We’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat,” but what if we told you that there’s a bit of truth in it? Some foods actually bear an uncanny resemblance to the specific body parts they benefit. I don’t think you’ll be too surprised when you find out what they are, either!
Carrots: A Real Eye-Opener
When you were a kid, did your parents tell you that eating more carrots would improve your eyesight? Well, here’s the thing, they weren’t kidding. Carrots are rich in beta carotene which your body uses to make a form of Vitamin A to enhance low light and color vision.
As for what part of the anatomy they resemble, well…slice that carrot in half crosswise and you’ll see a familiar pattern of radiating lines mirroring the pupil and iris of your eye!
Walnuts: Brain Booster
Walnuts do kind of look like a mini-brain, right? Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Packed with vitamin E, folate, melatonin, omega-3 fats, and antioxidants, these nuts provide great support for cognitive health. Research even suggests that incorporating high-antioxidant foods like walnuts into your diet can minimize your vulnerability to oxidative stress that accompanies aging, so that you stay looking and feeling for longer!
Tomatoes: Heartwarming Ally
The intricate chambers inside a tomato are very similar to those within the human heart. But beyond the visible connection, this fruit (yes it’s a fruit, not a vegetable!), provides a range of cardiac health benefits. Lycopene, the pigment responsible for the red coloring, acts as a powerful antioxidant and studies have shown it can even reduce the risk of strokes.
Ginger: Stomach Soother
Anyone who’s ever had a dodgy tummy knows about the soothing effects of Ginger. So it’s no surprise that its main compound – Gingerol – is listed on the USDA database for its anti-nausea and vomiting properties. This spice is a bit of a digestive superhero, and it’s shaped like the very organ it benefits too!
Mushrooms: Better Hearing
Ever noticed the resemblance between a sliced mushroom and the inside of your ears? These little fungi are a rich source of Vitamin D that’s essential for maintaining strength in your tiny ear bones. Vitamin D plays this crucial role in optimal hearing by helping with the metabolism of calcium.
Grapes: Lung Nourishment
Next time you pick up a bunch of grapes, do a quick google of the alveoli in your lungs and you’ll find a striking resemblance! But that’s not all. These juicy snacks have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the lungs that causes asthma. If you suffer from hay fever or allergic rhinitis, the mucus-clearing Resveratrol chemical in grapes can actually help to reduce your symptoms.
Sweet Potato: Pancreas Protector
Sweet potatoes are a bit of a “love it or hate it” food. But if you’re on the fence, here’s another reason to add some to your plate! Shaped just like the pancreas, the sweet potato contains nutrients that play a crucial role in preventing pancreatic damage associated with cancer or aging. It also helps to keep your glycemic balance in check, which is particularly helpful for those managing diabetes.
Bon Appétit!
It really is pretty amazing that these fruits so closely resemble the body parts they contribute to keeping healthy. Next time you’re chowing down on these foods, don’t forget to take a closer look – and if you spot any other similarities we’d love to hear about them in the comments!