I’m one of those lucky people who gets an advance reader copy of many new books. I get to read and review them before they are even published! For a reading addict, it doesn’t get better than that.
Last week I received a copy of Dr. Mao’s latest book: Dr. Mao’s Secrets of Longevity Cookbook: Eating for Health, Happiness, and Long Life. The cookbook is the latest in his “Longevity” franchise which include: The Secrets of Longevity, The Secrets of Longevity Eight Week Program and the The Secrets of Longevity Eight Week Diary.
Many of Dr. Mao ideas, recommendations and thoughts about nutrition and cooking come directly from his extensive study of Chinese
centenarians. While he doesn’t promoted a totally whole food plant-based diet, he is a strong proponent of whole foods and recommends eating only small amounts of animal products. He states that plant-based nutrition is “paramount for achieving longevity.” He makes a the point that in the longevity capitals of the world the local diet has very little meat or processed foods and emphasizes plant-based foods.
Like all of his books, the material is presented in an easy to read, informal writing style that makes even the most complex ideas understandable. And like all of his books, the cookbook is well-organized and beautifully illustrated.
This books contains fifteen sections. The first ones lay out his research, philosophy and cooking methods and the rest of the book is dedicated to recipes: Beverages, Breakfasts, Soups, Salads, Small Dishes, Snacks and Desserts. The recipes are an eclectic mix of Eastern and Western cuisines. I particularly like the way he clarifies the benefits of each recipe at the very beginning of it. For example his Black Bean Hummus is recommended for heart health, immunity, metabolism and sexual health.
I have been a “fan” of Dr. Mao for close to thirty years. He is a 38th generation member of a healing arts family and a Tai Chi master. As a teacher and practitioner of acupuncture and traditional herb-based Chinese medicine, he effectively combines the ancient traditions of the East with Modern Science of the West.
This is a great reference work and one I highly recommend!