One of the most beautiful examples of the brilliance of God's creations can be found in nature. More specifically, the food we consume, which comes from nature, is, in many ways, God's blessings to humanity. Fruits and vegetables are universally known for the ways they benefit human health. And a diet rich in a variety of fruits and green, leafy vegetables is essential for the body to derive several nutrients that it needs for functioning optimally.
Sure, there is a wide variety of vegetables and fruits to choose from, and you could potentially include as many as possible for a diverse diet. But if you look a little closer, things get even more exciting. There are many foods in nature that appear to resemble the organs or body parts that they are beneficial for. It seems like God's way of telling us to consume these fruits and vegetables for their multiple health benefits to specific body parts. Read on to learn about ten foods that resemble the organs that they are good for.
1. Walnut = Brain
One of the most apparent resemblances between food and the human body can be seen in walnuts. The shape of a walnut, along with its many folds and wrinkles, looks uncannily similar to the human brain. And it's also the most important nut for brain health. Walnuts possess a significantly high concentration of DHA - an omega-3 fatty acid. This fatty acid is extremely helpful in protecting brain health and improving cognitive performance in newborns and adults, respectively.
2. Celery = Bones
You may have noticed that the stalks of a bunch of celery closely resemble our bones. But this is one food that has more in common with an organ than just appearance. The composition of celery contains 23% sodium, and so do our bones. Similarities aside, celery is particularly beneficial for bone health. The high calcium and manganese content in celery seeds help increase bone mineral density and bone structure for stronger, healthier bones.
3. Sweet Potato = Pancreas
Next on our list is a humble and unassuming vegetable found in most pantries - the sweet potato. It looks eerily similar to the pancreas, and for a good reason. It helps pancreatic health in various ways and is also a healthy food option in general. Our pancreas is responsible for breaking down food from the stomach and producing insulin to help balance the glucose and sugar levels in the body. Sweet potato is beneficial for diabetic people in particular, as it can adjust their glycemic index, and aid in pancreatic function.
4. Ginger = Stomach
This humble root closely resembles our main digestive organ - the stomach - and is known to aid in digestion, as it possesses several therapeutic properties. Ginger helps treat different stomach ailments, including morning sickness, motion sickness, colic, gas, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and more. It also helps slow down the growth of bowel tumors, helps cope with stomach cramps, gas, and strengthens the mucus layer of the stomach.
5. Red Wine = Blood
A tumbler of red wine can easily pass off as blood when you're trying to take your Halloween decorations to the next level. However, aside from looking like blood, red wine being rich in antioxidants and polyphenols has a host of benefits. It has blood-thinning properties that can help prevent blood clots. In the long run, this may protect against strokes and heart attacks. Just remember not to go overboard, moderation is key.
6. Carrot = Eyes
Yes, carrots look nothing like our eyes at first glance, they shouldn't be on this list. But if you slice one and take a closer look, the resemblance becomes more evident. A slice of a carrot looks much like the human eye, especially the patterns of lines radiating outwards, which resemble the iris and pupil. The orange color in this vegetable comes from beta-carotene, a plant chemical that promotes good eye health and protects vision. Our bodies turn beta-carotene to vitamin A which keeps our eyesight healthy and prevents the risk of cataracts.
7. Tomato = Heart
Just like the heart, a tomato is also red, but the similarity doesn't end there. The structure of a tomato, with four chambers inside, also resembles the heart. As for the benefits, tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant that reduces the risk of heart disease. It also protects the cellular structures from free radical damage, which may lead to cancer. It also moderately helps treat high blood pressure and hypertension, keeping your heart strong and healthy.
8. Avocado = Uterus
If you look carefully, the shape of an avocado is similar to the female uterus. And better yet, this fruit is highly beneficial for womb health. Here's how. Avocados are rich in folic acid, which assists in lowering the risk of cervical dysplasia and preventing congenital disabilities. Doctors recommend folic acid during pregnancy and for women trying to get pregnant. Regular consumption of avocado can also help balance birth hormones and aid in the shedding of excess post-pregnancy weight in women.
9. Grapes = Lungs
A bunch of grapes and the alveoli in the lungs look alike. And for a good reason. Grapes are synonymous with good respiratory health. The seeds in grapes contain a chemical called proanthocyanidin, which offers relief from asthma triggered by allergies. Research shows that including grapes (especially red and purple grapes and berries) in your regular diet may help reduce the risk of emphysema and lung cancer. The antioxidant properties of grapes also protect the lungs against damage and keep them functioning correctly.
10. Onions = Body Cells
If you hate chopping onions because they make you cry, here's some information to cheer you up. Onions offer multiple nutritional benefits that are well worth the tears. Onions resemble the cells in our body and provide benefits at the cellular level as well. They can help clear waste material from the body cells, while the tears caused by chopping onions help wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.
That was our round-up of 10 foods that resemble the body parts that they are good for. Looking at these small miracles in nature can restore one's faith in a higher power that seems to be looking out for us in several unnoticed ways. These fruits and vegetables are just one of the so many things we have on earth that we can, and should, be grateful for. Next time you're out grocery shopping, maybe you can use this perspective to have a more immersive and enjoyable experience. Try and see if you can discover more foods that have clues about their benefits hidden in their appearances.