10 Foods and What Body Part They’re Good For (Infographic)

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Have you ever picked up a piece of food and had a giggle about how it looks a lot like a certain body part. Many people believe that if you consume the food that resembles a certain organ or body part, it will support the health of that organ, and surprisingly there is some truth to this belief.

Beyond an old wive’s tale, here is a fact-based list of 10 foods that look just like the body part that they are good for.

1. Carrots are good for your eyes

How: The old adage that carrots are good for your eyes wasn’t just something adults would say to make kids eat their vegetables. Research shows that women may reduce their risk of glaucoma by 64 percent by consuming more than two servings per week of carrots. Rich in beta-carotene, carrots may assist with restoring vision. Carrots are also a rich source of lutein, and research suggests that increased lutein consumption has a close link to the reduction of cataract.

2. Walnuts are good for your brain

How: These tasty little treats contain a number of neuroprotective compounds, including vitamin E, folate, melatonin, omega-3 fats, and antioxidants - all the ingredients that help support brain health. Research shows that consuming high-antioxidant foods like walnuts can assist with decreasing the enhanced vulnerability to oxidative stress that occurs in aging, increasing healthspan and enhance cognitive and motor function in old age.

3. Ginger is good for the stomach

How: Ginger is a must have when adding flavor to your favorite Asian meal but it also has amazing benefits for your stomach. We all know that when you have an upset stomach that the best medicine is a glass of ginger ale. Ginger is known for its natural remedy when struggling with motion sickness or nausea (morning sickness, chemotherapy, etc). This incredible vegetable should be a staple in everyone’s diet. Not only does ginger help soothe nausea but it also is a savior when it comes to indigestion, helping to relieve the pain associated with indigestion.

4. Figs are good for the testis

How: Figs are a rich source of fiber and vitamins as well as calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, vitamin B-6, and fiber. Packed with a heap of health benefits, figs can also help in improving male (and female) fertility by increasing sperm count and motility.

5. Tomatoes are good for the heart

How: Have you ever wondered what makes tomatoes red? Well, you can thank a useful nutrient that goes by the name of Lycopene. Lycopene’s antioxidant activity has been suggested to be more powerful than any other carotenoids and research has revealed that it may significantly reduce the risk of strokes.

6. Kidney beans are good for the kidneys

How: Not only does this bean look exactly like a kidney, the benefits that these little miracle beans have is incredible. Packed with many of the nutritional qualities that promote kidney health, kidney beans contain soluble and insoluble fiber and are low in fat, therefore, enhancing cardiovascular health and assisting with stabilizing your blood sugar. Kidney beans are also a great source of magnesium and potassium. Research has found that deficiencies in magnesium and potassium can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Low in sodium, sugar, and cholesterol, kidney beans are also an excellent source of low-fat protein.

7. Citrus is good for the breasts

How: Research has found that citrus fruits have been linked to reducing the risk of cancers such as breast cancer. Citrus fruits are high in sources of β-cryptoxanthin (carotenoid), β-carotene, folate, vitamin C, and Quercetin. These sources have been heavily linked to reducing the risk of many cancers, especially breast cancer.

8. Grapes are good for the lungs

How: Not only do grapes make delicious wine, they pack more benefits than celebrating the end of the week. Packed with flavonoids that give berries their red, blue, and purple color, flavonoids, mainly anthocyanins, are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Research has shown that anthocyanins reduce the production of mucus and inflammatory secretions, therefore helping you keep your lungs clear.

9. Sweet potatoes are good for the pancreas

How: The shape and color of the root vegetable looks exactly like its body part twin, and it also packs a punch of health benefits for the pancreas. Sweet potato is linked to boosting pancreatic function as well as lowering the risk of pancreatic cancer by a reported 50%. It has also been linked to lowering blood sugar levels by slowly releasing sugar gradually into the bloodstream.

10. Avocados are good for the uterus

How: Ordering that $12 avocado on toast can now be justified - you’re doing it for your health, right?! This tasty toast topper is rich in healthy fats, vitamin B-6, and potassium. As a uterus boosting fruit, it can enhance lubrication and estrogen levels, assisting with strengthening the vaginal walls and has even been linked to the increase of IVF success. 

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