10 Foods That Look Like The Body Parts They're Good For
Learn how you can stay healthy by noshing on these anatomically-shaped eats
Slice a carrot in half crosswise and it's easy to see that the veggie resembles an eye—look closely and you'll even notice a pattern of radiating lines that mimic the pupil and iris. And the old wives' tale is true: Munching on carrots will actually promote healthy eyes. "Carrots are filled with vitamins and antioxidants, like beta-carotene, that decrease the chance of macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in older people," says Sasson Moulavi, MD, medical director of Smart for Life Weight Management Centers in Boca Raton, Florida.
The folds and wrinkles of a walnut bring to mind another human organ: the brain. The shape of the nut even approximates the body part, looking like it has left and right hemispheres. And it's no surprise walnuts are nicknamed "brain food"—according to Lisa Avellino, dietitian for Focus28 Diet, "they have a very high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which help support brain function."
Long, lean stalks of celery look just like bones—and they're good for them, too. "Celery is a great source of silicon, which is part of the molecular structure that gives bones their strength," says Dr. Moulavi. Another funny bone coincidence: "Bones are 23 percent sodium, and so is celery," reports Avellino.
The similarity between round citrus fruits––like lemons and grapefruit––and breasts may be more than coincidental. "Grapefruit contains substances called limonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in lab animals and in human breast cells," says Dr. Moulavi.
The lightbulb shape of an avocado looks like a uterus, and it supports reproductive health as well. "Avocados are a good source of folic acid," says Elizabeth Somer, registered dietician and author of Eat Your Way to Happiness. "Folate has been found to reduce the risk for cervical dysplasia, which is a precancerous condition."
Studies have offered evidence that clams, which bear a resemblance to testicles, are actually good for the male sex organs. "Research from the Netherlands has suggested that supplementing your diet with folic acid and zinc—both of which clams are high in––can have a significant effect on improving semen quality in men," says Dr. Moulavi.
Slice open a tomato and you'll notice the red veggie has multiple chambers that resemble the structure of a heart. "Studies have found that because of the lycopene in tomatoes, there is a reduced risk for heart disease in men and women who eat them," says Somer. And, she adds, if you mix them with a little fat, like olive oil or avocado, it will boost your body's lycopene absorption nearly tenfold.
Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidant polyphenols, which can reverse atherosclerosis as well as vascular inflammation, and thereby lower blood pressure. But it has other anti-inflammatory effects, and most of the effects can occur quickly, after drinking as little as 5 ounces a day for only two weeks.
Anyone who's ever reached for a glass of ginger ale when they've had a stomachache knows about the antinausea effects of ginger. So it's fitting that the herb somewhat resembles the digestive organ. According to Dr. Moulavi, "gingerol, which is the ingredient responsible for ginger's pungent scent and taste, is listed in the USDA database of phytochemicals as having the ability to prevent nausea and vomiting."
The oblong sweet potato bears a strong resemblance to the pancreas, and also promotes healthy function in the organ. "Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which is a potent antioxidant that protects all tissues of the body, including the pancreas, from damage associated with cancer or aging," says Somer.
Chakras are spinning “wheels of light” or energy centers in the body that start at the root chakra at the base of the spine and travel up to the crown chakra at the top of your head, stopping at five other points along the way.
When your chakras are open and operating at their fullest, they draw fresh energy in from the unified field that replenishes and nourishes your personal energy field and keeps you healthy.
Their function is to vitalize the physical body and to bring about the development of our self-consciousness. They are associated with our physical, mental, and emotional interactions.
The 7 chakras of the human body govern the circulation of energy and the related physical as well as mental wellness within the entire system. You need to consume different kinds of food groups to feed your specific chakras. This can help in the restoration of the original functions of these chakras and in turn cure any associated ailments.
If the chakras are not balanced, or if the energies are blocked, the basic life force will be slowed down. The individual may feel listless, tired, out of sorts, or depressed. Not only will physical bodily functions be affected so diseases may manifest, but the thought processes and the mind may also be affected. A negative attitude, fear, doubt, etc. may preoccupy the individual.A constant balance between the chakras promotes health and a sense of well being.
Detoxification: Time to Rejuvenate
Apart from the puzzling metaphysical and unique underlying qualities, the human body is a remarkable self-regulating machine. From actions to metabolism, thoughts to feeling, all spring from the summation of dynamic biochemistry that functions within an intricately woven genetic context. [1]
Indeed! We are sculpted gloriously…
However, to thrive flawlessly, human organisms are bound to abstain from harmful influences that hinder the delivery of raw materials needed for proper biological functioning. The invasion of toxins is liable to disrupt the physiological processes of the body and can cause harm (disease). [2]
You must know that it’s time to detox when lethargy, indigestion, dull skin, menstrual irregularities, muscular aches, and other exhaustive symptoms strike sparks off each other. By detoxing, you cleanse your body and provide it with the much-needed rest treatment to experience better functioning. Surprisingly, some cultures have reputed ‘Detoxification’ as a compulsion. In homeopathy, Ayurvedic, Unani, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) system, detoxification is celebrated zealously. [3]
Radiofrequency pollution in the air
Radiofrequency is non-ionizing radiation. If it penetrates a little more than our usual body’s taste then it’s liable to produce heat that can burn and damage body tissues. [41]
There is no way we can shut ourselves from these horrendous radiations as they keep swishing here and there. But we can perform some economical rituals to reduce the EMF burden.
Ways to cleanse the absorbed RF
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Epsom salt bath
A cup Epsom salt, half a cup of baking soda, a few drops of lavender, frankincense, and juniper berry essential oils in the bathtub make a perfect recipe to detox the toxic stress and due to RF radiations. Submerge yourself for half an hour once a week for best results.
2. Spice up the games
The cure is in your kitchen cupboards. Help yourself and open the cupboards to bring out the spices rich in phenolic compounds, including turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, rosemary, and cloves. They stimulate a protective mechanism by repairing the damage done by peroxynitrites. [Peroxynitrites are cytotoxic chemicals that come to life by fusion of superoxides and nitric oxide, under the influence of EMF exposure.] [43
3. Take Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium is a well-known calcium channel blocker and has been found to curtail the effect of EMF on Voltage-gated calcium channels, hence decreasing the damage brought by the EMF.
4. Sea salt bath
In bathtub filled with bearable hot water, dissolve one pound of sea salt and baking soda. Submerge yourself for twenty to fifty minutes for best results. After the completion of detox, it is recommended to take a quick shower to wash off the residual pollutants.
5. Miso
Extensively fermented miso (derived from natural soybeans, rice, or barley) helps in repairing the damage brought about by the environmental EMF exposure. the mechanism of action of miso is not well known but a preclinical trial has given promising results.
6. Marma therapy
Here comes the Ayurvedic approach to limit RF pollution and treat problems associated with it. It includes the application of medicated oil to the marmas, using the herbs, and removal of RF from the environment.
The marma points include:
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Crown of the skull
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Where neck joins the head (both left and right sides)
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Centre point of the eyebrows
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Sternal notch
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Centre of the palms
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Soles of the feet
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Topmost points of the shoulders
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Lower spine
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Elbows
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Thighs (both front and back)
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Knees (both front and back)
The herbs that are advised by Ayurveda to be slipped into your daily routine include:
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Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
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Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
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Indian pennywort (Bacopa monniera)
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Mimosa pudica
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Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)
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Sandalwood (Satalum album)
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Rose (Rosa species)
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Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
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Ashoka (Sarca indica)
7. Tea to counter RF effects (EMF effects)
Another life-saving recipe hails from India, recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners to counter the effect of RF.
Ingredients:
Coriander seeds, ½ teaspoon
Organic rose petals, ¼ teaspoon
Bacopa monieri, 1 pinch
Purified water, 1 quart
Recipe
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Boil the water and incorporate all the spices.
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Cover the saucepan and allow the mixture to soak.
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Wait until the mixture reaches room temperature.
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Sip the drink slowly throughout the day.
Cleansing the body organs
To start you can follow the Qigong Healing Sound vibration for your main body organs
Detoxication The Vital Organs
The word ‘Detoxification’ rings a tempting bell, but thanks to the stars our bodies are capable of ‘detoxifying’ themselves on their own.
A myriad of regimens, diets, and therapies are prescribed to enhance the elimination of toxins: detoxification. It could be an exclusive process or a combination to achieve better results. These programs are now being commercialized and offered with naturopathic treatment or at certain healthcare settings [5].
A variety of options to detox and cleanse the body organs from the bad diet that can be approached include [4, 5]:
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Fasting
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Eating herbs, drinking mineral broths and herbal teas
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Enjoying sauna
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Get quality sleep
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Staying hydrated
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Exercise
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Avoid alcohol
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Taking supplements and cutting off fats, sugar, and bad diet
Fasting
Fasting is proven as the best possible way of detoxifying the body. What we recommend is the 16/8 Intermittent Fasting. It involves eating only during an eight-hour window during the day and fasting for the remaining 16 hours. This fasting may support weight loss, improve blood sugar, boost brain function and increase longevity.
To begin 16/8 intermittent fasting, choose an eight-hour window and limit your food intake to that time span. Be sure to eat a balanced, healthy diet during your eating period.
Many people prefer to eat between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., which allows plenty of time for a healthy breakfast around 9 a.m., a normal lunch around noon and a light early dinner or snack around 4 p.m. before starting your fast.
However, you can experiment and pick the time frame that best fits your schedule.
Additionally, to maximize the potential health benefits of your diet, it’s important to stick to nutritious whole foods and beverages during your eating periods. (Click here for some suggestions)
Filling up on nutrient-rich foods can help round out your diet and allow you to reap the rewards that this regimen has to offer.
Try balancing each meal with a good variety of healthy whole foods, such as:
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Fruits: Apples, bananas, berries, oranges, peaches, pears, etc.
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Veggies: Broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, leafy greens, tomatoes, etc.
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Whole grains: Quinoa, rice, oats, barley, buckwheat, etc.
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Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocados and coconut oil
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Sources of protein: Meat, poultry, fish, legumes, eggs, nuts, seeds, etc.
Drinking calorie-free beverages like water and unsweetened tea and coffee, even while fasting, can also help control your appetite while keeping you hydrated.
On the other hand, binging or overdoing it on junk food can negate the positive effects associated with 16/8 intermittent fasting and may end up doing more harm than good to your health.
Herbs and Mineral broths
With the green wave taking the charge of the world, people are turning to herbs as they vamp up the body’s natural ability to detoxify. Herbal teas, mineral broths, plenty of water can bring wonders to your body. The highly reputed herbs in the game of detoxification are [8]:
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Turmeric
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Cilantro
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Milk Thistle
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Dandelion
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Red clover
Enjoying Saunas
Sauna is a true blessing in disguise. A good load of different saunas is available and due to this wide variety, some resources claim it to be not much potent. But niacin-sauna and far-infrared energy-mediated saunas are quite helpful in detoxification of pesticides, addictive drugs, cholesterol, heavy metals, sulphuric acid, sodium, uric acid, fluoride, chloride, and petroleum-based toxins [9].
Get Quality Sleep
Sleep is the process of detoxification and neuronal restitution at the cellular and behavioral level, respectively. A good night’s sleep is also associated with reduced cortisol level, weight loss, and upgraded health. The brain gets recharged and all set to remove toxins and their byproducts that are accumulated in the tissues. [4, 10]
Stay Hydrated
Drink lukewarm water as soon as you wake up to awaken your organs. Continuing to drink water, probably 8-12 glasses, is considered to be potent for burning off the excess fat that can be harmful to heart health. Drinking an adequate amount of water accounts for increased lipolysis, less LDL (bad cholesterol), fewer triglycerides, and increased HDL (good cholesterol). [12, 13]
Drinking water not only detoxifies but also lessens the chances of contracting cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis, hypertension, and plaque. [11]
Exercise
Exercise is one of the best natural detox methods as it works up the lung and helps sweat to let out toxins. Sweating through the exercise facilitates detoxification. Also, it helps improve circulation and pumps the WBCs to cleanse the vital organs [14].
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol is a toxic substance and our body quickly switches to mechanisms that metabolize it, leaving other calories astray that have nowhere else to go but get stored. This way, the person does not burn the calories in the food and end up earning them. The mantra of alcohol withdrawal and detox goes hand in hand. Surely, you might experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms but even a month without alcohol can provide you with visible results. [4]
Supplements and cutting off fats and sugar
Supplementation is a dire need of the hour. Our bodies do not attain the vital minerals and nutrients from the regular diet. The best detox vitamins and minerals in town are vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, omega 3, calcium, and protein. [4]
Moreover, it is suggested time and again to cut down fats and sugars by sparingly taking deep-fried food, sweet beverages, chips, candies, and processed food (sausages or bologna). [4]