Eat to Beat Disease

One of the central themes in Eat to Beat Disease is the role of angiogenesis—the process by which the body forms new blood vessels—in maintaining health and preventing disease. Li devotes significant attention to how angiogenesis, when properly regulated, can help prevent diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and even obesity. Angiogenesis is one of the body’s key defense systems, crucial for repairing damaged tissues and maintaining health. When working correctly, angiogenesis ensures that blood vessels grow only when and where the body needs them. However, when this process becomes dysregulated, it can lead to serious health issues; for instance, excessive blood vessel growth can feed cancer cells and allow them to proliferate, while insufficient angiogenesis can starve tissues and contribute to heart disease.

Li reinforces the importance of proper angiogenesis regulation when he writes: “As long as the angiogenesis system operates properly, blood vessels grow in the right place at the right time—not too many, not too few, but just the right amount” (18). This metaphorical phrasing, invoking the fairytale Goldilocks and the Three Bears, highlights the delicate balance required for optimal health. He emphasizes that even small imbalances in angiogenesis can lead to significant disease risks.