Although there isn’t any scientific proof that foods and their health benefits correspond directly to the body parts that they look like, we sure love pointing out how much a walnut looks like a brain. Like a child with a keen eye for “I Spy,” here’s a list of nourishing foods that will have you singing a different tune—or at least substituting different lyrics—to “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.”
AN ORGAN-IC PUZZLE
Have you ever seen one of those Web articles devoted to images appearing in someone’s burnt toast? We’re betting you have. But could these odd sightings prove to be actually, er, insightful? We’re certainly not saying seeing Leonardo DiCaprio’s face on a cinnamon bun will mean you’ll be “flying” with Jack Dawson in the near future. However, we are suggesting that you stop for a moment as you go grocery shopping in the produce section and look at the foods with childlike wonder. Perhaps 16th century Italian painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo was onto something when he painted his famous portraits of human faces made up of fruits and vegetables.
BY AMANDA FURRER
DAY IF THEY STOPPED TO LOOK AND LET THEIR IMAGINATION WANDER. JUST TAKE THE FOODS WE EAT EVERY DAY FOR EXAMPLE. The pulp of citrus fruits resembles the anatomy of anatomical lobules and ducts within a breast. Quite an astonishing coincidence as the glucarates in citrus fruits are compounds that can help prevent breast cancer. Phytonutrients called limonoids are also found in grapefruit and hinder tumor formation.
Grapefruit, Orange
BREASTS:
You can call us out on having the imagination of a teenager, but there is a direct relationship between avocados and female reproductive health. Avocados contain folic acid, which may reduce the chances of birth defects in fetuses, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Avocados also have anti-cancer benefits and have been found to help prevent cancer in the mouth, skin and the prostate gland, the former proving this miracle food is great for both sexes.
UTERUS: Avocado
The belief that cranberries protect against urinary tract infections is not an old wives’ tale. The proanthocyanidin content in cranberries has been found to inhibit harmful bacterial growth on urinary tract linings. Although cranberry juice is the form of choice when countering UTIs, the flesh of the cranberry contains the bulk of the phytonutrients, so eat these berries whole so you don’t miss out on all the benefits!
BLADDER: Cranberry
Who would have guessed anything called sweet could be good for the pancreas? The pancreatic-looking root vegetable actually improves blood sugar regulation. What’s more, this blood sugar benefit extends to type 2 diabetes sufferers.
PANCREAS: Sweet Potato
The gnarly ginger root bears a resemblance to our stomach, which oddly parallels with the many gastrointestinal benefits ginger is known for. Ginger reduces dizziness and nausea when ingested by motion sickness sufferers. The root may also relieve nausea and vomiting when eaten by pregnant women.
STOMACH: Ginger
Slice a tomato in half and you’ll see it has several compartments, much like a heart and its four chambers. This antioxidant-rich food is known for the nutrient lycopene, which helps lower the risk of cell damage and atherosclerosis. Tomatoes help decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well.
HEART: Tomato Note: This article and its content was inspired by Woman’s Day’s “Foods That Look Like Body Parts They’re Good For,” by Amanda Greene. Sources: whfoods.org, cdc.gov
MAY 2014
| healthylivingmagazines.com
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