45 pages 1 hour read

William W. Li

Eat to Beat Disease

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019

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Part 3-Epilogue

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 3: “Plan, Choose, and Act: Putting Food to Work”

Part 3, Chapter 11 Summary: “The 5 x 5 x 5 Framework: Eating to Beat Disease”

Li introduces the “5 x 5 x 5 Framework,” a flexible and personalized eating strategy he has come up with that aims to boost the body’s five key health defense systems: angiogenesis, regeneration, microbiome, DNA protection, and immunity. This framework is not a rigid diet plan but a sustainable, adaptable approach that integrates five health-promoting foods into five daily eating occasions. Li emphasizes that the plan is compatible with various dietary preferences and restrictions, such as Paleo, gluten-free, or plant-based diets, making it accessible to anyone.

The core of the 5 x 5 x 5 Framework is choosing at least five foods daily, each of which supports one or more of the five health defense systems. These foods can be spread across meals and snacks or consumed in any combination that suits the individual’s schedule. The flexibility of the plan ensures it can be maintained in various environments and circumstances, from home-cooked meals to restaurant dining and travel situations.

Li’s framework is built on principles of abundance and choice rather than restriction. It encourages people to incorporate their favorite healthy foods rather than eliminating items from their diet. By making small, consistent choices to prioritize health-promoting foods, individuals can build long-term habits that defend against disease and improve overall well-being.