Book Review: The Plant Paradox
The Plant Paradox
by Dr. Steven R. Gundry
You may have heard about the popular book, The Plant Paradox. This book has been in the news as many celebrities as Kelly Clarkson and Usher have had success with it. This book was written by distinguished doctor, Dr. Steven R. Gundry, who is a heart surgeon, medical inventor and researcher. I was interested in this diet as I have known several people who have really lost some weight on it. Therefore, I did some research to find about what this book is about.
So, what is a lectin?
The premise of this book is based on reducing lectins from your diet. Lectins are plant proteins that are believed to help plants defend themselves from insects. Note that gluten is one type of lectin. Dr. Gundry believes that the high lectin quantity in the standard American diet can cause increases in appetite/weight gain, fatigue, joint pain and low energy. Also, increasing polyphenols like from berries, some leafy greens and some nuts or by supplement is mentioned.
Who is this diet recommended for?
Dr. Gundry explains in detail that this diet may be advantageous to many people including those with gut issues, heart issues, autoimmune disorders and those looking to shed some pounds.
What foods contain high content of lectins?
Many foods contain lectins including beans, legumes (including soy, peanuts and cashews), many grains, nightshade plants (including potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant), some seeded vegetables, and some dairy.
What foods can you eat?
So, after seeing the above list of foods you can’t eat, you are probably wondering what foods you can eat. You can eat most nuts (macadamia, pistachios, walnuts), all olives, dark chocolate (with high cocoa content), red wine, some energy bars, flours (coconut, almond, cassava, etc.), some dairy (goat cheese, coconut yogurt, whey protein powder, etc.), some fruits especially avocado, most non seeded vegetables (broccoli, onions, celery, carrots, mushrooms, etc.), seafood (crab, shrimp, tuna, etc.), grass fed meat, pasture raised poultry. Actually, the list of foods to eat is far longer than I expected.
There is a very comprehensive detailed list of foods that you can and cannot eat in the book. Also, there is a Keto version available in the book as well.
Recipes:
I always love trying out new healthy recipes. My favorites from this book are the Mint Chocolate Chip-Avocado “Ice Cream” and the Cranberry-Orange Muffins. Also, the Nut Mix is a great quick and easy snack idea.
Conclusion:
This book is very interesting and has a wealth of information in it. Patient stories are interwoven throughout the book. Daily meal plans and lists of foods you can eat are included as well.
