Regenerate Stem Cells, Burn Fat, and Heal the Body

🎯 Pop Quiz

1. Coffee (00:27)

Coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up—it’s packed with health benefits. First, chlorogenic acid in coffee slows down cellular aging by protecting your telomeres, the tiny caps on your DNA that naturally shrink as you age. Coffee also shields your stem cells, keeping them strong and active so they can repair your body from the inside out. Coffee also activates brown fat, which burns harmful white fat through a process called thermogenesis. Studies even show drinking 4 cups a day can help you lose up to 8 pounds of body fat over 6 months. On top of that, coffee fights inflammation and improves gut health by supporting the good bacteria in your microbiome.

➡️ Pro tip: Go organic and skip the cream—dairy traps chlorogenic acid, limiting its benefits.

2. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (08:54)

Extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet for good reason. It’s rich in polyphenols like hydroxytyrosol and oleocanthal, which lower inflammation and improve blood circulation. These compounds also protect your blood vessels, helping to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Extra virgin olive oil even activates brown fat, boosting your metabolism and burning away harmful visceral fat.

➡️ Pro tip: The best extra virgin olive oils come from specific olives—look for “monovarietals”. Specially, choosing Spanish (Picual), Greek (Koroneiki), or Italian (Moraiolo) varieties maximize polyphenols. Use extra virgin olive oil regularly in cooking, dressings, or for dipping.

3. Dark Chocolate (18:22)

Dark chocolate is packed with bioactives that help your body heal. The polyphenols in cacao, particularly proanthocyanidins, call your stem cells into action, helping to repair blood vessels and keep them resilient. For the best benefits, stick to chocolate with at least 80% cacao, but watch out for heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Consumer studies have tested and identified safer options, like Mast Organic 80% and Ghirardelli Intense Dark 86%. If you’re looking to indulge, nibble on a square of dark chocolate with a cup of coffee—hot coffee melts the chocolate perfectly without spiking your glucose. A little goes a long way in supporting your stem cells and overall health.

Watch the video for more of my recommendations and research on each of these foods:

Love your food to love your health,
— Dr. William Li

World-renowned physician, scientist, and author of New York Times Best Sellers: Eat To Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself and Eat to Beat Your Diet: Burn Fat, Heal Your Metabolism, and Live Longer