, reveal the surprising number of chemicals allowed in our food supply, and spotlight the entrepreneurs who are changing the game for good. Plus, a candid interview with the Founder & CEO of Unreasonable on what it takes to build a new food future.
Listen in, get inspired, and remember: look at labels, stay informed, and support the bold innovators who care about people and the planet—not just profits. Eat smart, live bold, and pay the farmer, not the pharmacy!
Thanks for tuning in to "Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy"!
Hosted by Meera & Ashok Vasudevan
Stay Connected
#PayTheFarmerNotThePharmacy
#PlantBasedWellness
#NaturalFood
#AffordableWellness
#GutHealth
#ImmunityBoost
#NutritionTips
#CSAW (Centre for the Spread of Affordable Wellness)
#Meeravasudevan
#Ashokvasudevan
https://umaglobalfoods.com/
https://csaw.co
https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/pay-the-farmer-not-the-pharmacy/id1512934794
https://open.spotify.com/show/34nzNQQ62O8tygMaut2h8V

Migraine: Awareness of triggers is half the battle won.
Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy
11/02/20 • 6 min
For those who suffer it, migraines are a painful, unexpected & debilitating condition. They are often genetic with no known cure. Common triggers are stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, alcohol, hunger etc. There is not enough evidence that some foods can cure migraines. Results widely vary from person to person. For instance, coffee is known to help some, harm others.
So, what is one to do?
Find out more at www.csaw.co/blog.php
Thanks for tuning in to "Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy"!
Hosted by Meera & Ashok Vasudevan
Stay Connected
#PayTheFarmerNotThePharmacy
#PlantBasedWellness
#NaturalFood
#AffordableWellness
#GutHealth
#ImmunityBoost
#NutritionTips
#CSAW (Centre for the Spread of Affordable Wellness)
#Meeravasudevan
#Ashokvasudevan
https://umaglobalfoods.com/
https://csaw.co
https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/pay-the-farmer-not-the-pharmacy/id1512934794
https://open.spotify.com/show/34nzNQQ62O8tygMaut2h8V

The Mediterranean Miracle: Hiding in plain sight
Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy
09/09/20 • 6 min
Studies have proven beyond doubt that the Mediterranean diet reduces risks of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, cancer and even lowers the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Wow! When we think of the expression “Kitchen Pharmacy” it is difficult to find a better example. The Mediterranean Diet though, is more than just about food. It’s a way of life. People there eat better and live healthier lives than almost anywhere on the planet.
Let’s look at both today- their food and the lifestyle. They are simple and pleasurable.
Find out more at www.csaw.co/blog.php
Thanks for tuning in to "Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy"!
Hosted by Meera & Ashok Vasudevan
Stay Connected
#PayTheFarmerNotThePharmacy
#PlantBasedWellness
#NaturalFood
#AffordableWellness
#GutHealth
#ImmunityBoost
#NutritionTips
#CSAW (Centre for the Spread of Affordable Wellness)
#Meeravasudevan
#Ashokvasudevan
https://umaglobalfoods.com/
https://csaw.co
https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/pay-the-farmer-not-the-pharmacy/id1512934794
https://open.spotify.com/show/34nzNQQ62O8tygMaut2h8V

Diabetes Control. Perhaps Reversal.
Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy
01/28/25 • 5 min
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: Whole grains, leafy vegetables, beans, healthy fats from nuts, sesame oil, olive oils, and fresh fruits provide your daily macro and phytonutrients. This balanced diet helps slow digestion, improve gut health, prevent sugar spikes and more. We speak about complex carbs and resistant starch; both crucial to sugar control.
Thanks for tuning in to "Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy"!
Hosted by Meera & Ashok Vasudevan
Stay Connected
#PayTheFarmerNotThePharmacy
#PlantBasedWellness
#NaturalFood
#AffordableWellness
#GutHealth
#ImmunityBoost
#NutritionTips
#CSAW (Centre for the Spread of Affordable Wellness)
#Meeravasudevan
#Ashokvasudevan
https://umaglobalfoods.com/
https://csaw.co
https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/pay-the-farmer-not-the-pharmacy/id1512934794
https://open.spotify.com/show/34nzNQQ62O8tygMaut2h8V
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FAQ
How many episodes does Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy have?
Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy currently has 35 episodes available.
What topics does Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Nutrition, Wellness, Podcasts, Business and Food.
What is the most popular episode on Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy?
The episode title 'Obesity: Let’s not be alarmist but get the facts on the risks' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy?
The average episode length on Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy is 7 minutes.
How often are episodes of Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy released?
Episodes of Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy?
The first episode of Pay the Farmer, Not the Pharmacy was released on Jul 20, 2020.
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