The Plant Paradox summary

In the previous blink we learned that even though they can keep us full, lectins cause us serious damage. But if they are not the ideal option, why are these foods in our diet in the first place? Why did our ancestors start eating them all those years ago?

The truth is that they had little other alternative.

What do the human gut and a nuclear power plant have in common? Well, similar to a nuclear power plant, your gut holds energy-producing elements that must be contained to prevent it from damaging surrounding areas.

Your gut or intestinal tract contains trillions of different microscopic microbes. More precisely, 90 percent of our body cells are non-human, meaning that 90 percent of what we consider to be “us” is no more than a collection of non-human microbes!

So now we know about the harmful effects of consuming lectins. The next step is to learn how to regain not only your digestive but also your overall health. It’s time to take a look at the author’s six-week Plant Paradox Program.

Anyone looking to start the Plant Paradox Program should know and internalize the first and most fundamental rule: what you don’t eat is more important than what you do eat. That is to say, getting rid of harmful foods will have a more powerful outcome for your well-being than adding good ones.

Similar to how a farmer prepares the soil before he plants any crops, you must also get your gut ready before beginning the Plant Paradox Program. What’s the best way to prepare the environment within your gut?

The answer is a body cleanse.

In 1936 scientists discovered that the fruits and vegetables consumed by American citizens were lacking certain vitamins and minerals. Fast forward 81 years and things aren’t any better. Luckily, we’re able to make up for this nutritional shortage with supplements.

The fruits and vegetables we eat nowadays are losing their nutritional value. A 2003 report examining the mineral content of fruits and vegetables over the period 1940 to 1991 found that their nutrition content was decreasing steadily. One explanation for this decline in nutrients is that, since the 1950s, we’ve upped the use of strong petrochemical fertilizers and pesticides on our crops.