Eating healthy is absolutely essential for a healthy long life. Can you improve your longevity by choosing to eat certain superfoods? Is it really necessary to eat meat to enjoy good health and long life?

Steven R. Gundry is an American physician and author. He is a former cardiac surgeon and currently runs his own clinic, investigating the impact of diet on health. Let’s see what Dr. Gundry has to say about this.

People assume that the plant paradox is not for them because they don’t eat meat. Now, here’s the thing. If you have read my book, you know that every recipe has a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option. In fact, I eat a mostly vegetarian diet myself. But I don’t fill up on grains and I don’t get my protein from soy. Instead, I rely on five vegetarian superfoods that are plant paradox approved and delicious too.

The first one is avocado and it’s one of my favourite foods. In fact, I eat an avocado just about every day! In fact, it’s the one fruit that you don’t have to eat in moderation. It’s barely got any sugar and the perfect blend of healthy fats and soluble fibre to keep your gut bugs happy. And with almost as much protein as an  egg, avocados do a great job keeping you full. That’s why I tell my patients to start each day with a whole avocado.

Second, we have got leafy greens. Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are among the healthiest foods on the planet. And believe it or not – they have got plenty of protein! Think about it. Some of the biggest, most muscular  mammals on the planet – horses and gorillas, for example – eat vegetarian diets. And they are getting enough protein and nutrients to go about their days. That’s because they know they can get all the protein they need from leaves. And so can you!

Third, mushrooms. They are high in protein as far as vegetables are concerned but that’s not the only reason they are great for keeping your body fuelled up. You see, mushrooms are heavy. Fructooligosaccharides, a form of indigestible sugar, that your gut bugs love and there’s no better way to keep you full, happy, and comfortable than keeping your gut bugs happy. That’s part of the reason I love corn crumbles, as a replacement for me. They are vegetarian made mostly of mushroom roots and have a great meaty texture. 

Up next – Nuts! Now, not all nuts are created equal. In fact, some nuts aren’t nuts at all. They are seeds like cashews or legumes like peanuts. But walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and macadamia nuts – are all wonderful for you! They are packed with good fats or filling and are high in protein. And studies have even shown that  people who eat nuts every day live longer, healthier lives than those who don’t! But what about almonds? Their skins contain lectins. So, if you’re eating Blanched or Marcona almonds you are fine. But plain old almonds should be avoided. 

Last but not least – beans! Yes, you heard me right. Beans! But Dr. Gundry, don’t beans have lectins? Absolutely. But there’s a great way around that. Pressure-cooking. It kills almost all the lectins and beans, making them safer to eat. And don’t worry, modern pressure cookers aren’t the scary spring-loaded, ready-to-blow contraptions of the past. They are safe and easy to use. And you only hit one button. But if you want even easier, shop for ‘Eden’ brand can beans. They are already pressure cooked to minimize lectins and they come in a BPA-free can. Just remember – pressure cooking doesn’t get rid of all lectins in your food. So, save beans. Even pressure cook beans for special occasions. 

And always remember – you can get plenty of proteins from plants. Especially things like greens, cruciferous vegetables, roots, and tubers. So, if you’re a vegetarian who is curious about the plant paradox or if you’re trying to eat less meat, we all should keep these five superfoods in mind. Your gut and your body will thank you!