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I’m a heart surgeon and not a fan of meat—6 high-protein foods I eat all the time: Your ‘brain will thank you’
CNBC ^ | August 08, 2025 | Dr. Steven Gundry, Contributor

Posted on 08/13/2025 6:54:03 AM PDT by Red Badger

You don’t need to eat a big slab of meat every day to meet your protein needs. In fact, loading up on animal-based protein, especially from factory-farmed sources, can do more harm than good.

Studies show that an excessive amount of red meat can lead to increased inflammation, accelerated aging, and increased risk of chronic disease. One major culprit? A sugar molecule called “Neu5Gc,” commonly found in red meat. Your body sees it as a foreign invader, triggering an immune response that can lead to long-term inflammation.

Of course, you should always consult with your doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet. But for many people, plant-based protein can be a powerful alternative that’s packed with benefits like fiber, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory polyphenols.

Plus, research has continuously shown that non-meat protein sources can be better for your health, longevity, and brain function. Here are six high-protein foods I love and recommend all the time — your body and brain will thank you.

1. Lentils

Lentils are my top choice when it comes to legumes. They’re one of the most protein-rich legumes, with fewer calories than most. They’re also higher in resistant starch and prebiotic fiber, which feed your gut microbiome.

Pro tip: Soak or pressure-cook lentils to reduce lectins, which can impact or slow down nutrient absorption. You can add lentils to soups, stews, or homemade veggie burgers.

2. Hemp protein

Hemp seeds are one of the rare plant-based proteins that contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein.

They’re rich in omega-3s, magnesium, and gut-friendly fiber. Just be sure to choose organic, cold-pressed hemp protein with no added sugars.

Pro tip: Trader Joe’s sells organic hemp protein power, which I like adding to smoothies. You can find hemp hearts at Costco — perfect on salads or roasted vegetables.

3. Barù nuts

Native to Brazil’s Cerrado region, Barù nuts pack more protein per serving than nearly any other nut. They’re also full of antioxidants and fiber, and have a satisfying, earthy crunch.

Pro tip: You can usually find Barù nuts at grocery stores, but if you don’t, try looking online. I love snacking on a handful daily. They taste like a cross between peanuts and almonds.

4. Spirulina

This blue-green algae is one of the most protein-dense foods on the planet (by weight, it’s nearly 70% protein). It contains iron, B vitamins, and a powerful antioxidant called phycocyanin that helps support brain and immune function.

Pro tip: Try adding spirulina to your smoothies or juices. You can also substitute it with chlorella, another nutrient-rich algae, in powder or tablet form.

5. Flaxseed

Flaxseeds don’t get enough love, but they’re a fantastic source of plant protein, omega-3s, and lignans, which have hormone-balancing benefits.

When flaxseeds are in their whole form, you cannot digest their beneficial compound, so always choose ground flaxseeds.

Pro tip: I like to keep a bag of organic whole flax in the refrigerator and grind it as needed to ensure freshness (just like you’d only grind coffee beans right before brewing). Add to smoothies, sprinkle on salads, or try my cinnamon flaxseed mug in a muffin recipe for a quick, healthy breakfast.

6. Sorghum

Sick of quinoa or couscous? Sorghum is a protein-rich ancient grain with a subtly sweet, nutty flavor. One cup has 21 grams of protein (more than twice that of quinoa), and three ounces of sorghum has more iron than a serving of steak!

Even better? It’s a great source of polyphenols and one of the few lectin-free grains.

Pro tip: Use sorghum flour for gluten-free baking, or look for it in pasta form for a high-protein, plant-forward meal.

===============================================================

Dr. Steven Gundry, MD, is a former cardiac surgeon, founder of GundryMD, and author of the bestselling books ”The Gut-Brain Paradox″ and ”The Plant Paradox.” For over two decades, his research has focused on the microbiome’s role in chronic disease and longevity. He received his degrees from Yale University and the Medical College of Georgia, and completed his surgical residency at the University of Michigan. Follow him on Instagram @drstevengundry.


TOPICS: Agriculture; Food; Gardening; Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: barunuts; dietandcuisine; duckslikeaquack; eatingtastyanimals; fakediet; fakenews; flaxseed; food; grainoftruth; gundry; hempprotein; lentils; meat; neu5gc; omnivore; omnivorous; plantprotein; protein; sorghum; spirulina; stevengundry; vegan; veganazi; veganazis; vegans; vegetarian; yetwetrustrfkjr; zottheantirfktrolls
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To: Sacajaweau

Gag.


61 posted on 08/13/2025 8:08:33 AM PDT by MayflowerMadam (It's hard not to celebrate the fall of bad people. - Bongino)
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To: dfwgator

😃


62 posted on 08/13/2025 8:16:08 AM PDT by SunkenCiv (The moron troll Ted Holden believes that humans originated on Ganymede.)
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To: God luvs America

1 C oatmeal, 2 rounded Tbsp flax, 1 rounded Tbsp almond flour, 2 C water
5 min cook


63 posted on 08/13/2025 8:21:00 AM PDT by Cold Heart (Democrats protect criminals and prosecute innocents)
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To: Red Badger

If your study shows that a body sees a sugar in red meat as an enemy — your study is CaCa. Any human with that problem would have died off thousands of years ago.


64 posted on 08/13/2025 8:21:59 AM PDT by bobbo666
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To: Red Badger
I’m a heart surgeon and not a fan of meat

You're also on CNBC, which denies you any semblance of credibility.

65 posted on 08/13/2025 8:23:02 AM PDT by ROCKLOBSTER (Show me a RAT, I'll show you a felon.)
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N-Glycolylneuraminic_acid


66 posted on 08/13/2025 8:23:55 AM PDT by SunkenCiv (The moron troll Ted Holden believes that humans originated on Ganymede.)
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To: ROCKLOBSTER

C - Crap
N - No
B - Body
C - Cares about.................


67 posted on 08/13/2025 8:25:07 AM PDT by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegals are put up in 5 Star hotels....................)
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To: blackdog

68 posted on 08/13/2025 8:32:42 AM PDT by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegals are put up in 5 Star hotels....................)
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To: Red Badger

It’s that guy from the TV!

Is he the one who hates oatmeal and blueberries?


69 posted on 08/13/2025 8:34:38 AM PDT by x
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To: x

I don’t know about him, but I do!............


70 posted on 08/13/2025 8:35:17 AM PDT by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegals are put up in 5 Star hotels....................)
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To: Red Badger

I had ribs and fried okra for dinner last night.


71 posted on 08/13/2025 8:36:24 AM PDT by DFG
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To: DFG

72 posted on 08/13/2025 8:37:11 AM PDT by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegals are put up in 5 Star hotels....................)
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To: Poser
I went on Atkins around Y2K when it was still called the Atkins diet. I lost weight and my cholesterol dropped significantly. I asked my doctor who was a cardiologist how that could happen when I was regularly devouring prime rib and a Caesar salad. His response: “We are meat eaters, after all.”

Me too, it was very logical and worked well, but I found it very restrictive and left me feeling deprived of certain foods.

Last year I went Keto and lost 40lbs in a couple of months.

It's similar to Atkins, but although you have to make a lot of foods yourself from alternate ingredients, there are thousands of recipes for almost anything.

Now the market seems to be catching on, and supermarkets now have the once taboo items on the shelves as Keto friendly.

73 posted on 08/13/2025 8:37:45 AM PDT by ROCKLOBSTER (Show me a RAT, I'll show you a felon.)
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To: Blurb2350

I read once that “iron overload” is a modern problem

- - - - - - -

I think that’s correct and supported by the evidence in scientific journals.

If someone’s blood ferritin is more than 100 ng/ml, the person will typically benefit from donating blood. If blood ferritin is less than 70 ng/ml, the person has an iron deficiency.


74 posted on 08/13/2025 8:39:57 AM PDT by TTFX
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To: Red Badger

This guy is a yahoo. He is worse that Euell Gibbons!

Sorghum we feed to cows to make them yummy.

My wife likes his tummy powder.

I dont like the multicolor psychodelic neon glasses but I did eat Grape Nuts as a kid.


75 posted on 08/13/2025 8:44:48 AM PDT by Delta 21 (None of us are descendants of fearful men!)
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To: Delta 21

I tried Grape Nuts back in the day.

Did not taste “Like wild hickory nuts...”

Tasted like eating chicken feed crumbles..................


76 posted on 08/13/2025 8:49:05 AM PDT by Red Badger (Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegals are put up in 5 Star hotels....................)
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To: dfwgator

In 1000 AD, the average life expectancy was around 30 to 40 years, largely due to high infant mortality rates and the dangers of childbirth, disease, and conflict. However, those who survived childhood often lived into their 50s or beyond.
Most of us cavemen recently unfrozen from the ice would be dead now, if not for Brawndo.
‘It’s Got What Neanderthals Crave!’


77 posted on 08/13/2025 8:49:57 AM PDT by tumblindice (America's founding fathers: all armed conservatives)
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To: Red Badger

I’m not sure he is from the TV, but I’ve seen him on so many internet ads that he’s a familiar face, more familiar than anyone on television. He’s always putting teases online:

Why You Should THINK TWICE About Eating Oatmeal!

2 Berries to AVOID and 1 To EAT for improved health

Stop Eating Ripe Bananas! Dr. Gundry explains why


78 posted on 08/13/2025 8:53:26 AM PDT by x
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To: Red Badger

“Of course, you should always consult with your doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet”

So says the industry that lies about vaccine ingredients. Over vaccinates children pumping them full of aborted baby stem cells and heavy metals. So says the industry advising us to eat the food pyramid and get diabetes by not getting adequate protein and fats while loading up on toxic grains. Grains treated with a cornucopia of fungicide insecticides and preservatives. All to satiate Archer Daniel Midland and Monsanto. Same medical profession pushing toxic statin drugs and over prescribing anti biotics while ridiculing whole food and herbal solutions that have worked for thousands of years.

So medical professionals your post Covid credibility is virtually zero. Your pretty good at some things like pace makers stitches and fixing things after they break. But trust is gone friends.


79 posted on 08/13/2025 8:56:13 AM PDT by DariusBane (Liberty and Risk. Flip sides of the same coin. So how much risk will YOU accept? Vive Deo et Vives)
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To: Red Badger

How will dims find those in their food deserts?-)


80 posted on 08/13/2025 8:57:43 AM PDT by Harpotoo (Being a socialist is a lot easier than saving to WORK of !US:-)p)
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