Dr. William Li is a world-renowned doctor, scientist and author who is a strong believer that eating healthy foods can heal the body from various diseases. He is the author of the bestselling book "Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself” – but which foods does he recommend we eat to improve our health and to increase our longevity?
The physician is a strong advocate for dietary changes being used to overcome diseases and illnesses. He says that: “The right foods can help you take control of your health and wellness. They can be your best medicine.”
If you currently have a health problem, you have the power to combat it and improve your situation simply by making better food choices. Li explains: “You have the power to change your health destiny with the choices you make at every meal.”
Dr. William Li believes the food we nourish our mind and body with is vital, and that healthy foods can help to repair our DNA. The physician says: “Food is not just fuel; it's information. It talks to your genes and tells them what to do… when you eat for health, you’re not just feeding your body; you’re empowering your body’s ability to fight disease.”
By overhauling your diet, removing processed foods and replacing them with healthy nutrient-dense alternatives you can start to see a gradual improvement in your health. Dr. William Li says: “There’s no one magic food, but a variety of nutrient-rich foods work together to optimize your health.”
But which types of foods does Dr. Li recommend you eat to improve your health and extend your lifespan?
The Health Benefits of Seafood
Dr. William Li highly recommends incorporating seafood into your diet. Seafood contains a powerhouse of nutrients that can support heart health, brain function, and overall wellbeing. Dr. William Li states: “Incorporating seafood into your diet is a delicious way to boost your intake of nutrients that can help prevent disease and promote longevity.”
But which helpful nutrients does seafood contain? One of the most beneficial nutrients that many types of seafood contain is omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. Li explains: “Oily fish, like salmon and sardines, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy heart.”
Seafood is also rich in other nutrients that promote health and longevity. The doctor says: “The antioxidants in seafood, such as selenium and vitamin E, play a role in protecting your cells from damage and supporting your immune system.”
Eating foods that bolster your immune system is imperative for improving long-term health and longevity. Dr. Li recommends adding Shellfish to your diet to improve your immune health. He says: “Shellfish, such as oysters and mussels, are nutrient-dense and provide essential minerals like zinc, which is vital for immune health.”
Why You Should Eat Fruit
Some people are put off eating fruit due to the negative connotations of sugar. However, natural fructose is healthy for you. Fruits are jam-packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals and should be part of the foundation when building your health-focused diet.
Dr. William Li recommends we incorporate a variety of fruits into our diet and explains the nutrients they contain: "Fruits are nutrient-dense and, in addition to natural fructose, contain bioactives like dietary fiber, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals, which counter potential issues related to sugar. Your body needs sugar for your brain and muscles, and fruit actually improves overall health."
Eating fruit improves your gut health. The gut is connected to our brain via the gut/brain axis and it’s vital that we nourish it with healthy foods. Dr. Li says: “The fiber in fruit helps regulate digestion and maintain a healthy gut, which is crucial for overall wellness and disease prevention.”
He continues: “Eating a variety of colorful fruits is one of the best ways to provide your body with a wide range of antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.”
Fruit can be used as weapon to fight against chronic disease, Dr. Li believes. He explains: “Fruit is a powerful ally in your fight against chronic disease, offering a natural source of protective compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols.”
Eat More Vegetables
Dr. William Li is an advocate for eating plant-based foods to improve your health, fight disease and increase your lifespan. In addition to fruits, nutrient-dense vegetables also help to improve your health and wellbeing.
The doctor recommends removing processed foods from your diet and replacing them with mainly plant-based wholefoods. He says: “We are not eating enough ‘good’ whole, plant-based foods, and we are eating too many of the ‘bad’ hyper-processed foods.”
Dr. Li believes vegetables are the cornerstone of a healthy diet. They provide a wealth of nutrients that help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support long-term health. He says: “The diverse array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in vegetables is essential for maintaining a robust immune system and combating inflammation.”
He continues: “Eating a variety of colorful vegetables ensures that you receive a broad spectrum of phytonutrients that help protect your body from cellular damage and disease.”
In addition to the array of nutrients they provide, vegetables are also low in calories which minimizes weight gain. Their high fibre content also helps to improve gut health and digestion.
Dr. William Li’s Approved Food List
Dr. William Li believes that eating healthy, nutrient-rich foods can improve your health, repair your DNA, help to beat illness and disease, and help you to live better for longer. Here is a list of foods that he has recommended in his books, talks and interviews to improve your health:
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Mackerel
- Tuna
- Crab
- Mussels
- Cod
- Oysters
- Shrimp
- Chicken Thighs
- Eggs
- Mushrooms
- Quinoa
- Brown Rice
- Oats
- Kiwi Fruits
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Peaches
- Pears
- Plums
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Apples
- Mango
- Pineapple
- San Marzano Tomatoes
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Avocado
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Asparagus
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Spinach
- Collard Greens
- Mustard Greens
- Green Beans
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Dark Chocolate (in moderation)
- Green Tea
- Chamomile Tea
- Coffee
Dr. William Li believes you should take a long-term approach to your diet. Start to remove unhealthy, processed foods and replace them with seafood, fruits, vegetables, nuts and healthy grains. He believes there is no one superfood that can magically improve your health – the key is to incorporate as many nutrient-rich foods into your diet as possible to help you to live healthier for longer.
He concludes: “These basic tenets are the groundwork and must be a baseline for food as medicine. There are no superfoods… or super drugs for that matter. Without a healthy diet, we are stuck with temporary solutions to symptoms rather than long-lasting treatments for the underlying disease.”
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1 comment
I am really impressed with Dr. William Li knowledge, his research and all
his information about food and diet.I definitely can benefit from his valuable and vast knowledge. He does a great service to healthy or sick people. Really appreciate him. Thanks so very much.