Are some foods better for your wellbeing than others? Can certain foods have beneficial effects on specific organs? The research says Yes.
Nature provides a pharmacy full of foods that support human health and physical wellbeing. Guess which ones they are?
The Doctrine of Signatures has been known about for some time. It has been talked of since the 16th & 17th century, where foods and herbs were looked upon and used for the very organs they support. Whilst the authenticity of this has been debated for many years, there is now scientific data to back up the beneficial effects of certain foods on the human body.
BLUEBERRIES
- Tenuously resemble an eye in shape.
- They contain anthocyanins, which gives them their colour. This can help support the retina of the eye. According to the Journal of Neuroimmunology they can also protect the eye from UV light exposure
Reduce risk of cataracts/macular degeneration
AVOCADO
Revered by the Aztecs as it resembles the shape of the womb.
They have a plethora of health benefits:
- Vitamin K, good for circulation.
- Help support the mitochondria, the energy centres of the cells to function optimally and generally help longevity.
- Contain vitamin E which supports reproductive health.
- Improve fertility, support healthy pregnant and support milk production of milk.
- They are also supportive for cardiovascular health as they can lower the risk of VLDL( very low-density lipoprotein ) the harmful cholesterol that can clog up are arteries. They have high levels of lutein, that prevent build-up of plaque.
WALNUTS
Have the perfect signature of the Head.
- Walnuts contain ALA a plant-based form of omega 3 oils. These oils are good for the brain and help with reducing inflammation.
- When eating nuts, always soak them first, as they contain enzyme inhibitors on the skins which can make them difficult to digest.
CARROTS
When sliced open the Carrot slices resemble a pupil, iris and vein-like lines, just like the eye. So, you guessed it, the old wives tale is correct.
- They contain beta carotene, a carotenoid that is show to help support the eye. They can also help to reduce macular degeneration as you get older. Eating carrots of all colours will provide an even greater number of carotenoids.
- They have good fibre levels and are a low-calorie snack. They have been shown to help reduce breast cancer in people who have high carotenoid levels in their blood. Also, research shows they can help reduce cholesterol, so are good for the heart. By the way, if you eat too much your skin can turn an orange hue!
When cooked lightly the beta carotene is more available. So, with the weather turning cooler, try cooked carrots for added benefit.
GRAPEFRUIT
Grapefruit contains substances called limonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in lab animals and in human breast cells.
BEETROOT
Red in colour, so as you might have guessed they are good for the blood. Through a chain reaction, your body changes the nitrates they contain into nitric oxide, which helps with blood flow and blood pressure.
Beet juice may boost stamina, improve blood flow, and help lower blood pressure, some research shows.
(I used before doing a half marathon and it helped!!)
KIDNEY BEANS
The kidneys amongst other things, filter at least 200 litres of blood each day and help to manage your blood pressure. There are also strong links with good kidney health & optimum brain health.
- Kidney beans, as are many beans, are loaded with soluble fibre, magnesium and potassium which help to regulate blood pressure and improving overall heart health.
- They help build blood and have a positive effect on relaxing blood vessels after eating.
- Contain iron and vitamin K also good for blood.
SWEET POTATO
Smaller versions are thought to resemble the pancreas. It contains the antioxidant beta-carotene ( hence the colour) and so can help balance blood sugars and regulate the organ.
CELERY/BOK CHOY
This one is a bit more tenuous a link in structure to the human skeleton. Celery and Bok choy have a similar sodium content. Sodium can be extracted from the bone if levels in the body fluctuate. This can result in the loss of important minerals such as calcium in the bone structure.
Bok choy is rich in essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin K, phosphorus and calcium which help support bone structure.
GREENS
At the heart of the Chlorophyll molecule is magnesium. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight energy via photosynthesis and stores it as carbohydrates. We then breakdown the carbohydrates to release the stored energy.
Chlorophyll is molecularly similar to haemoglobin which transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. So, the sunlight really does give us life.
Whilst I agree that some of the associations may seem a little tenuous in regard to their physical shape, nevertheless, those foods can support the relevant organs.
In the current climate, never has it been more important to eat in harmony with nature for our optimum wellbeing. So, adding in a few vegetables of all descriptions can only be of benefit.
If you would like some 1-2-1 help in supporting you to change your diet and lifestyle, I offer a 15 min FREE consultation to see how I can best support you. Contact me here